Starbucks unveils new apple crisp macchiato to join PSL for fall

It's officially time for all things fall at Starbucks with the return of its hit seasonal menu, including pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin cream cold brew and a new apple and cinnamon infused beverage that's sure to be a hit.

The fan-favorite pumpkin beverages hit menus nationwide on Tuesday for the Seattle-based coffee company's fall lineup, along with a brand new apple crisp espresso drink.

Starbucks announced it's latest addition to the festive lineup, an apple crisp macchiato that tastes like comfort to its core thanks to a sweet new syrup that draws on the nostalgic flavors of fall.

Building on the popularity of the seasonal favorites at Starbucks, the new apple crisp macchiato has layered flavors of apple and brown sugar, melding like the filling of a gooey apple pie in harmony with espresso, milk and a caramelized-spiced apple drizzle for a nostalgic autumn pick-me-up. It's available hot or iced.

The new brown sugar apple syrup tastes like sweet red apples grounded in delicate brown sugar. Both drinks have an intense apple pie spice aroma from the caramelized-spiced apple drizzle that's made with apple juice, apple puree, cinnamon and nutmeg.

The research and development team team tasted and tested a variety of apple items including apple maple syrup, apple cider donuts and lots of pies and crisps. What really stood out, the company said, was "the combination of the ultimate warm, gooey taste of an apple crisp paired with a cup of coffee and here the Apple Crisp Macchiato was born."

The PSL, handcrafted with Starbucks signature espresso, steamed milk, real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, is back for its 18th year. Plus, customers can order the beverage hot or iced and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.

The pumpkin flavor has soared in popularity for nearly two decades, with an estimated 500 million PSLs sold since 2003 in the U.S., according to Starbucks. It's inspired a cultural phenomenon around fall flavors and products.

Pumpkin cream cold brew will also return to the menu for a third year, made with Starbucks' cold brew, vanilla syrup and topped with a pumpkin cream cold foam as well as a dusting of pumpkin spice topping.

Since its debut, pumpkin cream cold brew has been one of the most popular seasonal iced beverages with more than 90 million beverages sold in the U.S., Starbucks said.

The Starbucks fall bakery items will include seasonal favorites like pumpkin cream cheese muffins and pumpkin scones, which join the pumpkin loaf which is available year-round.

Plus, the brand has introduced other seasonal products to be enjoyed at home with a variety of pumpkin spice-flavored ground, packaged and ready-to-drink products, as well as the new Starbucks pumpkin spice flavored non-dairy creamer and Starbucks pumpkin spice cold brew concentrate. Both are available online and where groceries are sold nationwide.