In case you all have been too busy with midterms to notice, it’s October, and you know what October means? Pumpkins. Lots and lots of pumpkins. If you like pumpkin-flavored things, then this is the article for you. Here are a few suggestions I have for the seasonal pumpkin food and drink spots in San Antonio.
Starbucks Coffee
5321 Broadway St.
Many of you might already know of Starbucks’ famous Pumpkin Spice Latte. This espresso, blended with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, contains a delicious mix of spicy and sweet fall flavors. This drink is so popular, that there have been several instances where the supplies have run out due to high demand. At one point, jugs of Starbucks’ pumpkin spice syrup were being sold on eBay for $40-$50 each. Don’t worry, the shortage is over now, so your coffee will be the normal exorbitant Starbucks price.
Janie’s Pie Factory
1832 Nacogdoches Rd.
210-826-8715
The pies at Janie’s Pie Factory have been rated the best in San Antonio by News 4 WOAI, and you can often see their delicious goods on Saturday morning at the Pearl Brewery Farmers Market. Recently, they’ve started making their pumpkin pies for $16 a piece. I’d recommend calling to order before heading out to the shop.
Red Mango
280 East Basse Rd. #10
Red Mango is now serving Pumpkin Spice Frozen Yogurt. Complement it with granola and fresh fruit.
Dunkin’ Donuts
9800 Airport Boulevard #174
Dunkin’ Donuts, along with their own version of pumpkin spiced coffee, now offers tasty pumpkin muffins and pumpkin donuts.
Einstein Bros Bagels
Coates University Center
Our own Einsteins’ store in Coates is getting with the fall spirit. They’ve got pumpkin muffins as well as pumpkin cream cheese spread.
Aldaco’s Mexican Restaurant
100 Hoefgen Avenue
210-222-0561
I heard about this pumpkin flavored Tres Leches cake they have at a place called Aldaco’s Mexican Restaurant. Apparently it’s fantastic, but you have to order the whole cake for $42.99. They keep making these things until the end of November, so you could order one for the family and bring it to Thanksgiving dinner.
Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka
Most liquor stores
Unfortunately, most of the pumpkin beer is out of stock already. I called Spec’s and Central Market, and they both said it flew off the shelves earlier this October and they won’t be restocking it until next fall. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get a buzz on a festive-styled, delicious, pumpkin beverage this year. Presenting: Pumpkin Pie Vodka! Available in most liquor stores, including the nearby Don’s & Ben’s, W&B and Gabriel’s liquor stores, this uber sweet delight is sure to satisfy your pumpkin craze and/or get you very drunk.
Pumpkin Martini
Original recipe
If straight-up pumpkin vodka shots aren’t your style, here’s a cool recipe for a Pumpkin Martini. Take 1 oz of heavy whipping cream, 1 oz of spiced rum, and a ½ oz of pumpkin syrup, mix it all together, shake it in your martini shaker (or use a cup and a spoon if you’re not James Bond) and then pour. Top it off with a bit of whipped cream, sprinkle a bit of nutmeg and cinnamon on top, and voila! You have a Pumpkin Martini.
