Just as I was mourning the fact that the caramel brulee latte seems to be sold out in all the Starbucks in my area, they go and come out with the Cinnamon Shortbread Latte. The Starbucks website describes this new drink as

Rich espresso with buttery vanilla shortbread sauce, topped with a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s shortbread made sippable.

I knew I had to try it. And spoilers, I wasn’t disappointed.

The CSL, as it’s being called, is really sweet. In my first sip I definitely smelled the cinnamon and nutmeg topping on the drink. Spicy and nutty, I felt like the topping actually added something to what otherwise would have been just a really sweet drink. And the brown butter shortbread sauce is something really special. It’s rich and sweet and a perfect complement to espresso.

If you’re going to personalize this drink, the cold version and Frappuccinos should pair well with non-dairy alternatives. And if it’s too sweet for you, one less pump of the brown butter shortbread sauce should do the trick.

Without a doubt I’m going to get this drink again. And probably quite a few more times until this seasonal drink finally goes away. Here’s to hoping that it gets added to the permanent menu!