The PSL Has Arrived at Starbucks — and There's a Genius Way to Get One Cheaper

It's that wonderful time of year when the air begins to cool, and the scent of coffee and pumpkin spice permeates the air. That's right: Pumpkin spice lattes are back at Starbucks starting today! 

This year, Starbucks is releasing its fall menu in two phases. The first offerings include the classic PSL, but if you're hoping to stretch your restaurant budget further, there's a secret hack to getting one for less than the menu price that you'll want to try. Read on for the hack and to see all the new menu items now available at Starbucks for the fall season. 

(Note: Prices may vary by location.)

Price: $6.25 (grande)

Everybody's go-to fall coffee flavor is back! If the price tag has you clutching your pearls, you may want to try a clever "dupe" that rings up nearly $2 cheaper. You can make your own PSL by ordering a Grande Iced Coffee Blend and adding three pumps of pumpkin spice syrup with a splash of milk, and it will ring up for $4.75. Add whipped cream and cinnamon on top for free, and it's identical to how baristas make the official PSL. 

Price: $6.25 (grande)

Starbucks has taken its warm blend of chai spices, mixed it with a spiced apple flavor and creamy oat milk, and topped it off with a non-dairy cold foam. This is a great alternative if you're pumpkin-spiced out. 

Price: $3.45

Everybody's favorite cake pops are back; now they come in a cute trash-panda shape! They're still filled with the same bite-sized vanilla buttercream cake dipped in icing, but the seasonal decoration adds a raccoon face design that is almost too cute to eat. 

The Starbucks fall menu includes several returning favorites and new items — just for the "first" fall menu. The second part of the fall menu is rumored to be dropping on Sept. 19 and will include two more new drinks (an Iced Pecan Crunch Oat Milk Latte and a Salted Pecan Cream Cold Foam) and a mummy-themed cookie. 

While everybody is excited about the new seasonal menu, many are still reeling at the increased price of grabbing coffee on the go. If more than $6 is your line in the sand on barista-made beverages, it might be time to check up on your financial health so you can keep the pumpkin spice flowing.