Five Coffee Shop Drinks Better Than Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ah, the leaves are turning, and soon we’ll be cozying up to the fireplace as snowflakes fall outside.

OK, Miamians totally won’t be doing that because we live in paradise, and it’s still 70-plus degrees even during the coldest of the Magic City's winter days.

Despite the weather still feeling like summer, South Floridians want to get into the holiday spirit, and that means grabbing a tasty beverage. Because research shows Miami isn't into the pumpkin spice latte, here are five seasonal delights being brewed at local coffee shops.
1. Grind Coffee Project’s Sweet Potato Pie Latte. Grind Coffee Project in Fort Lauderdale always serves up a stellar plain cup of Joe, but it knows how to master the sweet and sultry end of the spectrum as well. This one has whipped cream and marshmallows on top. You won’t need dessert after this rich treat. 599 SW Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-290-6074; grindcoffeeproject.com.
2. Brewing Buddha Café & Arthouse’s Iced Coquito Latte. Just unveiled for the season, this offering from Brewing Buddha boasts a double shot of espresso, coconut, cinnamon, and rum flavoring all served over ice and garnished with a cinnamon stick ($6.95). 8219 SW 124th St., Miami; 786-842-3342; brewingbuddha.com.
3. Department Coffee’s Spicy Mint Cocoa. Nestled in the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood, Department Coffee always serves up a pristine cold brew. Getting a jump start on the December holidays, the cozy shop also serves up one of the most unique cocoas you’ll encounter on planet Earth. The spicy mint cocoa is anchored by Department’s classic cold brew, with almond milk, mint cocoa coconut cream, jalapeno syrup, and garnishes of fresh mint and sprinkled cocoa ($5). It’s totally vegan too. 1940 N. 30th Rd., Hollywood; 954-513-3990; departmentcoffee.com.
4. Eternity Coffee Roasters’ Toxic Tonic. This tantalizing beverage came to Eternity owner Chris Johnson in a dream. The Toxic Tonic is an iced affair resembling an espresso spritzer, chock-full of ECR’s seasonal espresso with a dash of orange bitters and tonic water ($5). It sounds totally weird but is the complete opposite of “toxic,” as the name might suggest. 117 SE Second Ave., Miami; 305-926-8298; eternitycoffeeroasters.com.
5. Panther Coffee’s Honey Parchment Tea. This one is the brainchild of Kenneth Diaz at Panther’s Little Haiti location. While other seasonal delights are layered with cream and sweets, this is a purist’s dream come true. This cold-brewed nugget features honey-processed coffee parchment (the thin layer of skin that covers coffee beans) from Finca Buena Vista in Bolivia. You’ll taste notes of dried plum, floral honey, and sweet tobacco along this delectable journey ($5). Various locations; 305-677-3952; facebook.com/panthercoffee.