Why Independent Cafés Don’t Do a Pumpkin Spice Latte in July

It’s 26°C, you’re in shorts, and someone’s ordering a pumpkin spice latte with extra whipped cream like it’s harvest season. And where do they usually get it? A big chain. Because you know what indie cafés aren’t doing in July? Serving autumn in a cup when it’s still BBQ weather.

Let’s break down why your favourite independent shop isn’t rushing to spice up your summer.

1. We Actually Care About Seasons

Pumpkins in July? That’s like putting up a Christmas tree in September. Independent cafés respect seasonality because it means fresher ingredients, better flavour, and a menu that actually makes sense.

Seasonal menus are curated with the same care we give our coffee. We wait for autumn to bring in spice blends and cosy vibes—because it’s supposed to feel special, not mass-manufactured.

2. We’re Not Pushing Syrup Quotas

Big chains live on syrup sales. Caramel this, vanilla that, 14 pumps of autumn. PSL in July isn’t a flavour choice, it’s a marketing schedule.

Indies? We’re not hitting targets for how many litres of nutmeg goo we shift. If we do make a pumpkin spice latte, it’ll be with actual spice blends—not bottled nostalgia.

3. We Don’t Fake Cosy

Pumpkin spice is supposed to feel like jumpers, crunchy leaves, and a bit of cold in the air. Drinking one while you sweat through your shirt defeats the whole point.

Indie cafés thrive on authenticity. When we say ‘seasonal special,’ we mean it. It fits the weather, the mood, the moment. Not just what the head office decided months ago.

4. We’d Rather Invent Something Better

Summer drinks? We’ll go wild. Think iced espresso tonics, homemade cold brew, mint-infused lattes, or a cheeky affogato. We like creating things that taste great now, not repackaging last year’s trend.

Pumpkin spice has its time. And it’s called October.

Final Sip:

We love autumn as much as the next coffee nerd. But in July? We’re keeping it fresh, relevant, and just a little less basic.

Independent cafés don’t chase trends. We build experiences. And if that means saying “no” to PSL until the leaves turn orange, then so be it.

Order an iced oat cortado, sit in the sun, and let pumpkin spice wait its turn.