Pumpkin like it’s 2003 for Starbucks PSL’s 20th Birthday on Oct 10

Starbucks fall beverages have been igniting our seasonal nostalgia since launch – and on October 10 we’ll be celebrating an even more nostalgic occasion in honour of everyone’s favourite fall companion. This year, the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte turns 20 and we’re ready to pumpkin like it’s 2003!

HBD PSL Temporary Tattoos

To get the PSL party started, customers who purchase a Pumpkin Spice Latte (hot, iced or blended) on October 10 at participating stores in Canada will receive a sheet of temporary tattoos, while supplies last. Fans can deck themselves out with a PSL-themed temporary tattoo sleeve or share their ink with family and friends so the whole squad can flex their love for Pumpkin Spice.

KidSuper + Starbucks Team PSL Limited-Edition Varsity Jacket

In the spirit of sentimentality, Starbucks has also teamed up with KidSuper Studios to drop a limited-edition Team PSL Varsity Jacket. The jacket is a true celebration of PSL fandom, featuring top expressions of fan love, and will be available to pre-order at KidSuper.com/TeamPSL beginning October 10 at 8 a.m. PT/11 a.m. ET, while supplies last. Read more about the collaboration here.

Jam Out to Iconic 2003 Tunes In Stores

And what’s a party without some tunes? On October 10, Starbucks stores will also be playing a curated playlist of 2003’s most popular hits, transporting customers to the year PSL was born.

PSL Fun Facts

Over the years, the PSL has developed into a cultural phenomenon, and we wanted to share 20 fun facts in celebration, with a few highlighted below:

Canada was one of the first markets to trial the PSL. The PSL started out as a trial run in about 100 stores across Vancouver, B.C. and Washington, D.C. in 2003, before officially launching across the U.S. and Canada the following year.
Customers want ice with their Pumpkin Spice. To address the ever-growing popularity of PSL, Starbucks released different variations to keep up with the love of the fall flavour. In 2019, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew joined the roster, and just this year the customer-inspired Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte was released.
Yes, there is real pumpkin in the sauce. In 2015 Starbucks began including pumpkin sauce from real puree made from sweet little kabocha pumpkins, making the PSL what it is today.
FHL who? The name that never was. The Pumpkin Spice Latte was almost known as the Fall Harvest Latter (FHL).

Media release and varsity image provided by Tyonna Shear, Media Profile. Feature image: courtesy of Starbucks