Four Pumpkin Treats to Try This Fall
Fall may be fleeting in Southern California, but Irvine’s cafés and restaurants are making the most of the season. Whether you’re craving something cozy and sweet or savory and sophisticated, these local spots are serving up pumpkin-spiced perfection. Here are four delicious ways to get your fall fix right now.
Goldfinch — Pumpkin Spiced Punch
The sangria of fall, this Pumpkin Spiced Punch gives sophisticated fall vibes.
Photo credit Mailey Leu
The sangria of fall, Goldfinch’s Pumpkin Spiced Punch ($17) gives the classic cocktail a cozy grown-up twist.
“Our inspiration came from our previous seasonal cocktails that we had, one of which was our ‘Summer Sangria’ and our winter seasonal that was called ‘Sacred Sangria,’” explained Goldfinch Director of Operations Mailey Leu via email. “Both turned out to be massive hits, so, ergo our Holiday/Fall Sangria, which obviously had to have the staple Pumpkin flavor!”
The cocktail base blends dark rum and bourbon with pumpkin purée, orange juice, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, lemon juice, and a house-made cinnamon syrup. “There are a few additional ingredients,” Leu added, “but we can’t spill all our secrets!”
Each glass is topped with sparkling apple cider and ginger beer “to give it a bit of edge,” then garnished with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Goldfinch is in the Eighteen Main dining area of the Irvine Concourse business complex.
KIT Coffee - Pumpkin Spice Latte
This exemplary version of a Pumpkin Spice Latte from KIT Coffee comes hot or iced, with an optional spiced cold foam for extra seasonal oomph.
Photo credit The Vine
Forget the syrupy versions elsewhere. KIT Coffee’s Pumpkin Spice Latte ($8.50) is the real deal. Made with actual pumpkin purée and classic autumn spices for a perfectly balanced flavor, it’s available hot or iced.
The iced version, which comes with an optional spiced cold foam, is especially decadent yet not overly sweet. KIT’s modern take on the PSL feels indulgent without going overboard.
Find KIT Coffee at 2010 Main Street in the Irvine Concourse business complex. (Bonus: 90 minutes of free parking with validation.)
85°C Bakery Café - Pumpkin Bread
85°C Bakery Café’s adorable pumpkin bread is only around for a limited time.
Photo credit 85°C Bakery Café
Fans of this beloved Taiwanese bakery chain wait all year for its adorable, limited-time Pumpkin Bread. The pumpkin-shaped milk bun is filled with rich pumpkin purée and topped with a tiny chocolate “stem.” Sinking your teeth into the pillowy bun infused with autumn spices might make you forget it’s still 75 degrees outside.
Pair it with one of the café’s fall drinks for a perfect seasonal combo:
Pumpkin Spice Milk Tea: black tea with non-dairy creamer and pumpkin sauce
Matcha Oat Pumpkin Spice Latte: creamy oat milk layered with premium matcha
Pumpkin Spice Latte: signature espresso infused with pumpkin and cinnamon
You can find 85°C Bakery Café in Diamond Jamboree and Irvine Spectrum.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream — Pumpkin Delight in a Cone
If ice cream is your love language, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is speaking it fluently this season. Choose from Pumpkin Cheesecake Chunk, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Ripple, or Pumpkin Pecan. Each flavor is a creamy ode to classic Thanksgiving desserts.
Handel’s locations in Irvine include Alton Square, The Marketplace, and the soon-to-be-opened store at Irvine Spectrum.
Pumpkin season doesn’t last long, and neither do these limited-time menus. Treat yourself while you can!
All items subject to availability.