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The first cool mornings of October wrap Notre Dame’s campus in a kind of magic, one might say ... mist curling above the quads, golden leaves crunching underfoot and everything suddenly feeling cinematic. It’s the kind of crisp, golden hour atmosphere that practically begs for a warm drink in hand. As besties and loyal Café J regulars since freshman year, we knew senior fall deserved a little extra sparkle. So, we did what any autumn-obsessed duo would do: embarked on a mission to sip, savor and review every fall drink Café J had to offer, serving up all the cozy, caffeinated vibes along the way. Hear us out, ND, these drink reviews might just change your fall coffee lineup.

Although Starbucks gets a buzz around their signature Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Café J’s Pumpkin Pie Latte comes close to the reminiscent smell and taste of pumpkin pie. Try this latte hot, and be reminded of your favorite fall memories — carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating or crunching through colorful leaves — and, above all, soaking in the magic of Notre Dame in the fall.

Caramel Apple Cold Brew, a smooth blend of cold brew, butter syrup, ice, caramel drizzle and cream, earned praise from senior Clare Hoban. Hoban is a longtime Café J regular, who compared it to an old favorite: “It reminds me of the caramel apple drink Starbucks had last year, but they don’t offer it anymore, so I’m happy Café J is making something like it!” 

Her words capture the drink’s nostalgic charm — perfect for sweater weather.

The S’mores Latte is made with espresso, milk, chocolate syrup, toasted marshmallow and graham cracker dusting: a true deconstruction of a classic s'mores. Every sip of this drink feels like sitting around a crackling campfire on a crisp autumn night: sweet, nostalgic and wrapped in the warmth of a fall night. The rich layers of flavors unfold in a sophisticated, yet reminiscent way and we were left daydreaming about childhood memories thanks to this handcrafted latte.

Not a coffee enthusiast, but still looking for a daily boost of energy? Café J’s Poison Apple Boost is refreshing, clean energy that feels like biting into a perfectly tart autumn apple. A sip of this signature booster will give you throwbacks to the green apple Jolly Rancher paired with the right amount of carbonation from Topo Chico, balancing sweetness and tang for a lively, invigorating drink.

Apple Spice Tea, a fragrant mix of hot tea and apple juice, offers a different kind of comfort. The first sip instantly transported us to a pumpkin patch in our minds, as if golden leaves were drifting gently all around. Naturally sweet and warmly spiced, it brings a gentle sunshine to your soul — an ideal companion for a cozy study session, an afternoon walk or any moment when you want to slow down, savor the season and indulge in the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Served hot, the Toffeenut Mocha is a rich espresso with milk and velvety Ghirardelli chocolate, swirled together with buttery toffee nut syrup to create a decadent cup of warmth. This luscious treat balances sweetness with deep chocolate and nutty undertones, creating a whimsical drink.

Next is a Café J barista favorite: the Iced Sea Salt Caramel Latte. This drink strikes a pleasant balance between sweet and savory, layered with silky caramel and a touch of sea salt — the perfect contrast of indulgence and sharpness. This latte is a cozy and daring flavor combination that is the adult version of Halloween candy.

We couldn’t resist the Cinnamon Tea Latte — a soothing blend of cinnamon tea, honey and milk. There wasn’t an overpowering amount of cinnamon, just the perfect hint to warm each sip. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to sit by a crackling fire or wander through a forest where sunlight catches the red and orange leaves. Dreamy and perfectly spiced, it’s pure autumn in a cup.

As a devoted chai drinker with her order on repeat every day, Bauer couldn’t resist asking Café J to whip up a Pumpkin Pie Chai. This was a custom creation — not on the menu. The result was a delightfully sweet, dessert-like mix that lives up to the cutesy energy of its name. Just thinking about it makes you smile, and the baristas’ willingness to experiment proves they’re game for creative fall orders if you’re feeling inspired.

Café J is bringing celebrations of fall to your cup, but they are also serving the warmth of this cozy season to you with their welcoming baristas. Stop by Café J and you’ll feel a slice of magic within the Morris Inn — a feeling we’ll relish for the rest of our senior year. Until the winter specialty drinks arrive, we’ll keep savoring these cozy fall sips.