Fall on the North Fork comes with plenty to look forward to — leaves changing color, cooler days, cozy sweaters and, of course, the return of pumpkin spice. As the season settles in, the familiar combination of pumpkin and warm spices starts showing up in all kinds of places, from coffee cups and bakery cases to cocktail menus and other seasonal offerings.
Whether you’re craving a pumpkin spice latte, looking for a festive drink or simply want to see how local businesses are putting their own spin on the flavors of fall, there are plenty of ways to get your pumpkin spice fix.
Macchiato, 13175 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-298-7455
This espresso bar is getting into the pumpkin spice season with a pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin spice chai latte both available hot or iced. Other seasonal drinks include a maple and brown sugar latte and a Nutella latte. The shop also offers a pumpkin muffin made with pumpkin batter and topped with pumpkin seeds. For another way to enjoy the season, Macchiato sells local Bumblefork pumpkin pie granola, made with rolled oats, coconut oil, pumpkin puree, pecans, cinnamon, maple crunchies, vanilla extract, salt, walnuts, pumpkin spice, brown sugar and maple syrup.
Ali Katz Kitchen, 55 Middle Road/Rte. 48, Mattituck, 631-298-7694
Mini pumpkin spice bundt cakes and tea cakes are on this small batch bakery’s menu for the month of October. Check out their seasonal flavors of scones and muffins as well to celebrate the season.
Panoramica, 2745 Peconic Ln., Peconic, 631-765-8354
The fall favorite gets a cool, creamy makeover in the form of a pumpkin shake. Made with pumpkin puree, vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup, the shake brings all the cozy flavors of autumn together in one sweet sip.
Pride Enjoy, 6302 NY-25A Ste 2 Building C, Wading River, 631-488-0579
Pumpkin season gets a vegan and gluten-free twist with pumpkin donuts and pumpkin crumb cake. The crumb cake is available whole, or you can snag a slice when they make an appearance in the case.
Stars Café, 17 Grand Ave., Shelter Island Heights, 631-749-5345
At the Shelter Island Heights location, pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie lattes are among the seasonal coffee favorites, joined by caramel apple butter, brown butter toffee and cinnamon bun drinks. Through October, customers also can order a candy corn latte or cappuccino, hot or iced. The shop’s cranberry matcha and cranberry chai are other popular “comfort drinks” for cooler days. Fall also marks the return of the soup warmers with at least eight soups on the stove daily. Favorites include homemade beef and vegetarian chili, chicken vegetable, chicken tortilla and New England clam chowder, along with vegan and gluten-free options such as butternut squash, carrot ginger, lentil and white bean mushroom.
The White Oak location at the corner of Manwaring Road and Route 114 has transformed into a fall forest, with pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread and pumpkin maple cakelets alongside maple cinnamon rolls, cranberry ginger scones and banana bread. Seasonal shortbread cookies add another autumnal touch. The shop’s merchandise also embraces warm fall colors and pumpkin-scented candles.
Mugs on Main, 33 E Main St., Riverhead, 631-381-0494
The “Oh My! Pumpkin Pie” latte brings the flavors of fall to the cup and is available hot or iced. The pumpkin latte is made with pumpkin spice, then topped with cinnamon, whipped cream, pumpkin sauce, graham and pumpkin spices. It’s a seasonal take that layers several familiar pumpkin pie flavors into one drink, whether you’re looking for something warm on a crisp fall day or prefer your latte over ice.
Woodside Orchards, 116 Manor Ln., Riverhead | 729 Main Road, Aquebogue, 631-722-5770
Since 2016, this 6.8% ABV pumpkin apple cider brings the flavors of the season to the glass. Crisp apple sweetness meets pumpkin and warming fall spices for a sip reminiscent of pumpkin pie, with a refreshing cider twist. It’s a seasonal pour that has become a staple of autumn on the North Fork.
Tulio’s NY Wine Bar, 165 Love Ln., Mattituck, 631-298-7677
Pumpkin spice has officially entered cocktail hour with the Pumpkin Espresso Martini, a fall-inspired sip that feels right at home this time of year. The Harvest Mimosa brings a seasonal spin to brunch, while the Autumn Royal adds another festive option to the lineup.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard, 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, 631-537-5106
For a seasonal sip that goes beyond pumpkin spice, reach for Wölffer’s Cranberry Spiced Cider, made by our South Fork neighbors. Made with New York apples and layered with cranberry, cinnamon and clove, the bubbly cider brings plenty of cozy fall flavor to the glass.
