Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
When the leaves start to turn and the mornings finally cool down, Sacramento knows it’s officially pumpkin spice season. While Starbucks may have kicked off the craze, local coffee shops and bakeries across the city have leveled up with house-made syrups, unique seasonal drinks, and cozy fall vibes.
From Midtown’s hip cafés to East Sac’s cozy corners, here’s where to sip the best pumpkin spice and fall-inspired drinks in Sacramento this October.
Sacramento’s Pumpkin Spice Culture
Sacramento is a farm-to-fork capital — so when locals want pumpkin spice, they expect the real deal. Many cafés here use:
- Locally roasted beans.
- House-made pumpkin syrups (not bottled).
- Seasonal spices from NorCal farms.
The result? Pumpkin spice that feels authentic, not artificial.
Top Sacramento Coffee Shops for Pumpkin Spice 2025
| Coffee Shop | Neighborhood | Must-Try Fall Drink | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple Coffee | Midtown + Downtown | Pumpkin Spice Latte | Bright, modern, hip. |
| Old Soul Co. | Midtown | Pumpkin Scone + Spiced Latte | Industrial, artsy. |
| Chocolate Fish Coffee | East Sac + Land Park | Spiced Cider Latte | Light-filled, family-friendly. |
| Pachamama Coffee | Midtown | Maple Pumpkin Latte | Fair-trade, earthy vibe. |
| Insight Coffee Roasters | Downtown + Broadway | Pumpkin Cold Brew | Trendy, student/young pro crowd. |
| Pushkin’s Bakery | Midtown | Vegan Pumpkin Bread + Chai | Cozy, inclusive, gluten-free focus. |
Temple Coffee – Midtown & Downtown
Temple Coffee is a Sacramento institution. Their pumpkin spice latte is made with a house-crafted syrup — spiced just right, not too sweet. Pair it with a pastry, grab a corner seat, and enjoy Midtown’s morning buzz.
Old Soul Co. – Midtown
Old Soul leans rustic and artsy. Their spiced lattes + pumpkin scones are perfect for fall study sessions or weekend catch-ups. If you want that mix of caffeine + creativity, this is the spot.
Chocolate Fish Coffee – East Sac & Land Park
If pumpkin spice isn’t your thing, try their spiced cider latte — it’s seasonal, cozy, and perfect for chilly mornings. The Chocolate Fish family-friendly vibes, making it a go-to after pumpkin patch trips.
Pachamama Coffee – Midtown
Worker-owned and fair-trade focused, Pachamama does a killer maple pumpkin latte. Earthy, sweet, and seasonal. This is where socially-conscious coffee lovers go for their fall fix.
Insight Coffee Roasters – Downtown & Broadway
Known for experimenting with brews, Insight often rolls out pumpkin cold brews in October. Perfect if you want your pumpkin spice without the heat.
Pushkin’s Bakery – Midtown
Not a coffee shop per se, but Pushkin’s is a Sacramento staple. Their vegan pumpkin bread and pumpkin chai combo is legendary.
Pair Your Pumpkin Spice with Local Fall Treats
| Treat | Where to Find It | Why It’s Perfect |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Cheesecake | Freeport Bakery | Rich + decadent, a Land Park favorite. |
| Apple Cider Donuts | Apple Hill Farms | Worth the 45-min drive. |
| Pumpkin Bread | Pushkin’s Bakery | Vegan + gluten-free friendly. |
| Caramel Apples | Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm | Classic fall fair vibe. |
| Spiced Cupcakes | Ettore’s Bakery | Elegant twist on fall flavors. |
Beyond Coffee: Where Else to Sip Fall Drinks
- Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op – Pumpkin chai blends + specialty teas.
- Midtown Spirits – Seasonal cocktails with pumpkin + spice.
- Oak Park Brewing Co. – Pumpkin ales and seasonal brews.
- Old Sacramento Bars – Spiced cocktails during Halloween weekends.
How to Make Sacramento-Style Pumpkin Spice at Home
- Pick up fresh pumpkins at a farmers’ market (Central Farmers Market, Midtown).
- Roast + puree for homemade pumpkin syrup.
- Blend with local spices (try Spiceology blends at Sacramento Co-op).
- Add to coffee, chai, or even cocktails.
FAQs: Pumpkin Spice in Sacramento 2025
When does pumpkin spice season start in Sacramento?
Late September, with most cafés rolling it out by Oct 1.
What’s the best pumpkin spice latte in Sacramento?
Temple Coffee and Pachamama are top contenders.
Do local bakeries offer pumpkin treats too?
Yes — Pushkin’s, Freeport Bakery, and Ettore’s are all famous for fall pastries.
Are there pumpkin drinks beyond lattes?
Absolutely — try cider lattes, pumpkin cold brew, or even pumpkin beer.
Where can I buy local pumpkins for homemade recipes?
Farmers’ markets, Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm, or Dave’s Pumpkin Patch.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin spice in Sacramento isn’t just a drink — it’s a fall ritual. From Temple Coffee’s famous latte to Pushkin’s pumpkin bread, the city serves up cozy flavors all October long.
Grab your scarf, hit your favorite café, and toast to pumpkin season in the Farm-to-Fork Capital.
Related Resources:
The Best Guide to Halloween in Sacramento 2025
