Beyond the PSL: Starbucks’s Evergreen Evocative Ads

With leaves turning from vibrant green to an autumn mix of yellows, reds and golds and pumpkins, gourds and squash making their appearance, it’s that time of year for the all-time favorite: Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte. Over the years, Starbucks has been able to tap into consumer nostalgia for the changing seasons to create an irresistible brand connection with the coziness of fall.

This year, Starbucks creative content on social media suggests they are moving beyond the iconic PSL to evoke that warm and cozy feeling of fall, while incorporating vibrant illustration and thoughtful copy to strengthen the brand’s connection with its customers.

This late September ad creatively pokes a bit of fun at its customers clinging to the last cold brews of summer. 

This whimsical illustration captures the same nostalgic feeling for fall as does the original Pumpkin Spice Latte campaign, but takes a fresh approach with the vibrant illustrations while reinforcing the global reach of the Starbucks brand.