Hide yo’ kids, hide yo’ wives, Pumpkin Spice Lattes (PSL) are back and better than ever. Well, maybe not better than ever (I legitimately think they’re repulsive)- but they are back at your local Starbucks and ready to be consumed. The popular coffee chain announced its long anticipated return of their most-loved holiday drink on August 28th. Are basic bitches across the world happy? Yes. Is the barista who now has to make your local white girl this drink every morning happy? Not so much.

I wrote a post a few years ago admitting that although I may rule all the basics in all the land (lol), I don’t like PSLs. For starters, they’re mainly milk, and my caffeine-addicted soul needs way more caffeine than they provide. Second, the ingredients gross me out. Four pumps of pumpkin sauce? Excessive. Whipped cream and pumpkin spice topping? Overboard. 380 calories? Repulsive. Third, this drink is way too extra- even for me. Sorry PSL, it’s not me, it’s you.

Although I don’t like PSLs, I still love pumpkin.

You see, I am Queen of the Basics after all. Thankfully, I recently came across TheMacroBarista on Instagram. He’s a Starbucks barista who posts macro-friendly drinks that still taste amazing. I added a twist to his low-calorie PSL and it’s been my go-to for the past few weeks. My order? Simple: a Grande Blonde roast (it’s a little lighter than the Pike roast) with one pump of pumpkin sauce and a light splash of almond milk. This substitute gives me the pumpkin flavor I love during this time of the year (yes I know it’s only September… let me live) while majorly cutting back on calories, fat, and carbs. Plus, it’s dairy free!

Pumpkin spice season is among us, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s one positive thing to add to my dreadful, final (yes- FINAL) semester of nursing school. PSL: fuel me up.

Much love from your favorite Basic Betch,

Nicki G.