Sick of the same old pumpkin spice and peppermint mocha? Sit down for a drink at one of these Hudson Valley cafes for something out of the box.
With Thanksgiving just a week away in the Hudson Valley, we’re deep into fall now, and you’ve probably had your fill of pumpkin spice. As peppermint mochas start to make their way onto coffee shop menus, consider trying something entirely new to satisfy your craving for seasonal flavor. Whether you’re over pumpkin or just not a fan of peppermint, these six local picks break from the norm this season.
Bobo’s Café
Baldwin Place, Chappaqua, Somers
Drink to try: Apple Cider Chai
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If you’re out picking up a Thanksgiving pie at Bobo’s Café, consider grabbing a warm beverage as well. At three locations in the region (soon to be four), the Westchester eatery changes up its specials menu with the seasons. For fall, Bobo’s dishes up eats like an apple-cranberry compote waffle, creamy tomato soup, and harvest overnight oats, along with drinks like the classic pumpkin spice latte, American pie cold brew, and apple cider chai. Made with hot chai, half milk of your choice, and half apple cider, the latter treat warms you from the inside out.
Jacob Alejandro
Troy
Drink to try: Vanilla Citrus Spice Latte
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In Rensselaer County, Jacob Alejandro is an iconic coffee shop that’s a must-try for espresso lovers. The Troy locale has a robust menu of drinks that sticks around all year to impress locals and visitors alike. If you’re not opting for a regular cappuccino or macchiato, look to the Latte Staples menu for everything from horchata to crème brulee lattes. Our pick is the vanilla citrus spice latte, made with homemade vanilla syrup, orange peel, a double shot of espresso, and your choice of dairy.
Ready Coffee
Hyde Park, LaGrange, Newburgh, Wappingers Falls
Drink to try: Pistachio White Chocolate Latte
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This Hudson Valley-based chain makes ordering coffee an easy, breezy experience with drive-through and walk-up windows. From energy drinks to coffee to tea, Ready serves up all kinds of flavored concoctions that customers are welcome to customize freely. If you’d rather trust the shop’s judgement, look to the Frosty Faves menu for specials like peppermint mochas, eggnog lattes, pomegranate vanilla energy drinks, and pistachio white chocolate lattes, the latter which are new this year.
Rough Draft Bar and Books
Kingston
Drink to try: Pearadise Lost
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At Rough Draft, it’s all in the name. The Kingston café is a haven for the bookish with novels, signed copies, and book clubs to enjoy onsite. Aside from the literature, Rough Draft serves up delicious coffee specialties with punny names that correspond to classic reads. For November, drinks include Bonfire of the Granities, which combines Earl Grey tea, cranberry, cinnamon, honey, and milk; A Court of Thorns and Rosemary, made with espresso, rosemary, caramel, and grapefruit soda; and Pearadise Lost, an espresso drink with hazelnut, pear, cardamom, and milk.
The Scene Coffee and Cocktails
Albany
Drink to try: Cookie Butter Chai
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Head to the Capital Region for this popular café and bar in Albany. The Scene specializes in coffee, craft cocktails, and brunch all day long. While winter specials include bites like tiramisu French toast, butternut squash soup, and fig and bacon grilled cheeses, the coffee offerings are equally mouthwatering. If iced is your jam, try the cinnamon bun cold brew, or look to the cookie butter chai for a sweet treat complete with chai, cookie butter syrup, milk, and cinnamon sugar.
Willa’s Bakery
Catskill
Drink to try: Maple Latte
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Before Greene County gets its influx of visitors coming for the winter sports in Hunter and Windham, visit the Catskills to experience Willa’s Bakery. The neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot uses seasonal ingredients from local farms and vendors in its dishes and drinks, resulting in a meal that tastes entirely authentic. To go with your Willaquiles and sour cream pancakes, order the maple latte for an espresso kick and the flavor of local maple syrup.
Related: The Perk House Coffee Co. Pours Jolts of Java in Orangeburg
