Let’s be honest. We can love October and still want something other than pumpkin spice. Luckily enough, Grounded Coffee Bar understands the need for a fresh set of flavors and has released their official October menu.
At the end of every month, Grounded hosts a flight testing for the next month’s menu for just $18. They release four new flavors each month with a variety to suit every taste – not just drinks for those who love their espresso. I got to experience this month’s flight sampling last Wednesday and am here to share the reviews of my friend, Isabelle, and myself.
First up, we tried the Zombie Bite Matcha. This drink is a new take on the classic matcha, adding white chocolate and strawberry flavors for a fresh new blend. We both agreed that the strawberry taste was more prevalent. Both flavors really balanced the typical “green” taste the classic has for a new flavor that even some matcha haters can probably respect and enjoy. It would be good for those new to the drink as well. Isabelle said the sample reminded her of strawberry milk and was quite pleasant, despite not being the biggest matcha fan.
Next, we have the Purple People Eater: a concoction consisting of grape lemonade and green apple cold foam. In comparison to a Starbucks refresher, this drink is far sweeter and would not be a substitute. Yet, it could be a solid option for anyone seeking a drink lacking the caffeine of a coffee or tea. We both enjoyed the green apple cold foam but wish the apple flavor was a little stronger. We tried the drink without mixing the foam and with mixing and came to the conclusion that it was better when stirred together. The sample gave a sour candy vibe that was fun to try, but it might be harder to finish in a bigger amount. Nevertheless, it was quite interesting, especially with the unique foam.
Third on the new menu is the Witches Cold Brew: white chocolate cold brew topped with a pumpkin cold foam. Again, we tried the foam and drink separately before mixing and trying once again. While the pumpkin cold foam was excellent, the pumpkin flavor could have been slightly stronger, similar to the green apple foam. As someone who is not the biggest fan of cold brew, I thought the drink was amazing with flavors that were sweet but not overpowering. Isabelle was fond as well, but she did note the pumpkin flavor went away after mixing. The drink could be interesting with the roles reversed – maybe a pumpkin cold brew with white chocolate foam? All in all, this is a solid choice for any coffee lover, especially those preferring an iced beverage.
Last but not least, there is the Candy Corn Latte, a mix of caramel, marshmallow, and vanilla flavoring. This was the sole hot drink on the menu, but I am sure you can get it iced as well. We came to the agreement that this was the most fall-feeling of them all and was a fun blend. Isabelle said she could taste the vanilla the most, a sentiment I agree with. Regardless, this will be such a classic for the month of October. If I was personally ordering it, I would see if there was a possibility to try it iced with the pumpkin cold foam.
Each flight testing also comes with a treat, and for October, it was a chocolate dipped Oreo. The oreos had Halloween and fall-inspired designs, making for a fun seasonal addition. These were very cute and I would definitely get one in addition to a drink.
If you are looking for flavors that do not have an overwhelming pumpkin taste, Grounded has these creative additions for the month of October. You are not going to want to miss it! Visit them at 19 Ash Street in Frankfort. There is free street parking. They are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends.