![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
The first chill of October always makes me crave something warm and spiced to hold. Whether it’s an iced chai before school to wake me up or a steaming pumpkin-spiced drink on a slow Sunday at home, fall drinks are one of the most comforting and recognizable parts of the season. This year, I decided to hunt down the best fall beverages in San Jose, from local cafes to popular favorites, and here are my top five picks to help you savor sweater weather.
5. Brown Sugar Ginger Milk Tea: Kung Fu Tea
Sweet brown sugar and spicy ginger come together to make this milk tea cozy and satisfying, especially when the weather dips between 60 degrees. However, compared to stronger fall staples like pumpkin and cinnamon, the flavor feels mild and doesn’t stand out as distinctly “autumn.”
Still, its simplicity has charm; with mild caffeine and no syrup, the drink focuses on warmth rather than intensity, making it a great transition from summer iced teas to fall flavors. It’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter option and can be found at Kung Fu Tea, a popular tea chain with a location right across campus.
4. Spiced Apple Cider: Whole Foods
Apple cider is the definition of nostalgia in a cup. The moment I take a sip, I’m taken back to the autumns of my childhood — pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving dinners and hay mazes. The tangy apple flavor with cinnamon and cloves gives the perfect balance of sweet and spiced. With simplicity and universal appeal, it offers a timeless comfort.
What keeps it from ranking higher, though, is that it’s often too plain and lacks the layered and various flavors of other drinks on this list. You can find hot apple cider at local farmers markets around the Bay Area, like Swanton Berry Farm, or make it at home by simmering unfiltered apple juice with cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peels.
3. Golden Chai Latte: Nirvana Soul
The golden chai latte is the perfect remedy for fall sniffles, made with turmeric, ginger and cinnamon blended into steamed milk. Unlike traditional chai, it doesn’t contain black tea or caffeine and is entirely spice-based, making it naturally soothing. The turmeric adds a vibrant golden color and an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that pairs well with honey.
Although it’s not as festive as a pumpkin drink, the golden chai latte earns its spot for its uniqueness and balanced flavor profile. Its health benefits are a major bonus, thanks to the anti-inflammatory turmeric and throat-soothing ginger. My mom swears by this drink whenever anyone in the house has a sore throat, and it’s become my go-to for sick days. You can find it at Nirvana Soul or make your own version at home with the same ingredients.
2. Iced Chai Latte: Starbucks
Even when the temperature drops, I still can’t give up iced drinks. The iced chai latte, made with black tea and a blend of cinnamon and clove, is a year-round favorite that still delivers all of the fall vibes. Its gentle caffeine gives it a kick that the golden chai latte lacks, making it a go-to for busy mornings or study sessions.
Capturing the warmth of traditional masala chai, its spices bring a taste of autumn to every chilled sip, earning a spot among my top favorites. You can grab one from Starbucks, where the blend of flavors is perfectly balanced and customizable.
1. Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: Hello Kitty Cafe
Everyone raves about the pumpkin spice latte, but for chocolate lovers, the pumpkin spice hot chocolate reigns supreme. Blending pumpkin puree, cocoa and fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, it strikes a balance between nostalgic and new. It’s reminiscent of childhood hot chocolate, yet elevated with pumpkin and spice.
Nothing evokes fall like pumpkins, and when mixed with chocolate, it’s irresistible. It’s the kind of drink you want on a rainy afternoon, paired with a good book or a fall movie marathon. This drink can be found at specialty spots like The Hello Kitty Cafe, or on the seasonal menus of local cafes. For a homemade version, whisk together hot chocolate, pumpkin puree and some spices.
This fall, take a step away from overrated, famous fall drinks and experiment a little — try making your own pumpkin-spiced masterpiece at home, support small local cafes or order something you’ve never tried before. Whether you’re after something sweet or soothing, there’s a drink out there that’ll make your autumn just a little cozier.
