After battling a serious case of analysis paralysis about how to kick off this blog, I’ve decided to start close to home—close to the heart, really. Let’s talk about coffee, folks.

Every good writer’s bloodstream runs on caffeine—whether it’s coffee, tea, or any other jitter-inducing beverage. Or maybe they used to guzzle caffeine until their blood pressure became a more immediate threat than deadlines. Now, they simply walk past cafes, inhaling the rich, smoky scent of roasted beans like a forgotten lover, or—if they’re more traditionally literary—they’ve gone straight to booze. But hey, that’s a story for another time.

The point is, when you’re hunched over a keyboard, shackled to the grind of writing for hours, most people cling to a vice. If you’re one of those disciplined souls who doesn’t, well, good for you. Seriously, congratulations. But this post isn’t for you. It’s for the rest of us who desperately need the holy grail of caffeinated beverages to keep our spirits alive.

More specifically, it’s time to talk about the drink that’s synonymous with fall, the unofficial lifeblood of the season: the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte: A Love-Hate Relationship

Now, let’s get one thing straight: I am not one of those people who eagerly awaits the return of the PSL, counting down the days like it’s a pumpkin-flavored apocalypse. I’m picky about my coffee. Most days, you won’t catch me darkening the door of a Starbucks unless I’m in a caffeinated pinch. I prefer the indie shops, not out of some moral opposition to franchises—Dutch Bros is one of my favorites, thank you very much—but because I like my coffee to taste like actual coffee.

That said, today’s post isn’t about the best coffee, per se. It’s about a seasonal indulgence and a place that does something rare—something worth talking about. And that place is Blvd Cafecito on Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, California. Specifically, I’m here to introduce you to their “Skinny Little Witch” drink.

The Skinny Little Witch: PSL, But Make It Sugar-Free

Why, you ask, am I dedicating my first blog post to a coffee shop that doesn’t serve my all-time favorite brew? Simple. It’s the only place in Burbank (and probably most of Glendale and the neighboring towns, but let’s not be dramatic) that offers a sugar-free pumpkin spice option.

Cue the eye rolls, I know. But listen, for those of us who want to avoid turning into a human-shaped lump of sugar but still want to partake in the autumnal festivities, this is a big freaking deal. Men, women, fitness fiends of all kinds—you know the struggle of finding something remotely healthy in the sugar-laden land of flavored coffee.

Even if you’re a black coffee purist, hang tight, because the Skinny Little Witch deserves your attention. It’s not cloying or aggressively sweet like its sugar-filled cousins. No, this bad boy has a depth to it—Bustelo espresso, cinnamon, sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup, and your milk of choice, all topped with a light dusting of pumpkin spice whipped cream. It’s both a nod to seasonal flavors and a middle finger to sugar.

Bustelo: The Coffee That’s Good, Not Great

Now, I’d be lying if I said the espresso blew my mind. Bustelo is fine, beloved by many, but if I can pick it up at my local Walmart, it doesn’t exactly scream “artisanal.” Could I find sugar-free pumpkin spice at these places too? Probably. But I’m a sucker for convenience with a dash of bougie, so I let someone else make it for me. It’s a small reward for subjecting myself to the grind day after day.

Pro tip: Don’t get overzealous with the extra espresso shots. Bustelo has a bold, smoky flavor that will overpower the delicate balance of the sugar-free pumpkin spice if you’re not careful. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.

But when they get it right—and they usually do—it’s a brief, caffeinated escape from the grim realities of adulthood and the eternal weight of responsibility. And isn’t that what coffee’s supposed to be, anyway?

The Vibe at Blvd Cafecito

Blvd Cafecito isn’t just about the drinks. The vibe is casual but charming, and the staff is always friendly. While I can’t personally vouch for the food just yet, the baked goods? Let’s just say they’ll make you reconsider your life choices in the best possible way. The devil works hard, but these pastries work harder.

If you’re in the area, you’ve got until 3 p.m. to snag yourself a cup of something magical—unless you’re a night owl, in which case, better luck next time. At $6.50 a cup, the Skinny Little Witch won’t break the bank, but it will bring a little seasonal joy to your otherwise mundane day.

So, here’s to good coffee, bad habits, and surviving one Pumpkin Spice Latte at a time. Cheers!