Cincinnati coffee shops debut 11 new seasonal specials

Cincinnati coffee shops are rolling out their final wave of seasonal drinks as November closes. Five local chains and independent cafes have introduced new menu items ranging from sweet potato cheesecake lattes to Central American coffee flights. These specials replace the standard pumpkin spice and peppermint mocha options available at national chains.

Redtree Coffee is serving a sweet potato cheesecake latte at its Over-the-Rhine and Oakley locations for the entire month of November. The drink is available in hot or iced versions. The shop, known for its cortados and local art displays, has added this item to its current menu.

A Honduran cafe at 603 6th Ave. in Dayton, Kentucky, is offering a Christmas-focused coffee flight. The four-drink sampler includes a vegan twist on rompopo, a drink often described as Mexican eggnog. It also features a latte inspired by ponche navideño, a fruit punch drink, and a coquito latte based on a Puerto Rican recipe. The final drink in the flight is a peppermint mocha. The cafe is noted for its Latin-inspired drinks and community events.

Coffee Emporium, which opened its original location more than 50 years ago, has launched a pumpkin pancake latte. The drink combines real maple syrup with the shop's classic pumpkin pie flavoring. The special is available for the next few weeks at its Hyde Park and Over-the-Rhine locations.

Collective Espresso has returned its Arcane Spice drink for the second year in a row. Served hot or iced, the beverage uses a syrup made from brown sugar, cinnamon, root beer, and gingerbread cake. The drink is available at the shop's Northside, Newport, and Over-the-Rhine locations.

A major local coffee provider is releasing a citrus rosemary drink in iced and cold nitro forms for the next few weeks. The beverage features a splash of cream and a rosemary-citrus based simple syrup. It is available at locations in Over-the-Rhine, Montgomery, Oakley, Columbia-Tusculum, and downtown Cincinnati.