Dunkin' Donuts is known for being a grab-and-go, affordable coffee chain for morning commuters. Its tagline, America Runs on Dunkin,' pegs the company as one for busy people. Even its brand managers tout it that way, commenting at a recent media summit that Dunkin' Donuts is "not for those who are going to sit for hours 'working on their screenplay.'" (An obvious dig at the Starbucks chain's reputation.)

Because of this, the brand has focused on basic drip coffee, yeast donuts, and breakfast sandwiches to get customers in and out the door efficiently. But now a new focus on espresso-based drinks is putting the company in Starbucks' realm. 

The push begins with the macchiato, a double shot of espresso poured over about as much milk that's in a cappuccino—served either hot or cold. When it debuts on September 28, a day ahead of National Coffee Day, the chain will be promoting the seasonal pumpkin syrup (because Americans just can't get enough fall-flavored drinks and desserts). But the drink will also be offered with caramel, mocha, and even the Oreo and Chips Ahoy flavored syrups that debuted this summer. 

We got a first taste of the iced pumpkin variety, which was about as sweet as the cult classic PSL from its competitor, but there's less baking spice and much better—and nuttier—coffee flavor. Meaning it actually tastes like espresso and not a sugary pumpkin pie latte sprinkled with cinnamon.

This is a bold move for the 65-year-old brand, but we're excited to see where else its specialty coffee program goes—which could potentially include cold-brew coffee option. According to Jeff Miller, the company's executive chef, Dunkin' Donuts has been tinkering with a cold-brew blend and brew for about five years. Apparently only more time will tell.

Follow Delish on Instagram.