Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a cozy and flavorful drink that blends espresso with the warm, flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

What is Pumpkin Spice Latte?

The Pumpkin Spice Latte, also known affectionately as the PSL, is a cozy and flavorful drink that blends espresso with the warm, flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

This drink was first introduced by Starbucks in 2003, and it quickly became one of their most popular seasonal beverages. The concept was simple: combine the rich, earthy pumpkin flavor with warm pumpkin pie spice, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and blend it with creamy milk, espresso, and whipped cream optional.

Ingredients For Pumpkin Spice Latte

The standard components of this recipe are:

• Shots Espresso: A strong, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans.
• Milk: Steamed whole milk is traditionally used to create a creamy, frothy texture. However, plant-based milks like almond milk, oat milk, coconut, or soy milk have become popular alternatives.
• Pumpkin Purée: Adds a rich, earthy flavor and slight sweetness. Some variations use pumpkin spice syrup instead of real pumpkin puree.
• Pumpkin Pie Spices: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
• Sweetener: Sugar, maple syrup, or honey to balance the bitterness of the coffee and the spice flavors.
• Whipped Cream (Optional): A decadent topping, often dusted with extra pumpkin pie spice for a final flourish.

Combining these ingredients creates a cozy, autumnal drink that feels like a hug in a cup.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Making this recipe at home is surprisingly simple. Here’s a basic recipe to guide you through the process:

Instructions:

1- Make the Pumpkin Base: In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.

2-Heat the Milk: Add the milk to the saucepan with the pumpkin mixture. Use a whisk to stir and heat the mixture until hot but not boiling. If you have a milk frother, you can froth the milk separately for extra creaminess.

3-Brew the Espresso: While the milk mixture is heating, brew a shot of espresso or make a strong cup of coffee.

4-Combine: Pour the espresso or coffee into a large mug, then pour the hot pumpkin-milk mixture over the top. Stir well to combine the flavors.

5-Top it Off: For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice.

6-Enjoy: Sip and savor your homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Variation of Pumpkin Spice Latte

The classic Pumpkin Spice Latte is a delicious treat on its own, but there are plenty of ways to customize the drink to suit your preferences.

Find more recipes that you might love: Frozen Mudslide, Dalgona Coffee, and Espresso Martini.

Here are some popular variations:

Pumpkin Spice Latte Frappuccino: If you love blended drinks, mix the ingredients with ice in a blender for a creamy, frozen PSL treat.

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte: Perfect for warmer days or those who prefer their coffee cold. Simply prepare the pumpkin-milk mixture and let it cool before combining it with cold espresso and ice.

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte: Swap out the dairy milk for a plant-based alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk. Use a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave instead of honey or regular sugar.

Pumpkin Spice Mocha: Add a spoonful of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to the mix for a rich, chocolatey twist on the classic PSL.

Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a fun, adult version, add a splash of bourbon, rum, or spiced whiskey to your latte. This is perfect for fall parties or holiday gatherings.

When to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte?

This drink is best served during the fall and early winter months, typically from late September through December, when the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove align perfectly with the cozy, seasonal atmosphere. It’s an ideal drink for:

1. Autumn Mornings: Start your day with a warm, spiced cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte to embrace the crisp fall weather.
2. Holiday Gatherings: Serve this drink during Thanksgiving or other fall and winter festivities as a comforting, festive beverage.
3. Seasonal Parties: Pumpkin Spice Lattes make a great addition to seasonal parties or gatherings where guests can indulge in the nostalgic flavors of fall.
4. Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Enjoy it as an afternoon treat, especially when the temperatures start to drop and you want something warming and flavorful.
5. Coffee Breaks: Whether at work or home, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is perfect for a cozy coffee break, offering a little indulgence with a touch of seasonal cheer.

It can be served hot for a traditional cozy experience or iced for those who prefer a refreshing take on this autumnal favorite.

Notes:

Use Real Pumpkin: If possible, use real pumpkin puree instead of flavored syrups. It adds a more authentic flavor and provides some extra nutritional benefits.

Don’t Overheat the Milk: When heating the milk, make sure it doesn’t boil. Overheated milk can develop an unpleasant texture and taste. If you have a milk frother, use it to create a creamy, airy texture.

Balance the Spices: Pumpkin pie spice is key to the flavor of a PSL, but too much can overpower the drink. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Conclusion:

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is more than just a drink—it’s a beloved fall tradition that brings comfort, warmth, and a sense of seasonal celebration. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, spiced or sweetened to your liking, this classic autumn beverage is a versatile treat that can be customized in endless ways. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor it to your taste, so you can enjoy the cozy flavors of fall any time of year.

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Yield: 2

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Print

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a cozy and flavorful drink that blends espresso with the warm, flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup of milk (whole, almond, soy, or oat milk)
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon of sugar (or sweetener of choice)
• 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee)
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Pumpkin Base: In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Heat the Milk: Add the milk to the saucepan with the pumpkin mixture. Use a whisk to stir and heat the mixture until hot but not boiling. If you have a milk frother, you can froth the milk separately for extra creaminess.
3. Brew the Espresso: While the milk mixture is heating, brew a shot of espresso or make a strong cup of coffee.
4. Combine: Pour the espresso or coffee into a large mug, then pour the hot pumpkin-milk mixture over the top. Stir well to combine the flavors.
5. Top it Off: For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice.
6. Enjoy: Sip and savor your homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Notes

• Use Real Pumpkin: If possible, use real pumpkin puree instead of flavored syrups. It adds a more authentic flavor and provides some extra nutritional benefits.
• Don’t Overheat the Milk: When heating the milk, make sure it doesn’t boil. Overheated milk can develop an unpleasant texture and taste. If you have a milk frother, use it to create a creamy, airy texture.
• Balance the Spices: Pumpkin pie spice is key to the flavor of a PSL, but too much can overpower the drink. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

 

Nutrition Information

Yield

2

Serving Size

2
Amount Per Serving Calories 104Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 12mgSodium 62mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 0gSugar 13gProtein 4g

Nutrition information isn´t always accurate!

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