Drinks
Pumpkin Spice Latte: 2 Ways
The pumpkin spice latte is a warm and comforting drink that combines the rich, bold flavor of espresso with creamy milk, infused with pumpkin puree, and spiced with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
20 minutes
Serves
1
people
Author
Cody Landry
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Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, it’s the perfect fall beverage, offering a cozy, aromatic experience with every sip.
How to Bump It Up a Notch
- Add a Cinnamon Stick Stirrer: Use a cinnamon stick to stir your latte, infusing it with even more flavor.
- Use Real Pumpkin Puree: For an extra pumpkin flavor, mix a tablespoon of pumpkin puree directly into your drink, even if using store-bought syrup.
- Top with Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Use Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: Sweeten your latte with brown sugar or pure maple syrup instead of regular sugar for a richer taste.
- Infuse the Milk: Warm your milk with a couple of whole cloves and a star anise, then strain before frothing for a spiced milk that packs a punch.
- Try Different Milks: Use oat milk or coconut milk for a creamier, more decadent texture and a hint of additional flavor.
- Add a Shot of Vanilla or Hazelnut Syrup: For a flavor twist, add a dash of vanilla, hazelnut, or toffee syrup to your pumpkin spice latte.
Ingredients
The Easy Way: Using Store-bought Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1-2 shots of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1-2 tablespoons pumpkin spice syrup (store-bought, like Torani or Monin)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy)
- Whipped cream (store-bought)
- A pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for garnish
The Hard Way: Making Everything From Scratch
Ingredients for the Latte:
- 1-2 shots of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/16 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/16 teaspoon ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for Homemade Whipped Cream:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
The Easy Way: Using Store-bought Syrup
- Brew your espresso or coffee and pour it into your mug.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup to the espresso, stirring to combine.
- Steam the milk using a milk frother or heat it on the stove until hot but not boiling. If you have a frother, froth the milk until it’s foamy.
- Pour the steamed milk over the espresso mixture.
- Top with store-bought whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
The Hard Way: Making Everything From Scratch
- Brew your espresso or coffee and pour it into a mug.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar or maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir well until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
- Use a milk frother or whisk vigorously until the milk mixture is frothy.
- Pour the pumpkin-infused milk over the espresso in your mug.
- In a mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the cream until soft peaks form.
- Top your latte with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream.
- Sprinkle a bit of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.
Author
Cody Landry
