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.

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Prep
10 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
20 minutes
Serves
1
people
Author
Cody Landry
Pumpkin Spice Latte: 2 Ways
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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

  1. Add a Cinnamon Stick Stirrer: Use a cinnamon stick to stir your latte, infusing it with even more flavor.
  2. 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.
  3. Top with Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness.
  4. Use Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: Sweeten your latte with brown sugar or pure maple syrup instead of regular sugar for a richer taste.
  5. 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.
  6. Try Different Milks: Use oat milk or coconut milk for a creamier, more decadent texture and a hint of additional flavor.
  7. 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

  1. Brew your espresso or coffee and pour it into your mug.
  2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup to the espresso, stirring to combine.
  3. 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.
  4. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso mixture.
  5. Top with store-bought whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.

The Hard Way: Making Everything From Scratch

  1. Brew your espresso or coffee and pour it into a mug.
  2. 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.
  3. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
  4. Use a milk frother or whisk vigorously until the milk mixture is frothy.
  5. Pour the pumpkin-infused milk over the espresso in your mug.
  6. In a mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
  7. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the cream until soft peaks form.
  8. Top your latte with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream.
  9. Sprinkle a bit of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.