Pumpkin Spice Latte: Recipes, Tips, Variations – Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Origin of Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Pumpkin Spice Latte, or PSL as it’s affectionately known, was first introduced by Starbucks in 2003. It quickly became a fall favorite, marking the start of the autumn season for many coffee lovers. The drink combines espresso, steamed milk, and a mix of pumpkin puree and traditional fall spices, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.

Essential Ingredients

Espresso

The heart of any good latte is a strong shot of espresso. The rich, robust flavor of espresso complements the sweet and spicy notes of pumpkin spice.

Milk

Milk adds creaminess to the Pumpkin Spice Latte. You can use any type of milk, including dairy and non-dairy options like almond, soy, or oat milk.

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree gives the latte its signature flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can buy pre-made pumpkin spice or make your own blend at home.

Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness to the latte. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, or use alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream on top of your latte adds an extra touch of indulgence. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own.

Additional Garnishes

Consider adding a sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a few pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.

Classic Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
• 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Extra pumpkin spice for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong shot of espresso using your espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker.
2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Alternatively, you can steam the milk using a milk frother.
3. Mix the Pumpkin and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the pumpkin mixture to the hot milk and stir until well combined. Froth the milk mixture if desired.
5. Assemble the Latte: Pour the hot pumpkin milk into a mug, then add the espresso. Stir gently to combine.
6. Add the Toppings: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Variations of Pumpkin Spice Latte

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Perfect for those early autumn days when it’s still a bit warm outside.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
• 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
• Ice
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Extra pumpkin spice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong shot of espresso and let it cool.
2. Mix the Pumpkin and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
3. Combine with Milk: In a tall glass, mix the pumpkin mixture with cold milk. Stir well.
4. Add Espresso: Pour the cooled espresso into the glass.
5. Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes.
6. Top with Whipped Cream: Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Stir before drinking and enjoy your refreshing Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte

A dairy-free version for those who prefer plant-based options.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
• 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup (to taste)
• Coconut whipped cream (optional)
• Extra pumpkin spice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong shot of espresso using your espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker.
2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Alternatively, you can steam the milk using a milk frother.
3. Mix the Pumpkin and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and maple syrup. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the pumpkin mixture to the hot almond milk and stir until well combined. Froth the milk mixture if desired.
5. Assemble the Latte: Pour the hot pumpkin milk into a mug, then add the espresso. Stir gently to combine.
6. Add the Toppings: Top with coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte

A low-carb version for those following a ketogenic diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
• 1-2 tablespoons of erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (to taste)
• Heavy cream (optional)
• Extra pumpkin spice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong shot of espresso using your espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker.
2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Alternatively, you can steam the milk using a milk frother.
3. Mix the Pumpkin and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and erythritol. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the pumpkin mixture to the hot almond milk and stir until well combined. Froth the milk mixture if desired.
5. Assemble the Latte: Pour the hot pumpkin milk into a mug, then add the espresso. Stir gently to combine.
6. Add the Toppings: Add a splash of heavy cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your keto-friendly Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte

Use Fresh Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the flavor of your latte. Use fresh espresso, high-quality milk, and real pumpkin puree for the best results.

Adjust Sweetness to Taste

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sweetness. Start with a small amount of sugar or sweetener and adjust to taste.

Froth the Milk

Frothing the milk gives your latte a creamy, luxurious texture. You can use a milk frother, a French press, or even a whisk to froth the milk.

Experiment with Spices

Pumpkin spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, but you can adjust the proportions to suit your taste. Add more cinnamon for a warmer flavor, or increase the ginger for a bit of a kick.

Popular Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipes

Classic Pumpkin Spice Latte

The original and still one of the best.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
• 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Extra pumpkin spice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong shot of espresso using your espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker.
2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Alternatively, you can steam the milk using a milk frother.
3. Mix the Pumpkin and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the pumpkin mixture to the hot milk and stir until well combined. Froth the milk mixture if desired.
5. Assemble the Latte: Pour the hot pumpkin milk into a mug, then add the espresso. Stir gently to combine.
6. Add the Toppings: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

A cool twist on the classic for warmer days.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
• 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
• Ice
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Extra pumpkin spice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong shot of espresso and let it cool.
2. Mix the Pumpkin and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
3. Combine with Milk: In a tall glass, mix the pumpkin mixture with cold milk. Stir well.
4. Add Espresso: Pour the cooled espresso into the glass.
5. Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes.
6. Top with Whipped Cream: Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Stir before drinking and enjoy your refreshing Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte

A dairy-free version for those who prefer plant-based options.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
• 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup (to taste)
• Coconut whipped cream (optional)
• Extra pumpkin spice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong shot of espresso using your espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker.
2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Alternatively, you can steam the milk using a milk frother.
3. Mix the Pumpkin and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and maple syrup. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the pumpkin mixture to the hot almond milk and stir until well combined. Froth the milk mixture if desired.
5. Assemble the Latte: Pour the hot pumpkin milk into a mug, then add the espresso. Stir gently to combine.
6. Add the Toppings: Top with coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte

A low-carb version for those following a ketogenic diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
• 1-2 tablespoons of erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (to taste)
• Heavy cream (optional)
• Extra pumpkin spice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong shot of espresso using your espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker.
2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Alternatively, you can steam the milk using a milk frother.
3. Mix the Pumpkin and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and erythritol. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the pumpkin mixture to the hot almond milk and stir until well combined. Froth the milk mixture if desired.
5. Assemble the Latte: Pour the hot pumpkin milk into a mug, then add the espresso. Stir gently to combine.
6. Add the Toppings: Add a splash of heavy cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your keto-friendly Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte

Use Fresh Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the flavor of your latte. Use fresh espresso, high-quality milk, and real pumpkin puree for the best results.

Adjust Sweetness to Taste

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sweetness. Start with a small amount of sugar or sweetener and adjust to taste.

Froth the Milk

Frothing the milk gives your latte a creamy, luxurious texture. You can use a milk frother, a French press, or even a whisk to froth the milk.

Experiment with Spices

Pumpkin spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, but you can adjust the proportions to suit your taste. Add more cinnamon for a warmer flavor, or increase the ginger for a bit of a kick.

Summary

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is more than just a seasonal drink—it’s a celebration of autumn in a cup. With its rich, warm flavors and comforting aroma, it’s no wonder this drink has become a beloved fall tradition. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of its many delicious variations, making your own Pumpkin Spice Latte at home is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Share your creations!

We’d love to hear from you! Share your Pumpkin Spice Latte recipes, tips, and tricks with us in the comments below. If you’ve tried our recipes, let us know how they turned out. Happy sipping, and enjoy the flavors of fall!