Pumpkin Spice Latte: The Fall Beverage

This warming beverage combines rich espresso with real pumpkin puree, aromatic fall spices, steamed milk, and a touch of vanilla. This seasonal favorite delivers authentic fall flavors.
A cup of warm pumpkin spice latte

There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte in the fall season. Its comforting flavors make it a popular drink in cooler months.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) is a popular seasonal coffee drink. The drink combines espresso, steamed milk, and a blend of traditional fall spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. It is often topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. 

pumpkin spice latte is topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice

Starbucks created this latte in early 2003 after their winter seasonal drink successes. This drink immediately became a phenomenon. It had been sold for 200 million cups in 2015 and became Starbucks’ best seasonal drink.

You can enjoy this drink with baked goods like spiced cookies, pumpkin scones, and traditional scones with clotted cream. For breakfast, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and muffins are great choices. For savory options, try quiche, breakfast burritos, or a charcuterie board with nuts and dried fruits.

This latte pairs well with desserts like pumpkin cheesecake, classic cheesecake with caramel, pumpkin spice tiramisu, and cinnamon rolls. Snacks like spiced nuts, sweet popcorn, and caramel popcorn add a delightful crunch.

I love everything about this Starbucks fall drink: the warmth, the aromatic steam, and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes. Here’s how to make the pumpkin spice latte:

A cup of warm pumpkin spice latte

Pumpkin Spice Latte

This warming beverage combines rich espresso with real pumpkin puree, aromatic fall spices, steamed milk, and a touch of vanilla. This seasonal favorite delivers authentic fall flavors.
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Prep Time 11 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 20gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gSugar: 17g

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups milk dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • 1-2 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice plus extra for garnish
  • 2 shots of espresso
  • Whipped cream optional, for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk the mixture vigorously until it becomes frothy.
  • Pour espresso into two mugs and divide the milk mixture evenly between the mugs.
  • Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, if desired.
Keyword autumn recipes, latte recipe, non-alcoholic drinks, pumpkin spice, pumpkin spice latte
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This drink has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a wide range of pumpkin spice-flavored products from candles to breakfast cereals. 

Variations

There are numerous creative variations of the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL).

  1. Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte is a refreshing cold drink.
  2. Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte is a soothing, caffeine-free drink. It blends chai tea with pumpkin puree and spices.
  3. Creamy Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew combines cold brew, cashew milk, and spices.
  4. Golden Version mixes turmeric and black pepper with pumpkin spice. It creates an anti-inflammatory, caffeine-free option.
  5. Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte blends matcha, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. The drink is rich in antioxidants.
  6. Customization Options
    • Extra espresso adds caffeine and bolder flavor to the drink.
    • Different milk types adjust creaminess and flavor profile.
    • Flavor enhancements elevate sweetness with cinnamon dolce syrup or caramel.
    • Cold foam swaps whipped cream for pumpkin cream cold foam.

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