Autumn is a time when nature changes its face, and we begin to seek out warm drinks to brighten up the cold days. One of the most popular autumn treats is the Pumpkin Spice Latte – an aromatic coffee with hints of pumpkin and spices. In this article, you'll learn how to make this unique drink at home, so you can enjoy its taste and aroma all fall long.
What is a Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Pumpkin Spice Latte is a coffee that combines intense espresso, milk, and pumpkin puree enriched with aromatic spices. This autumnal coffee has gained immense popularity around the world, dating back to 2003, when it first appeared on a café's menu. Key ingredients include:
- Espresso – a strong base drink.
- Milk – can be cow's or plant-based, depending on your preference.
- Pumpkin puree – gives the drink a characteristic taste.
- Spices – most often cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom.
Why is it worth making Pumpkin Spice Latte at home?
Making a Pumpkin Spice Latte at home has many advantages. First, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize the drink to your liking. Second, a homemade version is often healthier and more affordable than the one served in cafes. You can also experiment with different types of milk and additives to create the perfect flavor combination.
Pumpkin Spice Latte - recipe 
To make a homemade version of Pumpkin Spice Latte , you will need the following ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups of strong espresso (or brewed coffee)
- 1 cup of milk (cow or plant)
- 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree (you can use fresh pumpkin or ready-made puree)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (or a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom)
- Whipped cream (optional, for decoration)
How to prepare pumpkin puree?
If you choose to use fresh pumpkin, here's how to prepare the puree:
Choose a pumpkin – the best is a Hokkaido pumpkin, which does not require peeling.
Preparation :
- Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Cut the pumpkin into slices about 5 mm thick.
- Place the slices on a baking tray lined with baking paper, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for about 15-20 minutes, until the pumpkin is soft.
Blending – Transfer the roasted pumpkin to a large bowl and blend until smooth. If the puree is too thick, add a little water.
Preparing cinnamon syrup
To enhance the flavor of your autumn coffee, you can prepare cinnamon syrup:
- Boil 150 ml of water in a pot.
- Add 3 tablespoons of sugar (you can use xylitol) and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Add a few cloves, a pinch of nutmeg and a piece of sliced ginger.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, until the syrup thickens. Then strain through a sieve.
How to make Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to prepare the drink:
- Make an espresso – if you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use coffee brewed in a moka pot or French press.
- Heat the milk – you can froth it using a frother or simply heat it on the gas.
- Mixing ingredients :
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree in a large glass.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon syrup.
- Pour in the heated milk and finally add the espresso.
Decoration – if you like, you can add whipped cream and sprinkle with a little pumpkin spice .
Pumpkin Spice Latte Add-ons
While the coffee itself is already iconic, the additions can make it even more special. From whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles, through flavored syrups, to plant-based milks and seasonal decorations – each of these elements makes the PSL not just a drink but a small ritual. In this thread, we'll take a look at the most popular additions to the Pumpkin Spice Latte and how you can modify them to create your own, perfect version of this autumn classic.
The choice of milk makes a big difference in the taste of your latte. You can use
- Cow's milk – a classic choice that goes well with pumpkin and spices.
- Plant-based milk – e.g., oat, almond, or soy. Oat milk adds natural sweetness, while almond milk adds a slightly nutty flavor.
To enhance the flavor of your drink, you can add various additives, such as:
- Ginger – fresh or powdered, adds spice.
- Maple syrup – for extra sweetness.
- Cinnamon sticks – for decoration and flavor.
How to serve Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Pumpkin Spice Latte tastes best served in clear, double-walled glasses , which not only showcase the beautiful layers of the drink but also maintain the right temperature. You can also garnish the glass with cinnamon or other spices for a unique touch.
Making a Pumpkin Spice Latte at home is a great way to enjoy autumn flavors without leaving home. This simple recipe allows you to customize the drink to your preferences and enjoy it anytime. Don't wait, try it today and bring a touch of autumn to your kitchen!