Autumn is still a few weeks away, yet the pumpkin spice craze is here in full swing! With the famous Starbucks pumpkin spice now available nationwide, we thought, why not make it ourselves? With a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up your own delicious pumpkin-flavored drinks right at home.
It's (almost) fall y’all, so get ready for a variety of homemade fall drink recipes, all centered around the beloved pumpkin spice. Whether you're a coffee lover, a tea enthusiast, or simply looking for a cozy treat, there's something here for everyone! But first, what is pumpkin spice?
What Spices are in Pumpkin Spice?
Pumpkin spice is a popular blend of spices often used in fall-flavored foods and drinks. It typically includes a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice; All spices you may already have at home! This warming and aromatic blend creates a cozy and inviting flavor that is perfect for autumn.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice at Home
While you can easily purchase pumpkin spice blend at most grocery stores, it's also fun and rewarding to make your own with this simple pumpkin spice recipe:
Pumpkin Spice Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
Instructions:
- Combine spices: In a small bowl, whisk together all the spices.
- Store: Transfer the spice blend to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place.
Once you have your homemade blend, you can use it in a variety of pumpkin spice recipes, including baked goods, lattes, and other fall-inspired treats! And if you prefer a sweeter pumpkin spice blend, you can add a small amount of granulated sugar to the above recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe with Coffee
Ah, the classic PSL. While Starbucks has made this drink a household name, it's surprisingly easy to recreate at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (your preferred type)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or adjust to your desired sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 shot of espresso (or strong coffee)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- In a mug, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot milk into the mug and stir until combined.
- Add the espresso or strong coffee to the mug.
- Top with whipped cream, if desired.
- To make this an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte, simply pour it over ice!
Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
For a twist on the traditional PSL, try a Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. This recipe combines the warmth and spices of chai tea with the comforting flavors of pumpkin.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (your preferred type)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 chai tea bags
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- In a glass mug, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
- Steep the chai tea bags in the hot milk for 5-7 minutes, or until desired strength.
- Remove the tea bags and add the milk mixture to the glass mug.
- Stir until combined and top with whipped cream, if desired.
- To make this an Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, simply pour it over ice!
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
If you're craving something with NO caffeine, a Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is perfect! Or as some like to call it, a no coffee pumpkin spice latte!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (your preferred type)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted and combined.
- Whisk in the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and top with whipped cream, if desired.
Pumpkin Spice Tea Latte
For a less caffeinated drink or an entirely caffeine-free option, try a Pumpkin Spice Tea Latte!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (your preferred type)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tea bag of your choice (such as black tea, green tea, or chamomile)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- In a glass mug, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
- Steep the tea bag in the hot milk for 5-7 minutes, or until desired strength.
- Remove the tea bag and add the milk mixture to the glass mug.
- Stir until combined and top with whipped cream, if desired.
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cold Brew (with optional cream)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice
- Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half, additional maple syrup to taste
Instructions:
- Combine base ingredients: In a large glass or pitcher, combine the cold brew coffee, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
- Stir well: Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Add cream (optional): If you prefer a creamier texture, add the heavy cream or half-and-half to the mixture. Stir gently to incorporate.
- Adjust sweetness (optional): If you find the drink too sweet, you can add more cold brew coffee or adjust the amount of maple syrup to your desired taste.
- Serve over ice: Pour the cold brew over a glass of ice and enjoy!
For a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: Simply add the heavy cream or half-and-half to the recipe as indicated in step 3. You can also adjust the amount of maple syrup to your preference for a sweeter or less sweet drink.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Drink
- Experiment with different pumpkin purees Not all pumpkin purees are created equal! Some may be sweeter or thicker than others, so adjust the amount of maple syrup accordingly.
- Customize your spices. If you're not a fan of pumpkin pie spice, try experimenting with other spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or cloves.
- Get creative with toppings. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream to your drinks for an extra special touch.
With these delicious and easy-to-make recipes, you can enjoy the cozy flavors of fall at any time, without leaving the comfort of your home! So, which pumpkin spice latte recipe will you try out first?
