Craving a warm, cozy drink that screams fall? Look no further than the beloved pumpkin spice latte. This popular seasonal beverage has become a staple in coffee shops worldwide, but did you know that you can easily make it at home? With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of know-how, you can make pumpkin spice latte anytime you want.
Why Pumpkin Spice Latte Is The Perfect Drink For Fall
There’s something about the warm, comforting spices of a Pumpkin Spice Latte that makes it the perfect drink for fall. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove creates a cozy, nostalgic feeling that evokes memories of crisp autumn days and cozy nights by the fire.
The pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the drink, while the espresso provides a much-needed caffeine boost. The combination of flavors and textures makes the Pumpkin Spice Latte a comforting and indulgent treat that’s perfect for sipping on a chilly fall day.
With that being said, let’s explore how to make pumpkin spice latte with our step-by-step guide.
Ingredients needed for Pumpkin Spice Latte
To make pumpkin spice latte, you will need the following ingredients:
- Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee
The base of any latte is espresso or strong brewed coffee. You can use either one for your pumpkin spice latte, depending on your preference. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a Moka pot or a French press to make strong brewed coffee.
- Milk (Can Include Alternatives like Almond, Oat, or Soy)
The milk you use will affect the taste and texture of your latte. Whole milk will make your latte creamier, while skim milk will make it lighter. You can also use alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk if you prefer.
- Pumpkin Puree (Store-Bought or Homemade)
Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient in a pumpkin spice latte. You can use store-bought or homemade pumpkin puree. If you make your own, be sure to strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
- Pumpkin Spice Mix
To give your latte that classic pumpkin spice flavor, you’ll need pumpkin spice mix. You can buy pre-made pumpkin spice mix or make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. A Pumpkin Spice Mix consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice.
- Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds a sweet, comforting flavor to your latte. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- Sugar or Sweetener of Choice
To sweeten your latte, you can use sugar or a sweetener of your choice. Brown sugar, honey, and maple syrup are all great options.
- Whipped Cream (Optional)
If you want to take your latte to the next level, top it off with whipped cream. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own by whipping heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla extract.
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to make pumpkin spice latte!
💡Background Information
Pumpkin Spice Mix vs. Pumpkin Puree
If making your own pumpkin puree is too complicated for you, you can make your pumpkin spice latte with just the spices. However, to make pumpkin puree, roast a small pumpkin in the oven until it is soft and tender, then blend it until smooth. You can add a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree to your latte for a richer taste.
Equipment Needed for Pumpkin Spice Latte
To make pumpkin spice latte at home, you will need a few pieces of equipment. Here are the essential items you will need to make your perfect pumpkin spice latte.
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
To make espresso for your latte, you will need an espresso machine. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a coffee maker instead. Just make a strong cup of coffee, and it will work just as well.
- Saucepan (for the milk mixture)
You will need a saucepan to heat up the milk mixture for your latte. It’s essential to use a saucepan that is large enough to hold the milk without overflowing.
- Whisk or frother
To create the perfect frothy milk for your latte, you will need a whisk or frother. A frother is a handy tool that can create a creamy, frothy milk with ease. If you don’t have a frother, you can use a whisk instead.
- Mug
Finally, you will need a mug to serve your pumpkin spice latte. Choose a mug that is large enough to hold all the deliciousness of your latte, but not too big that it will cool down too quickly.
That’s it! With these essential pieces of equipment, you will be able to make a delicious pumpkin spice latte at home.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte
To make pumpkin spice latte, you need to start with the perfect blend of spices. Here’s how to make your own pumpkin spice blend at home:
1. Mixing the Spices
To create your pumpkin spice blend, you’ll need to mix together the following spices:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
Mix the spices together in a small bowl until they are well combined. You can adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your taste, but be careful not to add too much nutmeg, cloves or allspice, as they can be overpowering.
2. Preparing the Pumpkin Milk Mixture
To make pumpkin spice latte, you need to prepare the pumpkin milk mixture first. Here’s how you can do it:
- Combine milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar in a saucepan
Take a saucepan and add 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to it. Use a whisk to combine all the ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Heat until hot but not boiling, whisking continuously
Place the saucepan on the stove and heat the mixture over medium heat. Keep whisking the mixture continuously to avoid any lumps or scorching. Heat the mixture until it becomes hot but not boiling.
- Stir in pumpkin spice and vanilla extract
Once the mixture is hot, add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to it. Whisk the mixture again to combine all the ingredients together.
3. Preparing the Espresso
To make pumpkin spice latte, you’ll need to start by preparing a strong espresso shot or a coffee.
With either method, you’ll want to make sure your coffee is strong enough to stand up to the other flavors in the pumpkin spice latte. For a standard 12-ounce latte (355ml), you’ll want to use about 2 ounces (60ml) of espresso or 6-8 ounces (180-240ml) of strong coffee.
4. Combining
- Pour the coffee or espresso into a mug
Once you have brewed your coffee or pulled your espresso shot, it’s time to pour it into your mug. Make sure to leave enough room for the pumpkin milk mixture and whipped cream.#
- Add the pumpkin milk mixture
Slowly pour the pumpkin milk mixture into the mug with the coffee or espresso. Stir well to ensure that the flavors are fully combined.
5. Adding Sweetener
Once you have finished the last steps, you can add sweetener, to your latte. Here are a few options:
- Brown sugar: This adds a rich, caramel flavor to your latte.
- Maple syrup: This adds a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the spices.
- Honey: This adds a subtle sweetness and a floral flavor.
6. Toppings
Finish off your pumpkin spice latte by adding a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. Don’t have whipped cream at home? Then you could try to make some whipped cream with coffee creamer. You can also sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin spice on top for an extra burst of flavor.
To make your pumpkin spice latte even more festive, you can add a cinnamon stick or a drizzle of caramel syrup on top. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall in every sip.
Storing and Reusing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pumpkin milk mixture, you can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply, store the mixture in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. If you want to use it again, heat the mixture in a saucepan, but don’t boil it.
💡Protip
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
If you don’t want to invest too much time to make pumpkin spice latte, you can also make a pumpkin spice coffee creamer and use it to give your favorite drink a fall flavor every now and then.
FAQ – How To Make Pumpkin Spice Latte
What is Starbucks pumpkin spice latte made of?
Starbucks pumpkin spice latte is made of espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin spice flavoring, and whipped cream. The pumpkin spice flavoring is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. Starbucks also uses real pumpkin puree in their pumpkin spice latte.
What is pumpkin spice made of?
Pumpkin spice is a blend of spices that is commonly used in fall recipes. It typically consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. Some recipes may also include allspice or cardamom. Pumpkin spice is often used in pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and other fall treats.
Is Starbucks pumpkin spice latte made with coffee?
Yes, Starbucks pumpkin spice latte is made with coffee. The base of this popular drink is espresso, which is mixed with a pumpkin spice flavored syrup, steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice seasoning.
If you liked our guide on how to make pumpkin spice latte, don’t forget to leave us a comment down and share your thoughts on this topic.
