Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a fall favorite that people wait all year for. It’s a warm, spicy serving of autumn in a mug. A lot of people mistakenly think that there is pumpkin in the drink, but the drink is actually named after a very common spice mix – pumpkin pie spice – which is used to flavor all kinds of pumpkin desserts, from pumpkin bread to pumpkin pie. The Starbucks drink is made with a flavorful syrup that features cinnamon, cloves and other spices that are found in this spice mix.

I whipped up a batch of Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup to use as flavoring for my homemade version of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. My syrup is made with water, sugar and spices – that’s it. It has a warm, spicy flavor and definitely captures the essence of “pumpkin pie spice” in a sweet, concentrated form. It both sweetens your drink and adds that signature pumpkin spice flavor. Once you make the syrup, it will keep in your fridge for at least a week, which should save you several trips to the coffee shop  – or simply entice you to drink twice as many PSLs, since they’re so much more accessible when you can make them in your own kitchen.

You can make your homemade version of the drink with espresso or with coffee, depending on what kind of coffee maker you have at home, and I’ve given directions for both options below.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
5-oz hot coffee*
3 tbsp Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup, or to taste
5-oz hot or steamed milk
whipped cream (optional)

In a large mug, stir together hot coffee and pumpkin spice syrup. Pour in hot milk and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon or garnish with a cinnamon stick before serving.

Serves 1.

*For a true latte, use 1-2 shots of espresso and 8 oz steamed milk.