Pumpkin spice latte: a spicy autumn drink

You’re craving a warm coffee with that typical spicy autumn flavour. At the coffee bar, a pumpkin spice latte often tastes delicious, but also quite sweet and not exactly kind to your wallet. Just adding a bit of cinnamon to your coffee at home doesn’t give the same result.

That’s a shame, because making it yourself isn’t complicated at all. With the right spices, good coffee and creamy milk you can make a pumpkin spice latte in just a few minutes that tastes full and balanced.

What is a pumpkin spice latte?

A pumpkin spice latte is a warm coffee drink based on espresso, milk and a spicy spice mix known as pumpkin spice. This mix usually consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. Sometimes real pumpkin puree is added for extra creaminess and a slight sweet flavour.

The drink became popular through coffee chains in autumn and has since grown into a fixed favourite during the season. The combination of coffee, milk and spices provides a full, warming flavour that’s perfect for cooler days.

When you make a pumpkin spice latte yourself, you have more control over the sweetness and the intensity of the spices. This way you get a coffee that’s better balanced and exactly suits your taste.

Recipe information & ingredients

Recipe information

  • Preparation time: 10 minutes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Number of glasses: 1
  • Category: Coffee recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 shot espresso or 1 cup strong coffee
  • 200 ml milk or plant-based milk
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice spice mix
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon sugar, honey or syrup
  • Optional: whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon

Tip: No pumpkin puree at home? You can leave it out. The spice mix still provides that recognisable pumpkin spice flavour.

Preparation instructions

  1. Brew a shot of espresso or a cup of strong coffee and set it aside.

  2. Put the milk in a small saucepan and add the pumpkin spice spice mix, pumpkin puree and sweetener. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring constantly until everything is well dissolved. Do not boil.

  3. Froth the warm milk with a milk frother or whisk until creamy.

  4. Pour the coffee into a large glass or mug and add the spiced milk.

  5. Finish with milk foam and optionally a pinch of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.

Serving tips and variations

A pumpkin spice latte is best served in a large mug or heatproof glass. This keeps the drink warm longer and releases the spice aromas well.

Pumpkin spice latte without pumpkin: leave out the pumpkin puree and use only the spice mix. The latte remains spicy and recognisable, but slightly less creamy.

Like at Starbucks: use whole milk, a bit more sweetener and finish with whipped cream and a pinch of pumpkin spice or cinnamon.

Which coffee is best to use?

For a pumpkin spice latte, it’s best to choose a coffee with enough body. An espresso from medium to dark roasted coffee beans works well here.

Whole milk gives the creamiest result, while oat and almond milk are nice plant-based alternatives, especially varieties suitable for frothing.

Frequently asked questions about the pumpkin spice latte recipe
What’s in pumpkin spice spices?
Pumpkin spice usually consists of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Together, these spices create the warm, spicy flavour that is so typical of this drink.
Is a pumpkin spice latte always made with coffee?
You can leave out the espresso and use only warm milk with pumpkin spice spices. This way you make a spicy milk drink without caffeine.
Can I make a pumpkin spice latte vegan?
Use a plant-based milk such as oat or almond and choose a plant-based sweetener. Leave out the whipped cream or use a plant-based alternative.
How sweet should a pumpkin spice latte be?
That varies by flavour. In coffee bar versions, the latte is often quite sweet, but at home you decide this yourself. Start with a small amount of sweetener and add more if needed until it is well balanced.