DIY Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Pumpkin spice food and drinks are incredibly popular, inciting the feeling of colder weather and warm atmospheres enjoyed with friends and family. Though pumpkin spice is usually associated with autumn, the flavour can be enjoyed all year round. Discover how to create your own DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte with the Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Tumblers from Stanley to enjoy this fall classic whenever you like.

Ways to Enjoy Your Pumpkin Spice Latte

The drinking experience is important for specialty drinks like a pumpkin spice latte. You might find a perfect setting, under a blanket in your living room or out on a porch or patio taking in the autumn atmosphere.

You will also likely have a favourite coffee cup or mug for drinking your latte. If you venture outside or enjoy your coffee on the go, a thermos or covered mug is most practical. However, if you’re at home and want a generous dollop of whipped cream, a mug or cup will serve you better.

1. Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte

You will probably want to savour your pumpkin spice latte. If you’re drinking it hot, you need the right cup to keep it at the ideal 140- to 160-degree level for as long as possible. A mug with a tight lid is ideal for this purpose. A quality cup will keep the drink hot for four hours, giving you plenty of time to sip through the morning.

2. Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ice will keep your latte cold while you drink it. However, it presents a different problem. Once it melts, the ice will dilute the flavours, giving your drink a more watery taste. A standard 1-inch ice cube melts in 15 to 20 minutes in cold liquid in a normal cup.

An insulated travel mug or other similar covered beverage holder can bring two benefits. First, it keeps the drink colder for longer, slowing the melting process. Second, you may be able to add more cold milk and use less ice to reach and maintain the desired temperature for your iced latte.

How Do You Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home?

Creating your Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) at home is a great way to enjoy a sweet treat during the work day or if you’re hosting guests. There is a sense of accomplishment from mastering the art of home coffee-making and using the right products, like an insulated mug, to make the experience of enjoying a hot beverage on a crisp day last longer.

Here is a recipe to get you started on the road to pumpkin spice latte perfection.

The Ingredients of a Pumpkin Spice Latte

A pumpkin spice latte’s ingredients can vary depending on your tastes and need for convenience.

Lattes are coffee drinks, so the recipe starts with your beans.

  • A double shot of espresso is typical for a regular-size (355 to 473 ml) latte. You can add more or less, according to your taste.
  • Brewed coffee is an alternative. You may want to make it stronger than usual. With regular-strength brewed coffee, the flavour will disappear behind the milk and spices.
  • Espresso roast or other very darkly roasted beans are the best option for getting the right balance of coffee flavour.

Lattes require one part espresso to 3.5 parts steamed milk.

  • Whole milk brings the creamiest texture after steaming due to its fat content, which helps preserve the surface tension of the tiny bubbles. However, low-fat or skim milk also works, depending on your dietary needs.
  • Almond, soy, and oat milk can serve as alternatives. You can steam these beverages, but since they may not froth like cow's milk, try opting for barista-certified alternative milk to get the best consistency.
  • The best milk substitute for iced lattes may be different than for hot ones because you don’t have to worry about flavour changes brought on by steaming.

Flavours are what set pumpkin spice apart from other lattes. Your flavouring agents can vary depending on your tastes and the amount of time you have to spend on the brewing process.

  • Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice mix are the best options if you prefer natural flavours.
  • If you do not have a ready-made spice mix, you can concoct your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
  • Pumpkin spice flavour mixtures, in liquid or powder form, can serve as an alternative if you are pressed for time. However, they may compromise the flavour.
  • Lattes traditionally use sugar as a sweetener, but honey and sugar substitutes also work. You might consider maple syrup if you want an extra authentic taste.

Once you have the ingredients in hand, it’s time to focus on putting it all together.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Here are the steps to create your ideal hot pumpkin spice latte.

  • Brew your espresso. You will want to use a fine grind to ensure the right strength. The coffee goes into the cup first to ensure the other ingredients don’t stick to the bottom.
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  • Mix the spices. The easiest option is to mix the puree and spices into the coffee before adding milk. This allows you to stir well without spilling milk over the edge.
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  • Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pie spices. That’s ¼ tsp each of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Follow the manufacturer’s directions if you use store-bought powdered or liquid pumpkin spice flavouring.
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  • Froth the milk. You can increase the temperature to meet your preferences. Opinions differ, but most suggest a temperature between 140 and 160 degrees. If you go hotter than 170 degrees, the milk could scald, leaving you with a burnt flavour.
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  • Pour your milk, leaving a generous layer of froth on top. You can create this by holding the steamer wand right at the surface when steaming milk. You can add whipped cream instead of froth.
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    The PSL iced version uses similar ingredients but in different proportions.

  • Brew the espresso and mix the spices just like a hot latte. The puree and spices need to be hot to mix properly, so do not add ice or milk during this step.
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  • Add cold milk or milk alternatives to the mixture. You will mix again at this point to cool down the coffee and spice. Most recipes call for two parts milk. Depending on your preferred temp, you can add more.
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  • Add ice. Ice will eventually melt, watering down the drink. Add one to two parts of ice last.
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    Insulated cups can also keep drinks cold, slowing down the ice-melting process.

    Pumpkin Spice Recipe Additions

    1. Adding Extra Flavours

    Creating your own pumpkin spice latte at home not only allows you to save money but also gives you the freedom to customise the drink to suit your taste preferences, elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Enhance the traditional pumpkin and spice flavours and create a cosy, comforting beverage by incorporating additional flavours such as:

    • Caramel drizzle for a rich, buttery sweetness
    • Chocolate syrup or cocoa powder for a mocha-pumpkin twist
    • Vanilla extract for a subtle sweetness
    • Hazelnut syrup for a nutty depth

    2. Garnishes and Toppings

    Garnishes and toppings can elevate both the flavour and visual appeal of your PSL. 

    • Whip your own cream with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice and a dash of vanilla extract for a spiced whipped cream that's far from ordinary
    • Add a cinnamon stick and a piece of star anise atop the whipped cream for a garnish that's as aromatic as it is beautiful. 
    • For a delightful crunch, lightly toast some pumpkin seeds and sprinkle them over your drink. 
    • For an extra sweet treat, scatter a mix of chocolate and caramel chips on top of the whipped cream, where they'll melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness.

    Introducing the Stanley x  Pumpkin Spice Collection

    One of the things that making pumpkin spice lattes at home enables us to do is to reduce our reliance on single-use cups. The new, limited edition Stanley Pumpkin Spice collection, including a 30 and 40-ounce Quencher, are lasting solutions for those looking to make this eco-friendly shift.

    Pumpkin Spice Quencher

    This new tumbler captures the essence of autumn with its deep fall colours, featuring burnt orange hues with warm bronze accents and a spice-tinted lid, perfect for bringing a sense of autumn fun and transeasonal goodness all year round.

    The 40-ounce capacity ensures you can enjoy your homemade beverage throughout the day, while the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps your drink at your desired temperature. The innovative FlowState™ 3-position lid adds to its versatility, with settings for a reusable straw, a straw-less sip, and a fully closed position, catering to your drinking preferences at any moment. Plus, this quencher’s design fits snugly in your car cup holder.

    Discover the perfect way to enjoy your favourite Pumpkin Spice Latte creations with the Stanley Pumpkin Spice Collection, available for a limited time only.

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