Pumpkin Spice Latte (Better Than Starbucks!)

This Pumpkin Spice Latte is real: and better than Starbucks! Cozy pumpkin spice and real pumpkin make up this iconic drink.

When it comes to fall drinks, nothing beats the big ones Pumpkin Spice Latte. Of course, you’re familiar with Starbucks’ iconic drink that seems to launch earlier in the season every year (right?). But have you ever tried a real PSL? This isn’t some super sweet orange drink with whipped cream. No, this is a real café latte: with real pumpkin and pumpkin spice. Take a sip and taste it unbelievable: As if you just walked into a posh craft coffee shop. How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte… Better Than Starbucks!

What’s in this Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe?

This pumpkin spice latte recipe is a special version from Starbucks that uses the traditional technique of making a latte. There is no whipped cream here, but delicious steamed or frothed milk with pleasant spices. It’s so delicious, you’ll be addicted to it in no time. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• espresso
• pumpkin puree
• maple syrup
• whole milk (or oat milk for dairy free)
• Pumpkin Pie Spice

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte: Basic Steps

There are few steps to prepare this drink but different ways of preparation. Here are the outlines of how to make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at home:

• Step 1: Prepare a double espresso (see methods below).
• Step 2: Mix it with the pumpkin puree and the maple syrup.
• Step 3: Steam or froth the milk pumpkin taste (see methods below).
• Step 4: Pour the frothed milk into the pumpkin espresso.

For the espresso

You need to make an espresso for a Pumpkin Spice Latte: you can use strong coffee, but it’s not the same! There are a few methods of making espresso with and without a machine. Here’s what you need

• Espresso roast coffee: Roasting is important to get the right dark, bitter taste. Be sure to finely grind the espresso when preparing it.
• espresso machine: The best way to prepare espresso is with a tabletop espresso machine: it makes the best espresso, hands down! But it’s quite expensive.
• Manual espresso machine or French Press or Moka Pot (Bialetti): Without a machine, you can use a small manual espresso machine: it’s cheaper and portable! French press espresso is great, or you can brew moka pot coffee for a dark, espresso-like flavor.

How to steam milk with an espresso machine (perfect PSL)

The tool you need to froth milk? An espresso machine with a steamer! This gives the most perfect microfoam with the creamy “wet color” type texture you need for a latte. However, you will need an espresso machine for this method. If you don’t have one, read on! How to Heat Milk for a Pumpkin Spice Latte:

• Hold the steam wand just below the surface of the milk until it doubles in size. This creates a fluffy foam.
• Move the wand down near the side of the pitcher to create a spiral vortex. This results in the micro-foam bubbles being silky smooth and the characteristic wet-paint texture of a latte.
• Steam until the milk reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit: Use a thermometer or judge if your hand cannot hold the jug for more than a few seconds. For more information, see How to Steam Milk!

How to froth milk

You don’t have an espresso machine for the Pumpkin Spice Latte? You can just heat and froth the milk, which makes it almost as good. You need to heat the milk to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and then choose one of the following methods. We recommend reading the milk frothing guide for full details on each method. Here are some great home barista tools for frothing milk:

• portable milk frother. A handheld milk frother is very inexpensive ($12) and works well. It makes milk extremely foamy (you can also use it to make cold foam and many other lattes).
• French press. If you have a French Press, it’s great for making mousse! It makes a nice frothy foam with slightly larger bubbles than the frother.
• Whisk or covered glass. A whisk also works, or you can just pour the milk into a covered glass and shake. These methods aren’t as good as the first two, but they work in a pinch!

Once you figure out your espresso method and your steam or frothing method, you’re good to go! Head over to the Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe to get started.

Use store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice

Final note on ingredients! Many pumpkin recipes and pumpkin drinks use pumpkin pie spice mix, a warming spice mix typically used in pumpkin pie. You can use a store-bought mix or, if you can’t find it, make your own. To make it at home, mix the following items:

• 2 tablespoons of cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Variation: Make a Frozen Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Like every good latte, this Pumpkin Spice Latte also has an iced variant. Try the Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte! It’s a lot easier to make at home because you don’t have to worry about steaming or frothing the milk. Simply shake the pumpkin spice milk and then pour over ice with the pumpkin espresso. Head over to Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte to make it!

More latte recipes

This Pumpkin Spice Latte is one of a long list of lattes you can make at home! If you love being your own barista (and we do), try these favorites: