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Making a pumpkin spice latte at home is a fast and delicious way to enjoy autumn’s best coffee drink! Made with real pumpkin sauce, delicious espresso, and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice this recipe tastes just like Starbucks – but without the coffee shop price!
I’m all about a coffee shop drink without the coffee shop price, and this pumpkin spice latte is no exception! Find directions for both hot and cold versions of a homemade pumpkin spice latte below!
Ingredients for this recipe
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup – you can buy some online or make a homemade version that contains real pumpkin puree!
- Espresso – or very strongly brewed coffee, find tips on coffee preparation below.
- Milk or milk alternative
- Whipped Cream
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
How to make a PSL at home
- Add pumpkin spice syrup to a glass. Either use a homemade recipe or purchase some online.
- Stir in the espresso or brewed coffee. This will make sure the pumpkin flavor gets throughout the whole drink.
- Add the steamed milk. You can either use a milk steamer, handheld frother, or simply add warm milk to the glass.
- Topped with whipped cream. And a sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy!
What can I use instead of espresso?
Trying to make a Starbucks-inspired drink at home but don’t have an espresso maker? Never fear! There are methods to make a strongly brewed cup of coffee that works just as well in a pinch.
A traditional Grande-sized (16 ounce) pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks contains two shots of their espresso. Their double shot is 1.5 ounces while my espresso machine makes 2-ounce double shots. Feel free to adjust the amount of espresso to your personal preferences when making your own latte at home.
If you don’t have an espresso machine at home, I recommend using 3 ounces of very strongly brewed coffee so it doesn’t taste weak.
In a drip maker – to brew an extra strong cup of coffee at home, I recommend 3 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. This will get you about two servings of coffee to make two lattes.
Moka pot – A moka pot is a great option if you don’t have an espresso machine! It will brew a beautifully strong cup of coffee right on your stovetop. I recommend 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water for a strong moka brew.
Making a latte without a milk frother
While I love my milk frother and use it daily, not everyone has one!
To make steamed milk without a milk frother: place 8 – 12 ounces of your preferred milk in a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until milk is steaming hot. Remove from heat and whisk vigorously for 10 seconds before pouring into glass.
Making an iced pumpkin spice latte at home
To make an iced version of a PSL combine your pumpkin syrup with brewed espresso in a tall glass. Fill the glass with a generous scoop of ice and top with the milk of your choice, a spray of whipped cream, and sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice.
You could also use homemade cold brew coffee or cold brew coffee concentrate in place of the espresso if you don’t have an espresso machine!
Ingredient substitutions
- Milks – we use whole milk in our house, but if you prefer 2% or less, feel free to use that. Milk alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat will work just as well in the recipe, too!
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup – I highly recommend using my homemade pumpkin spice syrup but you can buy it from various brands online
- Espresso – strongly brewed coffee can be substituted for the espresso in this recipe (Refer to above sections on how to do this!)
Pumpkin Spice Latte (Hot & Iced)
Equipment
- Espresso Maker
- Milk Frother
- Mugs
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon pumpkin spice syrup (more or less depending on how sweet you like it)
- 2 shots espresso (or 3 ounces strongly brewed coffee)
- 8 ounces milk of choice
- Whipped cream , for serving
- Pumpkin pie spice , for serving
Instructions
For a hot pumpkin spice latte:
- In a mug, combine 1 – 3 tablespoon pumpkin spice syrup and 2 shots of espresso.
- Using a milk frother, or the stovetop method, steam 8 – 12 ounces of milk and pour over the espresso mixture.
- Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick to serve, if desired.
For an iced pumpkin spice latte:
- Combine 1 – 3 tablespoon pumpkin syrup and 2 shots espresso in a tall glass.
- Fill the glass with a generous scoop of ice and top with the milk of your choice, a spray of whipped cream, and sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick to serve, if desired.
Notes
- Recipe makes one drink, is easily multiplied.
- Refer to post for instructions on espresso, syrup, and milk substitutions.
Mandy says
Just used this in my coffee this morning and now I’m SO READY for autumn!! Love this so much.
Amanda Gajdosik says
This thrills me to hear, Mandy! Happy pumpkin season! <3