4.9 (23 reviews)
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (Copycat)
Homemade pumpkin spice latte with spice-infused syrup, real pumpkin, and frothed milk. Make Starbucks PSL at home year-round!
Few drinks signal the start of fall like a pumpkin spice latte. This copycat Starbucks pumpkin spice latte brings that iconic flavor home with a homemade pumpkin spice syrup made from real pumpkin and warm spices. You control the sweetness, the strength of the espresso, and the amount of foam, so you can tailor every cup to your taste. Best of all, you can enjoy this autumn beverage any time of year, not just when the leaves start turning.
What Makes This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe So Good
- Real pumpkin flavor from canned pumpkin, not just artificial syrup.
- The homemade syrup is easy to make and keeps in the fridge, so you can have a latte whenever you want.
- You can adjust the sweetness and spice level to your liking, something the coffee shop can't do.
Key Ingredients for a True Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Canned pumpkin adds real pumpkin flavor and body to the syrup. Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. You can substitute with fresh pumpkin puree if you have it.
- Fresh ginger adds a bright, spicy note that dried ginger can't match. You can use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger instead of the 1/2 inch fresh ginger.
- Espresso gives the latte its bold coffee base. If you don't have an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee or a shot of instant espresso.
Kitchen Tools for Making Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Medium saucepan for simmering the syrup
- Coffee filter or fine mesh strainer to remove the spices
- Airtight container for storing the syrup
- Espresso machine or Moka pot for the espresso
- Milk frother or a jar with a tight lid for frothing milk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Spice Syrup and Latte
- Strain the spice water through a coffee filter to get a smooth syrup without any grit.
- Simmer the spices for the full 20 minutes to extract maximum flavor before adding the sugar and pumpkin.
- Stir the sugar and pumpkin into the hot water until completely dissolved to avoid a grainy texture.
- To froth milk without a machine, shake warm milk in a jar with a tight lid for 30 seconds, then microwave for 30 seconds.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Variations to Try
- Dairy-free: Use your favorite milk alternative and skip the whipped cream or use coconut whipped cream.
- Decaf: Use decaf espresso or decaf strong coffee.
- Extra pumpkin: Add an extra tablespoon of canned pumpkin to the syrup for a stronger pumpkin flavor.
- Iced version: Let the espresso and syrup cool, then pour over ice and add cold milk.
Toppings and Sides for Your Pumpkin Spice Latte
Toppings for Your Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Whipped cream, the classic finish
- A dash of ground nutmeg or cinnamon on top
- A cinnamon stick for stirring
Side Dishes to Pair
- Pumpkin bread or a slice of coffee cake
- Biscotti for dipping
How to Store Your Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Store the pumpkin spice syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks, so you can make a batch and enjoy lattes whenever the craving hits. The assembled latte is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the syrup separately.
How to Reheat Your Pumpkin Spice Latte
If you have leftover syrup, you can warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave before using. The latte itself is best made fresh, but you can reheat a finished drink in the microwave for 30 seconds, though the milk may lose its foam.
Source recipe: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (Copycat) (SnapChef ID dde7159a-5c5f-48bf-9c46-5e91edc07aad). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Recipe
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (Copycat)
Ingredients
Instructions
- To make the pumpkin spice syrup, bring the water and spices to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the water through a coffee filter to remove the spices and return the water to the saucepan. Add the sugar and pumpkin, mix well, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To make the pumpkin spice latte, place 2 to 3 tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup in a coffee cup. Add the prepared espresso. Gently pour the frothed milk over the coffee and stir gently. Top with whipped cream and a dash of ground nutmeg.
Notes
- Toppings for Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Whipped cream, the classic finish A dash of ground nutmeg or cinnamon on top A cinnamon stick for stirring Side Dishes to Pair Pumpkin bread or a slice of coffee cake Biscotti for dipping
- Store the pumpkin spice syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks, so you can make a batch and enjoy lattes whenever the craving hits. The assembled latte is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the syrup separately.
Nutrition per serving, estimated
| Calories | 263 kcal | 13% DV |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g | 8% DV |
| Fat | 5 g | 6% DV |
| Carbs | 52 g | 19% DV |
| Sugar | 50 g | — |
| Sodium | 100 mg | 0% DV |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice for the nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, but the flavor will be slightly different. The individual spices give a fresher, more nuanced taste, but the blend works in a pinch.
Can I make this without an espresso machine?
Absolutely. Use strong brewed coffee or a shot of instant espresso dissolved in a little hot water. The key is to have a concentrated coffee base so the drink doesn't get watered down.
How do I froth milk without a frother?
Warm the milk in a saucepan or microwave, then pour it into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then microwave for another 30 seconds. The milk will be foamy and ready to pour over the espresso.
Can I use store-bought pumpkin spice syrup?
Yes, you can skip making the syrup and use 2 to 3 tablespoons of store-bought pumpkin spice syrup. Just add it to the espresso and proceed with the rest of the recipe. The flavor will be close, though not exactly the same as the homemade version.
Can I make this iced?
Yes. Let the espresso and syrup cool to room temperature, then pour over ice and add cold milk. Top with whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg for a refreshing fall drink.
