Fall is in the air, and that means it’s officially time to indulge in the season’s most iconic drink: the Pumpkin Spice Latte! There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug filled with the comforting flavours of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whether you’re curled up with a good book, watching the leaves fall, or catching up with friends, a homemade pumpkin spice latte is the perfect way to embrace the cosy vibes of autumn. Plus, it’s so much easier to make at home than you might think, and it tastes just as delicious as your favourite coffee shop version—if not better!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

This pumpkin spice latte is the epitome of fall in a cup. It’s creamy, sweet, and bursting with the warm spices that make autumn so special. The best part? You can customize it to your taste, making it as rich, sweet, or spicy as you like. And since you’re making it at home, you know exactly what’s going into your drink—no artificial syrups or preservatives, just pure, delicious ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a cosy morning pick-me-up or a sweet treat to enjoy in the afternoon, this pumpkin spice latte is sure to become a staple in your fall routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

To whip up your very own pumpkin spice latte at home, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Spice Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Latte:

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice syrup (recipe above)
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1-2 shots of espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee
• Whipped cream, for topping
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, for garnish

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home

Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Spice Syrup

The secret to a great pumpkin spice latte is the syrup, and it’s super easy to make at home. Start by combining the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, then add the pumpkin puree and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the syrup has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool, then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of pumpkin and spices. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Step 2: Brew Your Coffee

While your syrup is cooling, brew your coffee. If you have an espresso machine, pull 1-2 shots of espresso. If you don’t, you can use a strong brewed coffee instead—just make sure it’s rich and full-bodied to balance out the sweetness of the syrup.

Step 3: Heat and Froth the Milk

Next, heat your milk. You can do this on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. If you want that classic latte texture, you’ll need to froth the milk. You can use a milk frother, a French press, or even a whisk to create that lovely foam. If you’re using non-dairy milk, oat milk is a great option because it froths well and has a creamy texture.

Step 4: Assemble Your Latte

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together! In your favourite mug, add 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin spice syrup. Pour in your hot espresso or coffee, and give it a good stir to combine. Next, pour in the steamed milk, holding back the froth with a spoon. Once you’ve added the milk, spoon the froth on top to give your latte that perfect finishing touch.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

No pumpkin spice latte is complete without a little extra flair. Top your latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even drizzle a bit of the pumpkin spice syrup on top. Serve it hot and enjoy the cosy, comforting flavours of fall in every sip.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte

1. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your latte less sweet, start with 1 tablespoon of syrup and add more to taste. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.

2. Make It Dairy-Free: This recipe works beautifully with non-dairy milk. Oat milk is my favourite because it’s super creamy and froths well, but almond, soy, or coconut milk would also be delicious.

3. Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of extra spice, feel free to add a pinch more cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the syrup or sprinkle some on top of the whipped cream.

4. Cold Brew Option: For a cold version, use cold brew coffee instead of hot espresso, and skip the heating and frothing of the milk. Simply mix the syrup with the cold brew and cold milk, then serve over ice with a dollop of whipped cream.

5. Batch Making: If you want to have lattes ready to go throughout the week, make a larger batch of syrup and store it in the fridge. You can quickly whip up a pumpkin spice latte whenever the craving hits!

Why Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte is Better

While it’s easy to run to your nearest coffee shop for a pumpkin spice latte, making it at home has its perks. Not only can you control the ingredients and sweetness, but you can also customize it to your exact liking. Plus, the cosy ritual of brewing coffee, heating milk, and stirring in your homemade syrup is a little act of self-care that makes the experience even more special. And let’s be honest, there’s something incredibly satisfying about sipping a delicious, homemade latte that you crafted with your own two hands.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Serving Suggestions

A pumpkin spice latte is perfect on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a sweet treat. Serve it with a slice of pumpkin bread, a cinnamon roll, or a couple of your favourite cookies for a truly indulgent fall moment. If you’re hosting friends for a cosy get-together, offer a variety of toppings like caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, or even mini marshmallows so everyone can customize their lattes.

Storing the Syrup

The pumpkin spice syrup is the star of this recipe, and you’ll definitely want to keep some on hand. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake or stir before using, as the spices may settle. You can also use the syrup to flavour other drinks like chai tea, hot chocolate, or even drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for a festive fall breakfast.

A New Fall Tradition

 

There’s something magical about the first sip of a pumpkin spice latte as the weather starts to cool. It’s like a little celebration of all things autumn—the cosy sweaters, the colourful leaves, the crisp air. Making your own pumpkin spice latte at home adds a special touch to this seasonal ritual, turning it into a moment of pure comfort and joy. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet morning by yourself or sharing it with friends during a fall gathering, this latte is sure to bring warmth and happiness to your autumn days.

Pin This Recipe for Later!

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it so you can come back to it all season long. Let’s make this fall the cosiest one yet, one pumpkin spice latte at a time! 🍁☕🎃