How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home

Crisp fall mornings with steamy lattes, toasty marshmallow evenings, and best of all, the comfort food! What's not to love?

Vancouver is Part of Pumpkin Spice History

In the fall of 2003, Starbucks chose Vancouver and Washington D.C. as the first test markets for a new seasonal coffee drink. One of the original names put forward was "Fall Harvest Latte." But since that didn't describe what was actually in the drink, Pumpkin Spice Latte was chosen instead. PSL - the now universal shorthand for the drink- was a massive hit here, and in D.C., PSL rolled out worldwide by the following year.

What Makes a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream - what's not to love? The blend of spices includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves. But how do they get the pumpkin in there? The PSL didn't contain any pumpkin for the first few years; Starbucks responded to public demand and added actual pumpkin.

It's a Calorie, Fat, Carb and Sugar Bomb… but you Already Knew That

With chilly mornings upon us and the leaves turning to gold, you deserve a sweet warm-up, right? Sure, just not every day because of 380 calories, 14 grams of fat, 52 grams of carbs and 50 grams of sugar.

Pumpkin Spice Everything

We agree that Pumpkin Spice has gotten ridiculously out of hand. Hint: Pumpkin Spice Spam. Also spotted and new this year, you guessed it, Pumpkin Spice face masks! Every coffee shop chain and most independent shops have their own version of the fall favourite, and speaking of fall, which officially starts on September 22nd, PSL season launched on August 24th this year.

Best Coffee beans for a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Think bold - you need a good strong shot of espresso or a robust dark roast coffee to cut through all that previously mentioned fat and sugar. Here are our Roaster Central suggestions for coffee beans that work for espresso, pour-over and drip machines.

• 9 Bar - Espresso Italia
• Caffé D'arte Coffee - Meaning of Life
• Caffè Artigiano - Private Reserve Espresso

Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Here's how to make a spicy, creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte at home.

• 3/4 oz. 1883 Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• 2 oz. Espresso
• Steamed Milk
• Whipped cream

Combine ingredients, except milk, in a serving cup. Stir and set aside. Steam milk in a frothing pitcher & pour steamed milk into a 12 oz—serving cup. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon/nutmeg.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe - with Actual Pumpkin!

Note: Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling

• 2 tbsp. pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup hot espresso or strongly brewed coffee
• Whipped cream

In a small pot on the stove, combine pumpkin puree, sugar and pumpkin spice. Stir for a couple of minutes until blended. Add steamed or warmed milk and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a mason jar, cover and shake vigorously to create a foamy mixture. Pour espresso or coffee into a tall mug, top with pumpkin/milk mixture and whipped cream.

Happy Fall

Kick through some leaves, visit a pumpkin patch and get back to sweater weather! Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Latte season; after all, it's only here for a short time.