How to Make Pumpkin Spice Coffee 3 Ways
Fall has officially arrived, and you know what that means: pumpkin spice is everywhere. Muffins, cakes, cookies, and pumpkin spice lattes are popping up on menus and in grocery stores everywhere. There really is no better time of year.
But let’s be honest for a minute; pumpkin spice coffee and lattes are a bit too expensive. Even though they’re delicious, they’re often overpriced. That cost is a stopping block from reaching total pumpkin spice enjoyment.
So today, we’re going to walk through some different ways that you can make pumpkin spice coffee at home. Not only will it save you money, but it will save you all the time it takes to head to the coffee shop and the hassle of waiting in line. So buckle in and get ready to be your own barista.
What Is Pumpkin Spice?
Pumpkin spice is a flavor that can be added to just about anything. That’s why you see so many pumpkin spice items pop up around the fall. It’s a combination of spices that give off a strong, yet pleasant, aroma and flavor.
And we hate to burst your bubble, but, believe it or not, most of the time there is no actual real pumpkin or pumpkin puree in a pumpkin spice latte. Pumpkin spice is simply the spices that are used to flavor a typical pumpkin pie.
There are several different potential combinations, but for the most part, it’s ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground ginger, and sometimes allspice.
A Brief History of Pumpkin Spice
The spices that are put in pumpkin spice have been around for millenia. In particular, nutmeg has been a spice used in food for roughly 3500 years.
But the modern combination of pumpkin spice didn’t pop up until the 1790s. These spices were used to flavor pumpkin pie. Then, the first pumpkin pie spice mix came in the early 1900s, with the invention of canned pumpkin puree.
Pumpkin pie spice was well-loved and used in baking frequently throughout the 20th century. But it wasn’t until 2003 that the pumpkin spice craze really exploded. We have large coffee chains to thank for that.
The peppermint mocha and eggnog latte were huge hits with a certain big coffee chain. They wanted to replicate that success for the fall season — so they released the limited pumpkin spice latte, and made it available for a short time of year.
Originally, the pumpkin spice latte only contained the spice combination, but in 2015, one chain started to add actual pumpkin to the mix as well, making it a true pumpkin spice latte.
Pumpkin spice has exploded in popularity ever since. Now we have everything from lattes to candles to car fragrances with pumpkin spice.
Why Do We Love It so Much?
Pumpkin spice is one of the most popular coffee flavors of all time. People go absolutely crazy for it, and there is a psychological reason for this. The biggest reason why the pumpkin spice craze has swept the world is because of the rich feelings of nostalgia it brings.
These spices have been around for hundreds of years. They’re also used in recipes like pumpkin pie, apple pie, and dozens of other classic desserts and baked goods. Sometimes people mistake the smell of pumpkin spice for apple pie.
Because of the dozens of uses of these famous spices, these aromas are associated with family, holidays, and other positive memories in our brains. So whenever we smell or taste them, it brings pleasant feelings to our minds.
In addition, the exclusivity and limited availability of pumpkin spice every year create a feeling of urgency in our brains. Who doesn’t get excited about the prospect of enjoying a delicious PSL?
Some Pumpkin Spice Coffee Recipes
Now that we know a bit more about pumpkin spice, what it is, and where it comes from, it’s time for the moment we’ve been waiting for: homemade pumpkin spice latte recipes.
Here are some delicious ways you can make pumpkin spice coffee right in the comfort of your own home.
The Whole Shabang
First, let’s talk about how to make a pumpkin spice latte the full way. The downsides of this recipe are that it requires a lot of equipment (espresso machine, coffee grinder, and a milk frother). It takes a good bit of time to prepare, but the upsides are that it makes a delicious drink.
To start, mix the following ingredients in a glass:
- 1-2 Tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1-2 Tablespoons maple syrup (for sweetener)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or whatever milk you like)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
You can heat up the milk ahead of time to make for a hot latte or keep it chilled to have an iced latte. It’s your choice. Once all the ingredients are in, take a milk frother and froth your milk to give it that beautiful foamy texture. Top with ice if you’re going for an iced drink
Next, grind some coffee on the fine setting of your coffee grinder. Pack your portafilter with your ground coffee and tamp it down, then pull a shot of espresso. Once your espresso is ready, pour it over your glass of milk, give it a stir, and it’s. Top it with whipped cream if you’re feeling a little sweet, and enjoy.
This version has loads of spices, contains actual pumpkin flavor, and has a great texture. It requires a lot of work and prep time, but it’s still super delicious.
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
If you know you’re going to be making a lot of pumpkin spice lattes in the future, it might be worth it to make a batch of pumpkin spice syrup for your homemade lattes.
To do this, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cup water
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 4 Tablespoons pumpkin puree
Start by putting your sugar and water into a saucepan and bringing it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, and then add your other ingredients. Let that mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, remove it from the heat, and strain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.
Now you have a delicious, flavorful pumpkin spice syrup. To make a latte with it, add your desired amount of syrup with some espresso or coffee concentrate, add your milk, and enjoy.
The initial work to make the syrup is a bit involved, but after that, you’ll be able to make yummypumpkin spice lattes quickly and with ease. It’s a great way to up your latte game, but if you don’t want to do the extra work, you can always go with a store-bought syrup as well.
The Easiest Way
Both of these ways are delicious, but there are days when you want that delicious PSL but don’t have the time to make it before you rush out the door for a busy day. On days like that, here’s an easier way to get the delicious drink you crave.
The secret to this recipe is Javy Pumpkin Spice Coffee Concentrate. It’s a cold brew coffee concentrate made from delicious, high-quality beans, and that concentrate is sweetened and flavored with a delicious pumpkin spice flavor.
Because your coffee and pumpkin spice are all in the same place, making a delicious pumpkin latte has never been easier. All you need to do is add one or two tablespoons of the coffee concentrate to a glass or mug, top it off with milk, and enjoy.
The total time it takes to make this recipe is only a matter of seconds. This method is both delicious and incredibly simple. Not to mention, it’s the most affordable option of the bunch. A 30-serving bottle of Javy only costs $22.95, so it’s less than one dollar per cup. That’s unbeatable!
PSLs at Home
Now you know three ways that you can make pumpkin spice lattes at home. One way has great texture and bold flavor, one way uses a fun syrup, and one way combines delicious flavor and ease.
All things considered, Javy Pumpkin Spice Coffee Concentrate seems like the way to go. It’s delicious and fast — just what you need during all the hustle and bustle of fall. Head to Javy today and get yourself a bottle so you can be stocked up for the whole fall. Delicious pumpkin spice lattes are in your future, every morning if you want.
Sources:
Allow Me To Change Your Mind: The Popularity of Pumpkin Spice | The Highlander
Here's Why the Smell of Pumpkin Spice Moves Us, According to Science | NPR
