Homemade Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
The pumpkin spice latte is the perfect fall drink, but in many places, it's still hot enough outside that you want something cold. That's why I love making an iced pumpkin spice latte, it's a great way to cool down but still feel like you are experiencing autumn the way it's meant to be.
Why this drink works
It may sound a bit odd to pair pumpkin pie-type flavors with coffee, but somehow it works! The trick is that it's more about the spices that pair well with pumpkin than an actual pumpkin flavor.
Making this famous fall drink over ice is ideal for those warm autumn days when you aren't yet ready for a warm beverage.
What ingredients are in a pumpkin spice latte?
As far as creating an iced pumpkin spice latte, the ingredients you need are pumpkin spice syrup/sauce, espresso, milk of your choice, and ice.
Your choice of pumpkin spice sauce or syrup can make all the difference. Here are the most common options:
Pumpkin spice sauce
This option is thicker and usually includes dairy. This is what Starbucks uses.Pumpkin spice syrup
This is thinner and often dairy-free. Many coffee shops use this, and syrup is a typical way to flavor lattes.Homemade pumpkin spice syrup
This recipe of mine is great because you get to control the ingredients!
FAQs
Can I make this without espresso?
Yes, you can. (But, technically, it won't be a latte as that has to include espresso.) If you don't have an espresso machine at home, you can use something like a moka pot, Aeropress or brew double-strength drip coffee. It's all about what tastes best to you!
Is this the same as the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks?
This drink is very similar. The flavor is really going to come down to what kind of syrup or sauce you use to flavor the drink. If you go the DIY route and make your pumpkin spice simple syrup yourself or purchase something that is a "syrup," it will be a bit different but will still have the same flavor profiles.
Starbucks uses a sauce, which is a bit thicker and made with sweetened condensed milk.
Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin spice lattes are perfect for fall, and this homemade iced one is perfect for when it's still warm outside!
Pumpkin spice syrup
2 Tablespoons pureed pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup water
1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
For the iced latte
3 Tbsp pumpkin spice syrup
2 ounces espresso or double-strength coffee
12 ounces milk of your choice
whipped cream (optional)
pumpkin pie spice (optional)
Pumpkin spice syrup
In a small bowl add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove* and stir together. It will look like a paste. Set aside.
In another microwave-safe bowl**, whisk together water and brown sugar.
Heat in microwave for 1 minute. Whisk.
Heat for another 30 seconds – 1 minute until you see it start to boil again. Time depends on your microwave.
Whisk together the pumpkin mixture with the water and brown sugar mixture.
Heat for another 30 seconds – 1 minute until you see it start to boil. Let it boil for 5 seconds.
Let the mixture steep and cool down for 10-15 minutes.
Use a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the syrup. The remaining syrup will be slightly thick.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For the iced latte
Add the pumpkin spice syrup (or sauce works too) to the bottom of your cup.
Pour the espresso or hot coffee over the syrup and make sure it's mixed well by giving it a swirl.
Add in your choice of milk.
Stir the beverage well to make sure the pumpkin spice syrup is fully mixed in.
Add ice to the top.
Top off with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice blend for a finished look! (optional)
Makes a 16-ounce drink
Get in-depth instructions on how to make the pumpkin spice syrup at home!
* Or you can substitute all the spices for 2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice.
** I like using a large glass measuring cup. That way you can see when it boils and there is plenty of space for the liquid to expand.
Drinks