Save money and get creative this fall! Make a pumpkin spice latte at home with these DIY recipe ideas inspired by the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks.
The leaves are changing colors, the pumpkins are carved, the Halloween costumes are picked out... all that's missing from this perfect fall day is a PSL. The pumpkin spice latte is a Starbucks fan favorite, and there are thousands of recipes online trying to recreate the seasonal beverage at home. Here, we'll go over 4 ways to get that iconic PSL flavor in the comfort of your own home (and for a lot less money!).
Most online recipes (like this one, from Love and Lemons) use pumpkin puree - canned is just fine! Pumpkin puree is so thick and rich, and it will add a creamy texture and, of course, pumpkin-y flavor to your coffee. For this recipe, you'll create the whole latte right on the stovetop! In a small pot, combine espresso, milk of your choice, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, a pinch of salt, and sweetener, if desired. Try using maple syrup as a sweetener for even more of that fall flavor! Whisk everything together until it's combined and perfectly warm... then pour into your favorite mug and top with frothed milk or whipped cream, and a sprinkle of that pumpkin pie spice.
Starbucks adds its signature pumpkin flavor to coffees and lattes with a sweet, creamy syrup. So, why not make your own? The Kitchn's version of a PSL uses homemade pumpkin syrup that's made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer it on the stovetop to create a pumpkin spice syrup you can keep in your refrigerator. You'll love having it within reach every time a Starbucks craving hits! Stir your homemade sauce into an iced coffee or latte, home-brewed cold brew, or even hot chocolate for a pumpkin-y spin!
If you don't feel like getting *too* creative in the kitchen, snag a ready-to-drink pumpkin spice drink syrup online or at your local grocery store. Brands like Torani, Good & Gather (available at Target!), Monin, and DaVinci all make shelf-stable versions of pumpkin spice syrup. Keep an eye out for pumpkin syrup at discount stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, too.
Another easy way to get the pumpkin spice flavor at home is with a flavored coffee creamer. Now that it's fall, your go-to grocery store probably has a few pumpkin-inspired coffee cream varieties in the dairy section. If you don't have a lot of time to make a specialty coffee drink in the morning, this could be a great (budget-friendly!) option for you.
