The Pumpkin Spice Latte is one of the most popular drinks from Starbucks. This is a coffee drink that you make by mixing pumpkin pie spice, steamed milk, sugar, pumpkin puree, espresso, and you can also add some whipped cream on top if you like. The Starbucks version often comes with the topping of cream. It’s the perfect mix of caffeine and warm spice. This drink is a real treat, especially when you have just come indoors from the cold and when you want something to warm yourself up.
The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte first made its debut in 2003 and has been a fall favorite ever since. Its warm, comforting flavors encapsulate everything we love about fall – the changing colors, cozy sweaters, and of course, pumpkin patches.
The uniqueness of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte lies not just in its flavor, but also in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. It’s a drink that’s much more than just coffee; it’s a seasonal tradition, a symbol of the onset of autumn.
This is perhaps the most popular Starbucks’s drink for the fall and the holiday season. The only problem is that the pumpkin spice latte is seasonal. This is such a satisfying drink that it may even replace dessert. You can prepare the latte for yourself or serve it if friends are coming over to your place.
How To Make Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
To make the latte, you may either use your stovetop or the microwave. Be careful if you use the microwave because milk can spill over. The latte is made with three main ingredients. They are –
- Pumpkin sauce
- Espresso
- Milk
Espresso – You can make the espresso with your espresso machine, with a “moka” or macchinetta, or with K-Cup machines. Get a macchinetta if you currently don’t have any of them at home. They are affordable, easy to use, and very popular in many corners of the world. Many people are convinced that they make the best espressos. There are many good brands that make macchinettas like Grosche and Bialetti.
Milk – Like any latte, you will have to froth the milk for this recipe. The milk can be frothed by simply warming it (stovetop or microwave) and by whisking it. However, if you are planning to make the pumpkin spice latter at home or even cappuccinos and other lattes, then you should plan to purchase a simple milk frother. They are available in two types – manual milk frothers and electric frothers. They both work well.
The Pumpkin Sauce – Finally, you will need the pumpkin sauce to prepare this recipe at home. You should be able to prepare this easily. You can also refrigerate the sauce for up to 7 days. Here’s what you will need for the sauce –
- ½ cup of sugar
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree (homemade or canned)
- ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice seasoning, optional
First, place all your ingredients in a saucepan. Let them simmer for 10 minutes. Then place your sauce in your food processor or smoothie cup. Process until you see it becoming very smooth.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories 177, Carbohydrates 16g, Cholesterol 24mg, Total Fat 13g, Protein 8g, Sugar 16g, Fiber 1g, Sodium 112mg, Potassium 485mg
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips that will help you prepare this Starbucks copycat recipe. You may also customize your pumpkin spice latte in a way that makes you like it even better.
- You can always add more pumpkin puree if you prefer a stronger flavor of pumpkin.
- Add sugar to taste. Stir in more sugar once you have heated the milk mix if you prefer your coffee to be sweeter.
- You can always add more or less vanilla, sugar, and spice. The measurements here are just to start with.
- The pumpkin pie spice can also be substituted with nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. It is up to you.
What Makes Starbucks Pumpkin Spice?
Let’s dive into what makes Starbucks’ pumpkin spice so enticing. The key ingredients in their pumpkin spice mix include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove and a hint of actual pumpkin puree. The mix is what gives PSL its distinctive autumnal flavor.
The flavor profile of pumpkin spice is largely defined by its warmth and spiciness. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide a sweet, warm base, while ginger and clove add a spicy kick. The inclusion of real pumpkin in the mix is a relatively recent development; prior to 2015, Starbucks’ PSL didn’t contain any actual pumpkin.
Is Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Made with Coffee?
Yes indeed! The foundation of any latte, including the Pumpkin Spice Latte, is coffee. Starbucks uses its signature Espresso Roast in PSL, which provides a robust, rich flavor that stands up well to the strong flavors of the pumpkin spice mix.
The espresso shots are combined with steamed milk and the pumpkin spice mix to create a perfectly balanced latte. The end result is a drink with a strong coffee flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the warm, spicy notes of the pumpkin spice.
What Flavor is Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte?
The flavor profile of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is complex and multi-dimensional. The first note you taste is the sweet, warm cinnamon followed by nutmeg. Then comes the bite of ginger and clove, and finally, the subtle earthiness of pumpkin.
The addition of steamed milk smooths out these flavors and adds a creamy mouthfeel to the drink. Topped off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, PSL is a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and coffee flavors.
Conclusion
The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is a favorite in many places during the fall season. Although it’s seasonal, you can now make this delicious drink throughout the year, even when it’s not available in your local Starbucks. Follow the directions given here and you should be able to make this delicious latte at home with just a few simple ingredients.
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