LATTESPumpkin Spice Latte at Home
The quick answer
A homemade pumpkin spice latte uses 2 oz of espresso or moka pot coffee, 1 tablespoon of real pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup or 1 tablespoon maple syrup plus pumpkin pie spice, and 6 oz of steamed milk. For a no-espresso-machine option, use a moka pot. Real pumpkin puree makes a noticeably richer drink.
The Starbucks PSL famously had no real pumpkin in it for years. The homemade version uses actual pumpkin puree, and the difference in depth of flavor is immediately noticeable.
Real pumpkin puree is the upgrade the Starbucks version skipped for years. One tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) adds a subtle earthy, squash flavor that makes the spices taste grounded and real rather than just sweet and artificial. Whisk it directly into the hot espresso with the syrup before adding milk -- it dissolves smoothly with a little whisking.
The spice blend matters more than most people realize. Pumpkin pie spice from the grocery store is a convenient starting point, but the flavor improves dramatically when you toast and grind whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. A half-teaspoon of pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice is the quick version. For a better result, combine 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ginger, a pinch of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves.
The sweetener ties it together. Pumpkin spice syrup (Torani or DaVinci make good versions) is the fastest option. Maple syrup plus a pinch of spice is a warmer, more natural-tasting substitute. Plain simple syrup with pumpkin pie spice stirred in is the neutral option if you don't want maple flavor. Two tablespoons of any of these keeps it pleasantly sweet without tipping into dessert territory.
Milk steamed to 150 degrees F with just a touch of extra foam makes this drink feel luxurious. Whole milk or barista oat milk both work beautifully. The foam gives you a place to dust a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top for the signature PSL presentation. Skip the whipped cream if you want to keep it simple -- the foam is plenty.
Dial it in before you make it
Match your espresso dose and yield before you pull the shot.
Espresso Ratio Calculator
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose (in) | 18 g |
| Ratio | 1:2 |
| Yield (out) | 36 g |
| Yield (fl oz ref.) | 1.2 fl oz |
| Shot time guide | Aim 25–32 seconds |
fl oz reference uses 30 g per fl oz (espresso is denser than water). Dial in grind size to hit your target yield in 25–32 s.
Make it
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Steps
We made this recipe six ways: with and without real pumpkin, with three different spice blends, and with dairy and oat milk. The version with real pumpkin puree, freshly grated nutmeg, and whole milk was unanimously the favorite. It has a warmth and complexity the canned-syrup-only versions simply can't match.
Pro tips
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling -- pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced and will throw off the balance.
- Whisk pumpkin puree into the hot espresso with the syrup before adding any milk so it dissolves fully.
- Freshly grated nutmeg on top has a dramatically better aroma than pre-ground nutmeg.
- Make a big batch of pumpkin spice syrup in the fall -- it keeps in the fridge for 2 weeks.
- Barista oat milk's natural sweetness pairs especially well with pumpkin spice flavors.
Frequently asked questions
Does Starbucks pumpkin spice latte have real pumpkin?
Starbucks added real pumpkin puree to their PSL sauce in 2015 after years of criticism. The current recipe does include pumpkin puree as a minor ingredient in their sauce. The homemade version typically has a more prominent pumpkin flavor because you can add more puree and control the spice blend directly.
What is pumpkin pie spice made of?
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes cloves. Cinnamon makes up the majority -- usually about 4 parts cinnamon to 1 part each of the other spices. You can make your own by combining 3 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice.
Can I make a pumpkin spice latte without an espresso machine?
Yes. A moka pot with fine-to-medium grind gives you a strong enough coffee base. The bold, slightly bitter moka pot flavor works very well with the sweet pumpkin spice mix. AeroPress is another solid option. Regular drip coffee won't have enough strength to come through the pumpkin and spice flavors.
Can I make an iced pumpkin spice latte?
Yes. Whisk espresso, pumpkin puree, and syrup together while the coffee is still hot so everything dissolves. Let it cool for 2 minutes, then pour over a glass full of ice. Add cold milk and stir. Dust cinnamon on top. It's lighter than the hot version but just as flavorful and much more refreshing.
How do I store homemade pumpkin spice syrup?
Store it in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Simmer for 5 minutes, strain through a fine mesh strainer, and cool before storing. Stir or shake before each use as it may settle slightly.
