How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte (and More Fall Coffee Drinks) at Home

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, nothing pairs better with the season than a cozy cup of coffee with warm spices. While coffee shops have made the pumpkin spice latte a fall staple, making one at home is easier than you might think—and it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall without leaving your kitchen.

1. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

A classic favorite, the pumpkin spice latte is the perfect combination of espresso, warm spices, and creamy milk. Here’s how you can make it at home:

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup of milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
2. 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
3. 1 tablespoon of sugar or maple syrup
4. 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix (a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
5. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
6. 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee
7. Whipped cream and extra pumpkin spice for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, pumpkin purée, sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat until hot, but don’t let it boil.
3. Brew your espresso or strong coffee while the milk heats.
4. Pour the hot milk mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a mug to remove any pumpkin pulp.
5. Add the espresso or coffee and stir well.
6. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for that classic coffee shop finish.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have pumpkin spice mix at home, you can make your own by blending 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ginger, and a pinch of cloves.

2. Maple Cinnamon Latte

Maple syrup adds a rich, natural sweetness to this simple yet delicious fall latte. It’s a perfect alternative if you want something sweet but not too spicy.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup of milk (or dairy-free alternative)
2. 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee
3. 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
4. ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
5. Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
2. Brew your espresso or coffee.
3. Pour the coffee into a mug and stir in the maple syrup.
4. Add the warm, frothed milk and stir to combine.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.

3. Chai-Spiced Coffee

For those who enjoy the bold flavors of chai, this spiced coffee is a great fall treat. It combines the rich taste of coffee with the warmth of chai spices.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup of milk (or dairy-free alternative)
2. 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee
3. 1 teaspoon of chai spice mix (a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper)
4. 1 tablespoon of honey or sweetener of choice
5. Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew your espresso or coffee and set it aside.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk with the chai spice mix and honey, stirring until hot.
3. Pour the coffee into a mug and top with the spiced milk.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

4. Caramel Apple Latte

Apple cider and caramel come together for a sweet and tangy fall drink that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

1. ½ cup of apple cider
2. ½ cup of milk (or dairy-free alternative)
3. 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee
4. 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
5. Whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the apple cider and milk together until steaming.
2. Brew your espresso or coffee.
3. Add the coffee to a mug and stir in the caramel sauce.
4. Pour the hot cider and milk mixture over the coffee and stir to combine.
5. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

5. Spiced Mocha

For chocolate lovers, this spiced mocha combines the richness of cocoa with the warmth of fall spices. It’s a luxurious treat for cool autumn days.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup of milk (or dairy-free alternative)
2. 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
3. 1 tablespoon of sugar½ teaspoon of cinnamon
4. 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee
5. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk with the cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon, whisking until smooth and hot.
2. Brew your espresso or coffee and pour it into a mug.
3. Add the hot chocolate mixture to the coffee and stir to combine.
4. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra indulgent touch.

Final Thoughts: Fall is the perfect time to experiment with your coffee and add seasonal flavors to your daily brew. Whether you prefer the classic pumpkin spice latte or want to try something new like a caramel apple latte or chai-spiced coffee, these drinks will bring the warmth and coziness of the season right into your home. And remember, using freshly roasted beans—like our Sonnet, Twilight Verse, or Lyric—will elevate these flavors to a whole new level.

Happy brewing!