The Actual Best Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Introduction
Warm up your day with the Actual Best Pumpkin Spice Latte, a cozy blend of espresso, creamy milk, and the perfect touch of pumpkin spice syrup. This homemade version is easy to make and tastes just like your favorite coffee shop treat.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces espresso (2 shots) or ½ cup strong coffee
- 6 ounces whole milk or milk of choice
- 2 ½ tablespoons pumpkin spice syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew espresso or strong coffee as desired and pour it into your mug.
- Step 2: Pour milk into a mason jar and microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes. If needed, continue heating in 30-second increments until hot but not boiling.
- Step 3: Carefully remove the jar from the microwave using a towel or potholder. Add the pumpkin spice syrup to the milk, then secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute to froth. Alternatively, use a handheld frother or your preferred frothing method.
- Step 4: Carefully remove the lid, being cautious of any built-up pressure.
- Step 5: Pour the frothed milk into the mug with espresso, spooning any foam on top. Serve immediately, optionally topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel for a twist on the classic pumpkin spice latte.
- Swap whole milk for oat or almond milk to make it dairy-free and add a subtle nutty flavor.
- Gently warm the syrup before mixing to help it blend more smoothly into the milk.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for extra spice aroma and flavor.
Storage
This latte is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the brewed espresso and milk separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat the milk gently and mix with espresso before serving. Avoid storing the combined latte, as the texture and flavor may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, you can use ½ cup of strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine. The flavor will be slightly milder but still delicious.
How do I make pumpkin spice syrup at home?
To make pumpkin spice syrup, combine sugar, water, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spices in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and simmer until slightly thickened. Strain before using and store in the refrigerator.
PrintThe Actual Best Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
This recipe for the Actual Best Pumpkin Spice Latte offers a cozy and flavorful homemade take on the beloved fall beverage. Combining freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee with warm, frothy milk infused with pumpkin spice syrup, this delightful drink captures the essence of autumn with ease. Perfect for enjoying at home, it can be customized with your favorite milk and optionally garnished with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Microwaving and Frothing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Coffee Base
- 3 ounces espresso (2 shots) or ½ cup strong coffee
For the Milk and Flavor
- 6 ounces whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 ½ tablespoons pumpkin spice syrup
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Brew Coffee: Brew 3 ounces of espresso (2 shots) or prepare ½ cup of strong coffee according to your preference. Pour it into your serving mug.
- Heat Milk: Pour 6 ounces of milk into a microwave-safe mason jar. Microwave the milk for 1 to 1½ minutes, checking its temperature and heating further in 30-second increments if necessary. Aim for hot milk that is not boiling.
- Mix Pumpkin Spice Syrup and Froth Milk: Carefully remove the hot milk jar from the microwave using a towel or potholder. Add 2 ½ tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup to the milk. Secure the jar lid tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute to combine and froth. Alternatively, use a handheld frother or preferred frothing method.
- Release Pressure: Using caution, remove the lid from the jar, being mindful of any built-up pressure from shaking the hot milk.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the pumpkin spice milk mixture into the mug containing espresso, holding back some foam to spoon on top. Serve immediately. Optionally garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use milk of your choice, such as almond, oat, or soy milk, to customize this latte for dietary preferences.
- Adjust the amount of pumpkin spice syrup to suit your desired sweetness and spice intensity.
- If you don’t have a mason jar, any microwave-safe container with a lid will work for frothing.
- For stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of brewed coffee.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and temperature.
Keywords: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Latte, Fall Coffee Drink, Homemade Pumpkin Latte, Espresso Drink, Autumn Beverage
