How to Make a Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

A homemade pumpkin spice latte uses the same three components as the coffee shop version: pumpkin spice syrup, freshly pulled espresso and steamed milk, dairy or nondairy. The syrup can be store-bought or homemade pumpkin spice coffee syrup. Foam or whipped cream goes on top, with a little pumpkin pie spice dusted over it.

Order matters. The milk is steamed first and the espresso is pulled last, because a shot that waits around soon loses its sweet, creamy character and starts to taste burnt and bitter. An espresso machine’s steam wand, a saucepan or a microwave will all heat the milk; a frothing thermometer helps keep it from overheating.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

A 16 ounce pumpkin spice latte made with pumpkin spice coffee syrup, two shots of espresso and steamed milk, topped with foam or whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 1 16-ounce drink

Course: Beverage

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 to 1 ounce (1 to 2 tablespoons) pumpkin spice coffee syrup, or to taste (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 shots about 2 ounces fresh espresso, or to taste
• 12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) steamed dairy or nondairy milk, approximately
• whipped cream for garnish as desired
• pumpkin pie spice for garnish as desired

Method

 

1. Measure the syrup into the cup.
2. Steam the milk using an espresso machine’s steam wand, or warm it in the microwave or in a pan on the stove. Track the temperature with a frothing thermometer, checking often to avoid overheating: dairy milk is typically steamed to 150-160°F, and nondairy milk a little cooler, to 140°F.
3. If a steam wand was used, flush it by carefully opening the steam valve for a moment and closing it again, then take a clean, damp cloth and wipe down the stem and nozzle.
4. Pull the espresso shots and pour them into the cup right away.
5. Add the steamed milk and stir. If the drink will be garnished, stop roughly 1/4 inch short of the rim.
6. Spoon on foam or pipe on whipped cream, then dust the top with pumpkin pie spice.

Notes

Make the espresso just before assembling the drink, after the milk is ready. A shot left standing soon trades its sweet, creamy flavor for a bitter, burnt one.

Flushing and wiping the steam wand after every use keeps it from clogging and guards against spoiled milk residue and bacteria growth.

Syrup and espresso amounts are a matter of taste; adjust both as desired.

No espresso machine: use 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of strong brewed coffee, such as French press coffee or moka pot coffee, in place of the 2 shots.