How to Make Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte?
As the seasons change and the weather starts to cool down, many of us look forward to the return of Starbucks’ iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte. While it’s convenient to grab one from your local Starbucks store, you can also make it at home with just a few simple ingredients. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious Starbucks-style Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup of milk (whole, 2%, or nonfat)
- 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for topping (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
To start, brew two shots of strong coffee using your preferred method. You can use a drip coffee maker, French press, or even a Keurig. Make sure the coffee is strong and bold, as it will be the base of your latte.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Syrup
In a small bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined. This will be your homemade pumpkin syrup. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Step 3: Mix the Latte
In a large glass, combine the brewed coffee, milk, and pumpkin syrup. Stir well to combine, making sure the pumpkin syrup is fully incorporated into the milk.
Step 4: Add Sugar (Optional)
If you prefer your latte a bit sweeter, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and stir to combine. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
Step 5: Chill the Latte
Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the latte mixture over the ice. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Cream and Pumpkin Pie Spice (Optional)
If you want to get fancy, top your latte with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.
Tips and Variations:
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor. You can cook and puree a pumpkin in the oven or use canned pumpkin puree.
- Adjust the amount of spices to your taste. Some people prefer a stronger or weaker pumpkin flavor.
- Try using different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version.
- Add a shot of espresso for an extra boost of caffeine.
- Use a pumpkin-flavored syrup, such as Torani, for a shortcut to making your own pumpkin syrup.
Comparison Table:
| Ingredients | Starbucks | Homemade |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee | Brewed coffee | Brewed coffee |
| Milk | 2% milk | Whole, 2%, or nonfat milk |
| Pumpkin puree | 1.5% pumpkin puree | 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg |
| Ginger | 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger | 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon sugar | 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) |
| Whipped cream | Whipped cream | Whipped cream (optional) |
As you can see, the main difference between Starbucks’ Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte and our homemade version is the amount of pumpkin puree and the type of milk used. Our homemade version uses more pumpkin puree and allows you to choose the type of milk you prefer.
Conclusion:
Making a Starbucks-style Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte at home is easy and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of preparation, you can create a warm and cozy drink that’s perfect for the fall season. Experiment with different variations and ingredients to make it your own. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a seasonal treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the taste of fall in a cup!