There's a reason the pumpkin spice latte breaks the internet every fall: warm espresso, real pumpkin, and cozy spices in one cup. The good news? You don't need a coffee shop line or a $7 cup to get it. Here's how to make a pumpkin spice latte at home that rivals the café version — in about 10 minutes.
What Is a Pumpkin Spice Latte?
A pumpkin spice latte (PSL) is an espresso drink made with steamed milk, pumpkin purée, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove, usually topped with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice. Starbucks launched it in 2003, and it became the unofficial drink of fall.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients
Makes 1 serving (about 12 oz):
- 2 shots espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee) — our Pumpkin Spice blend works perfectly here
- 1 cup milk (dairy or oat — oat milk froths beautifully)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional but encouraged)
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
- Brew your espresso. Pull two shots, or brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee. Set aside.
- Warm the pumpkin base. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, pumpkin purée, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat until steaming and the sugar dissolves — don't boil.
- Add vanilla. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Froth it. If you have a milk frother or steam wand, froth the mixture for 30 seconds. No frother? Whisk vigorously or shake it in a sealed jar.
- Combine. Pour the espresso into your favorite mug, then add the pumpkin milk mixture.
- Top it. Add whipped cream and a generous dusting of pumpkin pie spice. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Homemade PSL
- Use real pumpkin purée. The canned pie filling has added sugar and spices you can't control — plain purée gives you the real flavor.
- Make it iced. Cool the pumpkin milk mixture, pour over ice, and add cold espresso for an iced pumpkin spice latte.
- Dial in the sweetness. Start with less sugar than you think; you can always add more.
- Batch the spice mix. Mix a jar of your own pumpkin pie spice (3 tbsp cinnamon, 2 tsp ginger, 2 tsp nutmeg, 1.5 tsp allspice, 1.5 tsp cloves) so it's ready all season.
Why Make It With Raven Horse Coffee?
Our Pumpkin Spice blend is roasted fresh when you order, so the warm spice notes are at their peak — no stale grocery-store bag. Free U.S. shipping on every order, and it arrives ready to become the best latte you've made at home. Grab a bag here: https://ravenhorseco.com/products/pumpkin-spice