There’s something about a pumpkin spice latte that makes fall feel official. Warm spices, creamy milk, real pumpkin, and bold Italian espresso come together for a cozy coffee ritual you can easily make at home.
Our version starts with strong espresso for a rich coffee flavor that stands up beautifully to pumpkin and warm spices. Add real pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and a touch of maple syrup, then finish with whipped cream for the ultimate fall latte.
And if you prefer your coffee cold? This recipe works just as well over ice.
DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients
Serves 1
- 2 shots (2 oz) Caffè Borbone espresso — or ½ cup strong brewed Caffè Borbone coffee
- ¾ cup milk — dairy or your favorite non-dairy milk
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup — add more to taste
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for topping, optional
- Pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon, for topping, optional
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
1. Brew the Espresso
Prepare 2 shots (2 oz) of espresso using your favorite Caffè Borbone blend. We recommend a bold, full-bodied espresso for this recipe because it balances the sweetness of the pumpkin and maple syrup.
If you don't have an espresso machine, substitute ½ cup of strong brewed coffee.
2. Make the Pumpkin Spice Mixture
Add 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to a small saucepan.
Warm over low heat for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
3. Add the Milk
Pour ¾ cup of milk into the saucepan with the pumpkin mixture. Whisk until everything is thoroughly combined and the milk is warm.
For the best texture, don't let the milk boil. If you have a milk frother, you can froth the mixture before adding it to your coffee.
4. Combine the Latte
Pour the warm pumpkin-spiced milk into a large mug. Add your 2 shots of espresso and stir gently to combine.
5. Finish Your PSL
Top with whipped cream, if desired, and finish with a light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade pumpkin spice latte.
How to Make an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
A pumpkin spice latte isn't just for chilly mornings. This recipe is just as delicious over ice.
Prepare 2 shots of espresso and allow them to cool slightly. In a glass or measuring cup, whisk together:
-
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup cold milk
Fill a glass with ice. Pour the pumpkin-spiced milk over the ice, add the espresso and stir well.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for an extra treat.
Tip: You can also substitute the espresso with ½ cup cold brew coffee for a smooth, refreshing version.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Latte DIY
Use bold espresso. Pumpkin and warm spices have strong flavors, so a full-bodied espresso helps keep the coffee at the center of the latte.
Adjust the sweetness. One tablespoon of maple syrup gives the latte a lightly sweet flavor. Add another teaspoon or two if you prefer your PSL sweeter.
Make it extra pumpkin-y. For a stronger pumpkin flavor, increase the pumpkin puree to 3 tablespoons. You can also cook the puree for a little longer before adding the milk to concentrate its flavor.
Choose your favorite milk. Whole milk creates a rich, creamy latte, while oat milk adds natural sweetness and a smooth texture. Almond, soy and other non-dairy milks work, too.
Make your own pumpkin pie spice. If you don't have a prepared blend, combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for a homemade pumpkin spice mix.
Our Espresso Recommendations:
Miscela Rossa is a 100% Robusta blend with a bold, full-bodied profile, dark chocolate and caramel notes, and a strong, persistent finish. Caffè Borbone specifically lists it as suitable for milk-based drinks like lattes. That makes it particularly well suited to a pumpkin spice latte because you have several flavors competing with the coffee: pumpkin, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and milk. A lighter or more delicate espresso could get lost. Rossa gives the latte that strong coffee backbone you're looking for, while the dark chocolate and caramel notes naturally complement the pumpkin and maple.
Espresso Intenso — If you want something bold but slightly less dark-roast-forward. It's 100% Robusta with dark chocolate and toasty notes, and Caffè Borbone describes it as ideal for espresso-based beverages.
For strong coffee: Italian Roast from Caffè Borbone.
Your New Favorite Fall Coffee Ritual
You don't need to wait in line at your favorite coffee shop to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte. With bold espresso, real pumpkin, and warming spices, you can bring the flavors of fall right into your kitchen.
Brew your espresso, add your pumpkin spice, and make the season a little more delicious — one cup at a time.
