The first signs of autumn are not the leaves turning from green to a golden brown, nor is it the sound of conkers dropping to the ground, instead it's the ding of the till that usually marks your first pumpkin spiced latte purchase at your local coffee shop.
Originally sold in Starbucks, the famous pumpkin spiced lattes have spawned many copies across all high street coffee shops like Costa, Pret and Caffe Nero, all of which have gone one step further by adding a variety of autumn/winter warming flavours.
Nespresso have released their seasonal Barista Creations, including the aromatic Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule. This coffee pod captures the essence of autumn with clove, cinnamon and cardamom spice notes. It's the perfect base coffee for making a comforting pumpkin spice latte.
If you haven’t got a lot of time to make your morning brew, fear not, making a PSL should take around 10 minutes in total (depending on which coffee machine you have) from the prep to being out the door with your reusable coffee cup to go. If you have a Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine, expect a perfectly brewed long coffee (230ml) in just over a minute – then, zhuzh with lots of squirty cream and a sprinkling of spice.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients
You won’t have to travel far to stock up on the ingredients needed to make a pumpkin spice latte. You should be able to pick up the ingredients from the shops or get them even quicker by signing up for Amazon Prime.
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin spiced syrup
• 2 cups of milk (you can use soya or almond)
• Espresso or half a cup of strong coffee
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• Whipped cream (or coconut whipped cream)
• ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin spice
• Sprinkle of nutmeg
• Optional: Cinnamon sticks
Firstly brew your coffee, if you're using a bean-to-cup coffee machine make sure it is filled with water and your chosen coffee beans, then select the espresso option. For a coffee pod machine slot in one capsule and press start.
While it's brewing heat up your milk, if you have an automatic milk frother measure out your milk, pour in and switch on the heat, if your coffee machine as a steamer spout you can froth your milk this way. Warming your milk in the microwave works just as well, but make sure not to allow your milk to boil over. If you want to intensify the spice flavour add nutmeg to your milk and heat.
Get your chosen reusable coffee cup or mug, pour in the espresso shot, then add 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup depending on how strong you want the flavour. Add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, again depending on how sweet you prefer your drink, and stir.
Then it's time to pour your milk on top, make sure not to fill your cup to the brim as you need to leave space for whipped cream. Finish off with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice or nutmeg.
Here’s everything you need to make the best Pumpkin Spice Latte:
Best pumpkin spice syrup
With notes of sweet pumpkin and spicy clove and cinnamon, this Monin syrup is the perfect addition to your own homemade PSL just add 15-20ml per serve for your hot drink. It's also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Best pumpkin spice
Tricky to get hold of, but the secret ingredient to any really good PSL. This spice is also a great ingredient for any autumnal baking.
Best ground coffee pumpkin spice flavour
For an extra intense pumpkin spice flavour, Dunkin Donuts has its own artificially flavoured ground coffee, so it will save you the hassle of adding extra ingredients. The reviews sound promising but it may end up being a costly addiction at just shy of £20 per bag.
Best pumpkin spice coffee pods
www.nespresso.com
Nespresso released a limited edition Pumpkin Spice Cake Flavour pod for its Vertuo machine along with some other seasonal treats. It's a warm hug in a mug with a delectable crema. Pumpkin Spice Cake has hints of clove, cinnamon and cardamom that meld with a delightful pumpkin flavour. This must-try seasonal treat is an Arabica masterpiece, made from a blend of Ethiopian and Brazilian beans. Available in both Original and Vertuo capsules.
Recycling Nespresso capsules is now easier than ever thanks to a new partnership between Nespresso and Royal Mail. Anyone can book a Royal Mail doorstep collection for their used Nespresso capsules, or there is the option of dropping them off at any of Royal Mail’s 14,000+ drop-of locations across the UK.
Best pumpkin stencil for finishing touches
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Once you've finished making your PSL, make it look extra seasonal with this clever stencil. Whether you use chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon or more pumpkin, this will take your drink to the next level. It'll also double up for Halloween-themed party food prep.
Best instant pumpkin spice latte mix
If you're really pressed for time then just add water to this instant PSL mix from Organic Traditions, it's made with coconut milk for those who are intolerant to dairy or lactose and features real pumpkin flavouring.
Best pumpkin spice protein powder
If you're looking to reduce your coffee intake but still want to partake in the PSL movement, then Alpha Foods have a vegan-friendly protein powder pumpkin spice flavoured drink to satisfy those taste buds. You can even pop a spoonful in your porridge or baked oats for that extra protein boost.
How to make your own pumpkin spice syrup
Instead of buying pre-made pumpkin spice syrup you can make your own but it will only keep for up to seven days in the fridge, so make sure you plan on using it up in time.
Firstly you will need to combine 200g golden caster sugar and 50g of light brown sugar and 125ml water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
Once sugar is dissolved, add cinnamon sticks, a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves, two teaspoon of ground ginger, nutmeg and two tablespoons of canned pumpkin purée, and let simmer for 20 minutes. Then remove from heat and immediately strain through cheesecloth, then transfer to a sterilised bottle or jar.