Let’s thank Starbucks for this drink. Crafted in 2003, the Pumpkin Spiced Latte sells at least 200 million drinks during this season, every year. Let’s thank our Instagram and Twitter hashtags for this too! Credited for being the most popular seasonal beverage throughout all the coffee shops nationally, the Pumpkin Spiced Latte has earned over $100 million in revenue! This hype (in an odd way) has increased the demand for pumpkin products from every grocery store up to 60%!
If you’re just like me – a college student who wants this beverage but doesn’t want to wake up every morning to make it to Starbucks and deal with the line (and rude customers who also want their latte), here are instructions and ingredients on how to make it from your very own kitchen! It’s time-saving and ultimately, money saving too!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more to garnish Freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract 2 cups whole milk 1 to 2 shots espresso, about 1/4 cup 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped until firm peaks form
Equipment
Mixer, whisk, or hand blender, to whip cream Saucepan Wooden spoon Whisk Blender Espresso maker or coffee maker
Instructions
1. Heat the pumpkin and spices: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the pumpkin with the pumpkin pie spice and a generous helping of black pepper for 2 minutes or until it’s hot and smells cooked. Stir constantly.
2. Stir in the sugar: Add the sugar and stir until the mixture looks like a bubbly thick syrup.
3. Warm the milk: Whisk in the milk and vanilla extract. Warm gently over medium heat, watching carefully to make sure it doesn’t boil over.
4. Blend the milk: Carefully process the milk mixture with a hand blender or in a traditional blender (hold the lid down tightly with a thick wad of towels!) until frothy and blended.
5. Mix the drinks: Make the espresso or coffee and divide between two mugs and add the frothed milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg if desired.