Pumpkin Spice Latte
A creamy and coffee cocktail ∙ Build; Warm up ∙ 4 min ∙
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a hot non-alcoholic coffee of espresso and pumpkin spice syrup, topped with steamed milk, whipped cream, and grated cinnamon.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-heat a glass
- Pour the first 2 ingredients into the pre-warmed glass: Espresso coffee 100 mlPumpkin spice syrup 15 ml
- Top with steamed Milk
- Garnish with top with whipped cream and dust with freshly grated cinnamon
Tips
- Steam the milk to a silky microfoam, but don't let it boil. Pour it gently over the back of a spoon so it sits on top without breaking the espresso's crema.
History
The pumpkin spice latte was developed by Starbucks in early 2003 in the company's "Liquid Lab," a research kitchen at its Seattle headquarters, where a team led by product manager Peter Dukes tested pumpkin pie mixed with espresso while creating a new fall seasonal drink. The recipe was tried under the working name Fall Harvest Latte before Starbucks settled on Pumpkin Spice Latte, and "PSL" began as the shorthand baristas wrote on cups. In late 2003 Starbucks tested the drink in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Washington, D.C., where strong sales led to a nationwide U.S. rollout in 2004.
The original version contained no actual pumpkin, relying only on a blend of spices; after years of public criticism over the missing ingredient, Starbucks reformulated the syrup in 2015 to include real pumpkin puree. Starbucks trademarked the abbreviation PSL that same year, and the drink's popularity spurred pumpkin-spice versions from other coffee chains and food brands alike.
FAQ
What are the ingredients in a pumpkin spice latte?
100 ml hot espresso, 15 ml pumpkin spice syrup, and 75 ml steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and freshly grated cinnamon. There is no alcohol in it.
How to make a homemade pumpkin spice latte?
Warm a glass, pour in 100 ml hot espresso and 15 ml pumpkin spice syrup, then top with 75 ml steamed milk, poured gently over the back of a spoon. Finish with whipped cream and freshly grated cinnamon.