How to Make a Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

It’s PSL season and there’s nothing like that first pumpkin spice latte of the season, except maybe making your own at home, for a fraction of the price, whenever you want. This homemade pumpkin spice latte comes together in minutes using my Pumpkin Spice Syrup, a shot of espresso or strong coffee, and your milk of choice. It’s full or pumpkin flavor and fall baking baking spices. Whether you’re a hot latte person or you like yours iced year-round, I’ve got both versions covered below.

This homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe makes your whole kitchen feel like a coffee shop. No syrup pumps or secret menu required, just a few pantry staples and five minutes

What You’ll Need (And Why)

The full recipe is in the recipe card below.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup. This is the flavor base of the whole drink. It’s made with real pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin), cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. If you haven’t made a batch yet, here’s my recipe. It will last for 2-3 weeks in the fridge.

Espresso or strong coffee. Two shots of espresso is classic, but strong brewed coffee works just as well if you don’t have an espresso machine. If you’re making an iced latte, cold brew coffee works well too.

Milk of choice. Whole milk makes a rich and creamy latte, but oat milk (my preference) and other non-dairy milks froth up beautifully too.

Whipped cream or cold foam (optional). For the full coffee shop experience, top your latte with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

How to Make a Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte

Step 1: Warm the syrup and milk. Add your pumpkin spice syrup and milk of choice to a small saucepan. Whisk over medium-low heat until warmed through and combined into a smooth mixture, but don’t let it boil.

Step 2: Froth the milk. Once warm, whisk vigorously by hand or use a milk frother.

Step 3: Add the espresso. Pour your espresso or strong coffee into a large mug, then top with the warm, frothed pumpkin spice milk mixture.

Step 4: Finish it off. Stir gently, then top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Make an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Step 1: Mix the syrup. In a cup, stir the pumpkin spice syrup and espresso until fully combined. This helps the syrup dissolve evenly instead of settling at the bottom.

Step 2: Fill with ice. Fill your glass with ice, then pour in the milk.

Step 3: Top it off. Finish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, if desired.

Tips for the Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

• If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee or even a double-strength pour-over works just fine in place of espresso shots.
• Adjust the sweetness to taste. Start with 2 tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup and add more if you like your latte sweeter.
• Make it dairy-free by using oat milk or another non-dairy milk; both froth up nicely for that coffee shop foam.
• Batch the syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge so your morning latte only takes a couple of minutes.
• Don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand? Use your own pumpkin pie spice blend with the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves you likely already have in your pantry.

Here’s a quick link to the pumpkin spice syrup!