How To Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte (Step-By-Step)
Have you ever tried recreating your favorite cafĂ© drink at home? That’s exactly what I set out to do after my first sip of a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks.
It was one of those chilly fall mornings when you just need something warm, and this latte hit all the right notes—creamy, spiced, and a little sweet. But, of course, I thought, “Why not try to make this at home?”
The first attempt wasn’t perfect (I may have gone a little overboard with the cinnamon!), but I got it just right after a few tweaks.
So you’re about to know exactly how to whip up a Pumpkin Spice Latte from scratch, avoid the common mistakes, and even experiment with some fun variations!
What Is the Pumpkin Spice Latte?
The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) is that fall drink that seems to sweep through every coffee shop once the leaves start changing.
It’s a warm, spiced beverage that combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—basically, all the flavors that remind you of cozy sweaters and crisp autumn air.

Traditionally made with a shot (or two) of espresso and steamed milk. Usually, it’s topped off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
I love sipping it on a chilly morning or pairing it with a book by the fire. Just some of the ways you can try it too.

Mastering the Pumpkin Spice Latte: Step-By-Step Guide
Equipment
- Espresso machine or coffee maker/French press
- Milk frother (optional) or whisk
- Small saucepan for heating milk and pumpkin spice mixture
- A mug, of course
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based—coconut milk gives it a fun twist!)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1-2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and extra pumpkin spice for topping (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Brew your coffee or espresso: If you have an espresso machine, pull 1-2 shots. Otherwise, brew about ½ cup of strong coffee using your coffee maker or French press. I recommend making it slightly stronger than usual to balance the sweetness of the latte.
- Prepare the pumpkin spice mixture: In a small saucepan, heat the pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice over medium heat. Then stir frequently for about 30 seconds, just until the spices are fragrant and everything's combined.
- Add the milk and vanilla: Slowly whisk in your milk and vanilla extract. Let it heat up, but don't let it boil—just get it to the point where steam starts to rise. If you're using a milk frother, froth the milk until it's light and creamy.
- Combine: Pour your brewed coffee or espresso into a mug, then add the pumpkin-spiced milk mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Top it off: Now, for the fun part—add a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top. This takes it from "pretty good" to "wow, I made this?"
Video
Notes
Pumpkin Spice Latte Variations: Exploring Different Takes
Over the years, I’ve experimented with several variations, and while the classic version is always a hit, these three variations have earned a special place:

1 – Vegan PSL
If you’re dairy-free or simply looking for a plant-based option, the vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte is a game-changer.
Swapping regular milk for oat milk was a revelation because oat milk’s creamy texture complements the spices perfectly without feeling too heavy.
You can also use almond or soy milk depending on your preference, but oat milk just hits differently for me. Oh… and don’t forget to check that your pumpkin spice syrup or mixture is vegan too.
2 – Chai Pumpkin Spice Latte
One chilly morning, I decided to add a dash of chai tea to my regular PSL, and wow—it’s now my go-to on colder days. The spiciness of the chai blends so well with the pumpkin and gives it an extra layer of warmth.
If you love a spiced latte, you’ll definitely want to give this a shot. Just brew a strong chai tea base and mix it with your pumpkin-spiced milk and espresso, and you’ve got yourself a chai-pumpkin latte.
3 – Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
If you’re like me and enjoy iced drinks year-round, the iced Pumpkin Spice Latte is a refreshing twist on the classic. The key here is to make your pumpkin spice mixture a little more concentrated since ice can dilute the flavors.
I also like to use cold brew instead of espresso when I’m in the mood for something a bit more subtle. It’s still got that pumpkin spice magic, but with a cool, smooth vibe that’s perfect for warmer days or when you’re just in the mood for something chilled.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
I ran into a few unexpected bumps. It’s easy to assume that you can just throw everything together and end up with a Starbucks-worthy latte. But in my case, that wasn’t exactly true. Here are three mistakes I’ve made and how to avoid them.

1 – Too Much Pumpkin Spice
Well there’s a fine line between a cozy, spiced latte and a mouthful of overpowering spice. The first few times I made my PSL, I thought more spice would mean more flavor, so I added a heavy hand of pumpkin spice blend.
I ended up with a drink that tasted more like raw spices than the smooth latte I was hoping for.
The fix? Start with just a small pinch and adjust from there. You can always add more spice, but there’s no going back once it’s in!
2 – Skimping on the Froth
I didn’t realize how important the milk froth was until I tried making this latte without giving enough attention to it. At first, I thought just heating the milk would be fine.
But the froth is what gives the latte that creamy texture. If you don’t have a milk frother, try using a whisk or shaking the milk in a jar before heating it—it makes a difference.
3 – Pumpkin PurĂ©e Overload
This is where I got a bit too excited about adding real pumpkin. While adding actual pumpkin purée can make the latte more authentic, too much can lead to a thick, almost soup-like texture—not exactly what you want in a latte.
The trick is to use just a small spoonful of purée, enough to get that rich pumpkin flavor without turning your drink into a smoothie.
Last Thoughts
I suggest not being afraid to tweak the spice levels or try a new variation—there’s no one “right” way to enjoy this classic fall drink!
I’d love to hear how your latte-making adventures go. If you have any tips or questions, feel free to drop them in the comments. And with that voilĂ !