Elsie and I have an inside joke about what we call the “pumpkin spice latte effect.” It’s our theory that right around the beginning of September, everybody gets a little bit nicer/more considerate/happy. Us included.
We are for SURE affected by the PSL effect. So, of course, making your own pumpkin spice syrup at home is a great way to take advantage of this good vibes effect. And in case you need here’s how to make the best latte recipe at home with or without an espresso machine.
Related: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Honey Simple Syrup, Simple Syrup Recipe, and Pumpkin Smoothie.
I love to try coffee from just about anywhere, but I’m not above getting excited about PSL day at Starbucks! And, I think on a “deeper” level, somehow PSL day reminds us all that fall is in full swing.
Here in southern Missouri, that means cooler weather, hay rides, hot chocolate, apple picking, pumpkin carving, hot cider, layered clothing, and (most importantly) the holidays are on their way.
I LOVE how this pumpkin spice syrup recipe turned out. I may have to make this a new tradition every year and create my own pumpkin spice latte effect. 🙂 Here’s my recipe, but feel free to adjust the spices to your own liking.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup Ingredients
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon or 4-5 cinnamon sticks (I used half cinnamon and half cinnamon sticks)
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (I go easy on the cloves, because I think they are such a strong flavor)
4 heaping tablespoons of pumpkin puree
Directions
In a pot, combine all the ingredients. Stir together over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Continue cooking over low/medium heat for an additional 5-6 minutes (do not allow to boil).
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and store in an airtight container. You can keep the unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Be sure to give the syrup a good shake before reusing.
Combine the coffee, psl syrup, and hot milk and enjoy!
I have a little home espresso maker that I got for Christmas last year, so I use that to make homemade lattes or Americanos. As you can see by my (lack of) latte art, I am no barista. But, the syrup is really what makes this drink!
If you don’t have a home espresso maker, just brew some (really) strong coffee and heat some milk in a pot over medium/high heat. Once it’s hot, use a whisk to incorporate air, creating foam.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed )
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 4-5 cinnamon sticks (I used half cinnamon and half cinnamon sticks)
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger (ground)
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (I go easy on the cloves, because I think they are such a strong flavor)
- 4 heaping tablespoons pumpkin puree (be sure to use puree, not pumpkin pie filling)
Instructions
- In a pot, combine all the ingredients. Stir together over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Continue cooking over low/medium heat for an additional 5-6 minutes (do not allow to boil).
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and store in an airtight container. You can keep unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Be sure to give the syrup a good shake before reusing.
Nice recipe! I am always looking for some nice fall/Halloween flavors…even in the middle of Summer 🌞
Can i use all brown sugar instead of regular? And can i skip the ginger? meanm if it will make difference in flavour
Yes, you can use all brown sugar. Yes, you can skip the ginger. It will change the flavor some, but it will still be pumpkin spice-y 🙂
This syrup is delicious! Love it so much more than Starbucks. And I’m sure it’s way less sugar than what you’d get in their pumpkin spice latte. Five stars!
I use this syrup recipe every year, it’s such a delight! Perfectly spiced, I love the use of real pumpkin in it too, I’m obsessed!
I can’t wait to try this! Sounds amazing!
I’ve made this twice, now. But I use double the pumpkin puree and cloves. I like it good and strong! This is by far the easiest recipe I’ve found and it’s going to be a staple going forward!
Making this now and am excited to try it! Do you have a recommendation for how much syrup you would use in a 12oz latte?
I’m obsessed with this recipe! I made a batch to have with my morning Joe’y (coffee alternative drink) and it truly was the motivation to get out of bed in the morning! I also noticed that they mentioned this recipe on a recent episode of the podcast “Girl Next Door” which was so fun.
Better than Starbucks!
The perfect ratio of spices, and the brown sugar makes this sooo good.
I make this syrup every year, and every year all of my friends RAVE about it. Emma really has the best coffee syrup recipes!
Love the addition of brown sugar. Yum!
Yummy. Definitely making it this year !
Can’t wait to try this! I’ve been looking for a homemade pumpkin syrup recipe.
I have used this recipe every autumn for so many years now! I always look forward to it as my signal for fall beginning and enjoying the cozier months. The spices are delicious and it stores well in the fridge!
Cannot recommend this highly enough! It makes your coffee taste like a PSL and is so much cheaper and you can make it dairy-free. 10/10 for this recipe!!
This is the second autumn I’ve made this. Highly recommend.
Can’t wait to try it! So happy to have you back on the podcast we’ve missed you! xxxx
This is my go-to pumpkin spice syrup, I made it all last Fall, and I’m making it again now!
Excellent syrup. We had bought some, but my daughter said it tasted like *** so I poured it down the drain and made this. Would definitely make it again!