Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

September 23, 2021

Step into the season with an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte! It’s easy to make at home and has a refreshingly cozy flavor.

If there’s one drink that’s perfect for ushering in the cool weather, it’s the Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte! This Starbucks special might be a little basic, but honestly: we’re here for it. Make it at home and it’s even better than at a coffeeshop: creamy and cozy-spiced, with a hint of vanilla and real pumpkin puree. It’s easy to whip up this pumpkin drink and when you take the first sip: you’ll want to make it on repeat.

What’s in an iced pumpkin spice latte?

The iced pumpkin spice latte is a chilled spin on the hot latte of the same name, first launched by Starbucks in 2003. An iced latte is made with espresso, milk, and ice. The pumpkin spin on it uses real pumpkin puree, pumpkin spices and maple syrup to make a cozy, autumnal spin on the classic. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this iced latte at home:

Espresso (or strong coffee)
Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Maple syrup
Milk of any type
Pumpkin pie spice blend
Ice

How to make an iced pumpkin spice latte: basic steps

Here’s the outline of how to make an iced pumpkin spice latte at home:

Step 1: Make a double shot of espresso.
Step 2: Froth ¼ cup whole milk with ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spices by shaking it in a covered jar or whisking until frothy.
Step 3: Stir the espresso with 1 tablespoon each pumpkin puree and maple syrup.
Step 4: Add the milk and serve with ice.

Use purchased or homemade pumpkin pie spices

Many pumpkin recipes use pumpkin pie spice blend, a mix of warming spices that are typically used in pumpkin pie. You can use a purchased blend, or if you can’t find it make it homemade. To make it homemade, mix together the following:

2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Espresso making methods (or use strong coffee

The hardest part of an iced pumpkin spice latte? Making the espresso! There are several methods for homemade espresso. You can also substitute very strong coffee. Make sure to use espresso roast coffee: it’s important to get the right dark, bitter flavor. Some brands we recommend: Illy, Starbucks or Intelligentsia. Then, use one of the following espresso methods:

Espresso machine: An espresso machine is the best option: it makes incredible espresso but it’s pricy.
Portable espresso maker: A manual espresso maker is a great affordable option.
French press: French press espresso works very well if you have this coffee tool.
Moka Pot: Another option: make very strong espresso-like coffee in a Moka Pot (Bialetti).

Use any type of milk

This iced pumpkin spice latte works with any type of milk you like! The best dairy milks are whole milk and 2%. For a non-dairy option, we like oat milk: it has just the right creamy texture and lightly sweet flavor. Almond milk also works, but it has a sharper, nutty flavor.

Step it up: add whipped cream!

If you like, you can top this iced pumpkin spice latte with whipped cream or dairy free whipped cream! But honestly: it doesn’t need it (especially if you’d like to keep the calories down). We usually drink it without, but of course we had to do it for the photo!

More iced lattes and coffee drinks

Love a good iced latte? There are so many tasty lattes and iced lattes to try: and we’ve got homemade versions of all your Starbucks favorites! Try these lattes:

Go classic with a Pumpkin Spice Latte (the real way)
Try a Perfect Iced Latte or Iced Vanilla Latte
Go green with an Iced Matcha Latte
Opt for a cozy Iced Chai Latte
Grab an Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso