Can I make these pumpkin spice drinks without real pumpkin?

Yes, but real pumpkin adds flavor and nutrition. You can make the syrup with just spices, but it won’t have the same body or richness. We recommend using pumpkin puree if possible.

How long does homemade pumpkin spice syrup last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts up to 2 weeks. If you see any signs of spoilage like cloudiness or smell, discard it.

Can I make these drinks sugar-free?

Absolutely! Replace the sugar with a sweetener like monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste as these vary in sweetness.

What’s the difference between a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew?

A latte is hot, with espresso and steamed milk mixed with pumpkin syrup. The cold brew is served cold with syrup mixed into the coffee and a layer of frothed pumpkin-flavored cream on top.

Does my homemade pumpkin spice drink have less caffeine than Starbucks?

Usually, yes. A Starbucks Grande PSL has about 150mg of caffeine. Two homemade espresso shots provide ~128mg. Using brewed coffee results in slightly less.

Pumpkin Spice Drinks Starbucks You Can Try Beyond the Classic Latte 2025

Pumpkin Spice Drinks Starbucks You Can Try Beyond the Classic Latte

Print Recipe

Craving pumpkin spice drinks without the Starbucks price tag? These homemade versions of the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew are cozy, creamy, and made with real ingredients—ready in minutes once your syrup is prepped!

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 5 min per drink)
Yield: 10 servings (from syrup) 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Spice Syrup (makes 8–10 drinks):
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For a Pumpkin Spice Latte:
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice syrup
- 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
- 1 cup milk of choice
- Whipped cream and cinnamon (optional)
For a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew:
- 1/2 cup cold brew coffee
- 1–2 tablespoons pumpkin spice syrup
- 1 cup ice
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

Make the Syrup: Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved. Add pumpkin and spices, whisking to blend. Simmer 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool and strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
To Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte: Add syrup to mug. Brew espresso or strong coffee and pour over syrup. Steam or heat milk, then pour in. Top with foam, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of spice if desired.
To Make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: Fill glass with ice and cold brew. Stir in syrup. In a separate cup, froth cream, milk, sugar, and spice. Gently pour frothed pumpkin cream over coffee to layer.

Notes

This homemade syrup makes enough for 8–10 drinks and can be frozen in ice cube trays for convenience. Customize sweetness, spice level, and milk type to your preference. Oat milk makes an especially creamy non-dairy version!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drink (with whole milk)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin cream cold brew, starbucks copycat, fall drinks, pumpkin coffee recipe

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/pumpkin-spice-drinks-starbucks/