PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE 3 WAYS

This past Saturday marked the official start of fall, and while Starbucks has had their infamous PSL in stores since August, it's only just gotten to feel like fall in New England. Now I know their are a range of opinions about pumpkin spiced lattes, I know the "pumpkin spice" market has been over saturated and that it is causing a backlash against it. I also know very few PSL's have actual pumpkin. You know what? I'm okay with it, I still love them. SO if like me you don't mind being a little basic and enjoy a cuppa fall, here are three ways to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte this season!

1. use actual pumpkin pie spice

I think we sometimes forget that pumpkin spice is an actual thing used for pumpkin pie. You can make your own blend or buy the spices already combined. Simply fill your coffee maker with coffee as you normally would and add in a few dashes of pumpkin spice. Brew as normal and the spice will give the coffee a rich and nutty flavor. Froth up your milk and make your latte! Super easy! I like to add a few drops of vanilla or use a vanilla flavored coffee to give it an even more delicious twist.
 
If you want to blend your own you can mix allspice, nutmeg, ginger, clove, and cinnamon. I would go a little heavier on the nutmeg if you want to really emphasize the pumpkin pie flavor. Apple pie tends to be the same but a little heavier on the cinnamon. ​

2. use actual pumpkin

If you've been to the grocery store you know that Libby's Pumpkin Pie filling takes over entire sections of the store. For this you will want to purchase the pie filling, not the plain pumpkin. If you can't find it, Whole Foods and other brands sell pureed pumpkin for around $.99 a can.
 
This is a twist because we aren't flavoring the coffee, we're flavoring the milk. In a sauce pan add your milk and a tablespoon of pumpkin pie filling. Stir until dissolved. Once dissolved, froth your milk as usual. Add to your favorite brewed coffee, I prefer this with a bolder espresso to balance out the richness.

3. Use Pumpkin Spice Syrup

This one may seem like cheating, but I bet it's how your local coffee house makes their PSL. Add a few pumps of pumpkin spice syrup to the bottom of your coffee cup before adding espresso or strong coffee to it. ​

My all time favorite is Monin's Pumpkin Spice. It's sweet but does not have a "fake sugar" taste. In fact if you were to make your own simple syrup it would taste like this. I'm sometimes able to find it at Homegoods for a fantastic price (under $5) but it goes quickly, so if I don't find it I order it on Amazon. It's a bit more than in Homegoods but it's worth every penny. It also lasts a long time since you're only using a few pumps each cup.

Froth your milk as usual, I love my milk frother, and add to your latte. 
 
So there you have it, three ways to unapologetically enjoy this season's signature beverage! Do you love PSL's? ​