Why yes, this is the most basic and amazing cocktail I may have ever featured on An Indigo Day. You see, I love a good pumpkin spice latte, but rarely order them. They’re full of sugar, expensive and once you order one, you just keep going back week after week. I know this from experience, unfortunately. So I swore to only have one a season or else I’m addicted. But I figured if I am going to indulge in one of these, I should spike it, make it from scratch, oh and cover it in caramel sauce. Because, why not? So today is all about how to make a spiked pumpkin spice latte. But even if you don’t want it spiked, and just want a good Starbucks copy cat pumpkin spice latte recipe, I’ve got you covered. Adding in the booze is all up to you!
How To Make A Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte
While browsing the internet trying to nail down a #PSL knock-off syrup, I stumbled onto this recipe and decided to give it a try. Since it already had so much brown sugar in it, I removed the additional white sugar and also added a few extra classic pumpkin pie spices like nutmeg, clove and ginger. If you prefer things much sweeter, add in more sugar. But whenever I did order these at Starbucks, I would actually ask for just one or two pumps of the pumpkin spice sauce because the full serving is just way too sweet for me. This can be kept and stored in the fridge for about a week.
Making these is so easy and turns your house into an instant holiday cup Starbucks heaven. If you’re lucky enough to have Cathead Vodka at your local package store, grab the Pumpkin Spice flavor because it’s basic bitch in a bottle. Add Kahlua, because no coffee cocktail should go without this, espresso, your homemade pumpkin spice syrup and milk. I was feeling extra gluttonous so I added whipped cream and caramel sauce. Go big or go home friends.
How To Make Starbucks Copy Cat Pumpkin Spice Syrup
If you’re here for the at home pumpkin spice latte syrup, this is all you need. It’s super easy to make, makes your house smell amazing and stores nicely in the fridge. You can always dd more sugar, or more spice if you like. But this is the ratio I’ve found to be just perfect for me. But if you’re used to the classic Starbucks PSL, you may want to go a tad sweeter.
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can of pumpkin puree – not the pumpkin pie filling, just straight 100% pumpkin
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar – you can use white sugar if you like, but the brown adds more depth of flavor with the molasses. Light or dark works!
- 1/2 tbps of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp clove
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup of water
Method
Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan and heat over low to medium heat on your stovetop. Bring to a slight simmer and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Whisk frequently while it simmers.
You can store this in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.
How To Make A Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte
Now for the fun version of this Starbucks classic. I can’t not spike this as I am such a big fan of a good coffee cocktail. It’s basically my espresso martini cocktail but on steroids. You will not be disappointed! For this recipe, I used Cathead pumpkin spice vodka. This is a regional brand so I’m not sure if everyone has access to them. But if you see it, get it. It’s so delicious. You can also just use plain vodka and it will still be delicious. Personally, anytime I can use a quality infused liquor in a cocktail that leans into the flavors, I do. It’s not required though! Simply use your go-to vodka for this and I promise it’ll be just as delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 2 oz of the Starbucks copy cat pumpkin spice syrup mixture – use more or less depending on how sweet you want it
- 3 oz of strongly brewed coffee or two shots of espresso
Method
Step One
For a hot spiked latte, add all ingredients to a glass and stir with a spoon or a small whisk to combine. This immersion mini blender is great for this.
Step Two
Top your pumpkin coffee mixture with steamed milk. Add whipped cream and caramel sauce.
For a chilled version
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Top with your milk of choice, whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
Coffee Cocktail
- 1 1/2 oz vodka I used Cathead Pumpkin Spice Vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 2 oz Pumpkin spice mixture
- 3 oz of coffee or two shots of espresso
- 4-6 oz milk of choice
Pumpkin Puree
- 1 15 oz can of pumpkin puree
- 1/2 c brown sugar
- 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp clove
- 1/5 tsp ground ginger
- 1 c of water
Instructions
- For the pumpkin spice mixture, add all ingredients to a sauce pan. Bring to a simmer for 15 minutes and whisk. Let chill before storing in the fridge.
- For the cocktail, add vodka, Kahlua pumpkin mixture and espresso or coffee to a glass. Stir with a spoon or fork or a small whisk to combine. Top with your steamed milk of choice. Stir and top with whipped cream, cinnamon and caramel sauce.For an iced coffee version, add everything to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Pour over ice and top with whipped cream, cinnamon and caramel sauce.
