The idea of adding pumpkin to coffee initially seemed strange even to the technologists at Starbucks, and the regular customers of the chain said a resounding "no!" to it. Nevertheless, the pumpkin latte has remained a fall hit among baristas for over twenty years. It is also not difficult to make it at home.
How the Latte Became Pumpkin
The pumpkin latte first appeared on the Starbucks menu in the fall of 2003. In its development, the technologists were inspired not by the pumpkin itself, but by pies made from it. Therefore, it was immediately decided that the new drink should be thick and velvety. Thus, a thick Pumpkin Spice sauce was added to the recipe, and initially, flavorings were responsible for the taste of pumpkin pie. Natural pumpkin, or rather — canned puree, began to be added to the latte only from 2015.
For homemade latte, the sauce can be made from scratch: cut the pumpkin into cubes, roast it, and then stew it with water, sugar, and spices. Alternatively, one can use a coffee shop trick and buy ready-made baby puree. A jar of 80–100 g is just enough for a large cup of latte.
What Spices are Added to Pumpkin Latte
The expressive and warming taste of the drink is given by spices. In the original Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) from Starbucks, these are cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. The recipe for homemade sauce posted on the official website suggests the following proportions:
- 1.5 cups of water,
- 1.5 cups of sugar,
- 4 tablespoons of pumpkin puree,
- 6 cinnamon sticks,
- 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg,
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves,
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
However, each chain and coffee shop prepares pumpkin latte differently. At home, the composition of spices and their proportions can be adjusted to personal taste. For example, one can remove the cloves or add a bit of pepper for spiciness.
What Coffee is Suitable for Homemade Pumpkin Latte
Like any other latte, pumpkin latte is made on the basis of espresso — usually 100% dark roast Arabica. But blends with Robusta also pair well with milk, and the roast can very well be medium. At home, any strong coffee will do — brewed in a cezve, moka pot, or even steeped in a cup.
How Many Calories are in Pumpkin Latte
The average calorie content of pumpkin latte in different coffee shops is 350–450 kcal per 450 ml serving. The drink is calorie-dense due to the sugar in the sauce, the addition of syrups, and the whipped cream topping, as in the original Starbucks PSL. Therefore, when ordering at a coffee shop, pumpkin latte can easily replace dessert. At home, one can play with the calorie content: for example, make the pumpkin base less sweet, remove the cream, or simply reduce the portion.
Can Cow's Milk be Replaced with Alternative Milk
Pumpkin and the creamy sweetness of cow's milk make a great pair, but pumpkin latte is often made with plant-based milk. This can be neutral-tasting oat or soy milk, and an interesting combination is achieved with almond milk and its spicy-nutty, slightly bitter notes. However, at home, it is difficult to prepare such a drink, as plant-based milk does not froth well.
