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As soon as fall arrives, I start craving a pumpkin spice latte. There is something about that sweet and spiced flavor that just feels like the season. The only problem is that Starbucks lattes come with a price tag and ingredients I don’t always love.

That is why I created this pumpkin spice latte recipe you can make at home. It is simple, creamy, and made with better ingredients. For the coffee base, I like to use organic instant coffee because it gives you that bold espresso flavor while keeping things quick, affordable, and easy.

The star is a homemade pumpkin spice syrup that is thick, spiced, and rich enough to taste like the real thing. But I also know that not every morning is a make it from scratch kind of day. That is why I will also share the store bought syrup I use and love. It tastes just as good and makes this recipe even easier.

Make it hot or iced in minutes, no fancy equipment required.

What You’ll Need

Here is everything you need to make a pumpkin spice latte at home. Nothing fancy, just simple ingredients and a few optional extras.

Instant coffee
I use 1 tablespoon for a bold espresso style flavor. If you prefer something more mellow, 1 to 2 teaspoons works just fine.

Filtered water
Just a splash, about 2 ounces or less, to dissolve the coffee.

Pumpkin spice syrup
This is the star of the recipe. The homemade version is thick, spiced, and rich enough to taste like the Starbucks latte we all know. If you are short on time, store bought syrup works beautifully too and I will link the one I use below.

Milk of choice
Use half a cup for hot, closer to three fourths cup for iced.

Ice (for iced version)
Always add this at the end so the coffee and syrup have time to dissolve first.

Frother (optional)
Not required, but a frother makes the drink feel like something you would order in a café. I use the one below because it will mix and heat the latte at the same time.

PUMPKIN SPICE AESTHETIC

If you want to make this recipe even easier, a frother will give you café style foam and heat the milk at the same time, and a store bought syrup is the perfect shortcut for days you do not feel like making your own.

Why Instant Coffee?

If you do not have an espresso machine at home, instant coffee is the easiest workaround. It dissolves in seconds, gives a flavor that is close enough to espresso for this recipe, and you can choose an organic version if quality matters to you. It may not be the traditional way to make a latte, but it is simple, affordable, and it works.

How to Make It Hot

Sometimes only a warm pumpkin spice latte will do. Here is how to make it at home.

Grab your favorite mug.
Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee.
Pour in about 2 ounces of filtered water and stir until dissolved.
Add 1 pump (about 1 tablespoon) of pumpkin spice syrup.
Pour in half a cup of warm whole milk.
Froth everything together until creamy if you would like foam on top.

How to Make It Iced

If you prefer your pumpkin spice latte chilled, here is how to make the iced version.

Grab a mason jar or tall glass.
Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee.
Pour in about 2 ounces of water and stir until the coffee dissolves. Use hot water if you plan to add the homemade syrup so it blends smoothly. If you are using store bought syrup, filtered water at room temperature works just fine.
Add 1 pump (about 1 tablespoon) of pumpkin spice syrup.
Pour in half a cup of cold whole milk.
Froth if you would like that cold foam layer.
Add ice at the very end and stir.

♡ PIN IT FOR LATER ♡

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home

Your water makes a big difference. If you are using tap water, it can add flavors you do not want. A good water filter gives you a cleaner taste that really improves your coffee.

Coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops, so choosing organic instant coffee means you can feel better about what goes into your cup.

If you like a creamy finish, take a moment to froth. That velvety layer on top will make your latte feel like something you ordered at a café.

How Much Money Can You Save?

A grande Starbucks pumpkin spice latte costs about $6.45 before tax and tip. If you grab one every morning on your way to work, that adds up to more than $45 a week.

Over the course of a month, you would be spending more than $180 just on pumpkin spice lattes.

This homemade version costs about $1 per latte, sometimes even less if you make your own syrup. That means you can still enjoy your daily PSL and keep that $180 in your pocket. Imagine putting it toward groceries, a fall candle haul, or saving it for something special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without instant coffee?
Yes. Strong brewed coffee, cold brew, or espresso will all work. Instant coffee is just the quickest option and still gives you that espresso style flavor.

Does it really taste like Starbucks?
Pretty close. Starbucks uses a pumpkin spice sauce, but this recipe gives you the same creamy fall flavor at a fraction of the cost.

Can I make the syrup ahead of time?
Yes. Homemade pumpkin spice syrup keeps in the fridge for about a week. Store bought syrup lasts much longer, which makes it a good option if you want something ready anytime.

Can I use non dairy milk?
Absolutely. Oat milk froths the best, but almond, soy, or coconut milk all work. If you use oat milk, choosing organic is a good idea since oats are a heavily sprayed crop.

Can I make it sweeter or stronger?
Of course. Add more syrup for sweeter, more coffee for stronger, or adjust the milk to balance it out.

What if I do not have a frother?
You can still get that foamy top without one. A small whisk works surprisingly well. Place the handle between your palms and roll it back and forth to create a quick makeshift frother.

♡ PIN IT FOR LATER ♡

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Syrup

Yield: 10-12

Author: Kassandra

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Syrup

This homemade pumpkin spice syrup is thick, creamy, and perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spice. Made with brown sugar condensed milk, it is rich and sweet just like Starbucks.

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
⅔ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
2–3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup warm water (to thin slightly, if needed)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring often.
Continue simmering for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by about half and thickens into a creamy, caramel-colored condensed milk.
Whisk in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
If it feels too thick, whisk in up to ¼ cup warm water until it’s pourable but still rich.
Blend with an immersion blender or strain for a silky finish.
Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 10 days. Stir before using.

Notes

Makes about 1 cup of syrup, or 10–12 servings.
This syrup is thicker than store-bought versions. If you are making an iced drink with instant coffee, dissolve the syrup in a small splash of hot water along with the coffee before adding milk and ice.

I know there are a lot of pumpkin spice latte recipes out there, but this one is fast, affordable, and genuinely fall drink I look forward to! Whether you love it hot in the morning or iced in the afternoon, this recipe is the easiest way to bring fall flavor into your day. I hope it becomes one of your favorites too. Hugs!