Cool breeze, knit sweater mornings… and the first sip of a Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Copycat. This cozy fall favorite is trending everywhere right nowfrom TikTok buzz to pumpkin spice season must-haves. The best part? You can recreate it in under 10 minutes, no fancy espresso machine required.
This iced latte is creamy, comforting, and infused with just the right amount of pumpkin and spice. We’re using real pumpkin purée, bold chilled espresso, and pantry-staple seasonings to craft that signature sweet-and-spiced flavor. Simple to make, easy to customize, and delicious every time.
Thinking back to porch mornings with grandmamugs in hand, whipped cream on top, and a sprinkling of cinnamonI recreated it in chilled form just for fun. After some playing around with spice amounts and mix-ins (perk of the job!), I landed on an iced version that delivers café-quality flavor with a homemade touch. Don’t skip the spice swirlit makes every glass feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Copycat tastes like a sip of autumn. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Pure autumn vibes: Real pumpkin and warm spices blended with cold espresso capture that seasonal chill-meets-cozy combo.
- Budget-friendly: Skip the daily coffee runthis recipe uses affordable ingredients you likely already have.
- Customizable: Works with any milkdairy or plant-based. Coffee options are flexible too!
- Quick & easy: Just 15 minutes from start to sip. No specialty equipment needed.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make the pumpkin spice syrup and the iced latte, plus a few helpful tips along the way:
| Ingredient | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin purée | Base for syrup | Be sure to use 100% pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix. |
| Sugar | Syrup sweetness | Brown sugar adds richness; white sugar gives light sweetnessmix for balance. |
| Pumpkin pie spice | Syrup flavor | A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. DIY or store-bought both work. |
| Vanilla extract | Enhancer | Adds depth and blends beautifully with the spices and espresso. |
| Milk | Main latte element | Choose whole, almond, oat, or any milk alternative you like. |
| Espresso | Latte base | Use two shots or substitute with 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee. |
| Ice | Cool & refreshing | Use fresh ice cubes or crushed ice for texture. |
| Whipped cream | Optional topping | Finish with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel or sprinkle of spice. |
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Making your own iced PSL copycat is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for delicious results:
- Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup pumpkin purée, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and mixture slightly thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Prepare espresso: Brew 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong coffee if substituting). Let it cool for 1–2 minutes so it doesn’t instantly melt the ice.
- Assemble the latte: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the espresso, then 2–3 tablespoons of syrup (adjust to taste), followed by 3/4 to 1 cup of milk. Stir well to blend.
- Garnish & enjoy: Top with whipped cream (if using) and a dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Optional: drizzle maple syrup or caramel over the top for extra flair.
| Step | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| Syrup preparation | 5 minutes |
| Espresso brewing | 2–3 minutes |
| Latte assembly | 5 minutes |
Tips & Variations
Looking for a twist or troubleshooting tips? Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:
- No espresso machine? Swap in French press or cold brew concentrate. Even instant coffee works in a pinch!
- Healthier swap: Reduce sugar in the syrup or use alternatives like maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener.
- Storage: Let syrup cool, then store in a clean jar for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Shake or stir before each use.
- Serve a crowd: Batch the syrup ahead of time and set up a DIY latte bar for brunch or fall gatherings.
| Element | Storage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin spice syrup | Up to 2 weeks, refrigerated | Store in a glass jar or squeeze bottle for convenience. |
| Latte (assembled) | Best served immediately | For freshness, prepare just before drinking since milk and ice can separate over time. |
Serving Suggestions
Want to enhance your copycat Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte experience? Try these cozy pairings:
- Autumn breakfast: Serve with toasted pumpkin scones, cinnamon rolls, or spiced oat pancakes.
- Sweet treat: Make it dessert-worthy with snickerdoodle cookies or apple crisp on the side.
- Fall-inspired flair: Present in a clear glass mug with a striped straw and a whole star anise or cinnamon stick for garnish.
Expert Insight: Crafting the Perfect Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Copycat
Replicating the Starbucks iced pumpkin spice latte copycat requires balancing warming spices with a smooth coffee base to achieve authentic flavor. Using freshly ground spices and quality espresso elevates the drink, making it taste fresh and vibrant without relying on artificial extracts. Don’t underestimate the power of fresh dairy or non-dairy milk eithercreamier options like oat milk create a luxurious texture that highlights the spiced syrup perfectly.
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The Journey to the Perfect Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Copycat
This Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte copycat recipe took a few tries before I hit the sweet spottoo sweet on the first test, then too clove-heavy next. But tweaking little things like the espresso-to-syrup ratio and milk type finally brought everything into balance. The result is creamy, slightly spiced, and truly satisfyingjust right for sipping during pumpkin-patch afternoons or sweater-weather strolls.
FAQs ( Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Copycat )
Conclusion
This Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Copycat is your go-to fall coffee drink: fast, easy, and deliciously spiced. Whether you serve it with whipped cream or keep it simple, it brings a cozy-café feeling home in under 15 minutes.
Want to make it your own? Try oat milk, a shot of maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of cardamom. Keep extra syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeksyou’ll be ready whenever pumpkin cravings strike. And for authentic flavor, always opt for fresh espresso or deeply brewed coffee.
Give this a try and tag me in your photosI’d love to see your twist on this classic! Whether for lazy brunches or a midday pick-me-up, this drink truly tastes like fall in a glass.
Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Copycat: Easy Delicious Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Make the pumpkin spice syrup by combining pumpkin purée, sugar, water, and pumpkin pie spice in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Let the syrup cool completely before use.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and add 2–3 tablespoons of the pumpkin spice syrup.
- Pour in the milk and espresso or strong brewed coffee.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Top with whipped cream if desired and sprinkle with a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade fall latte!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of pumpkin spice syrup to your taste preference. Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For a festive touch, add a caramel drizzle or cinnamon sticks on top.
