Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (Easy Homemade Recipe)

There is something about a pumpkin spice latte that makes an ordinary morning feel a little more put together. This Starbucks-inspired version is creamy, warmly spiced, and easy enough to make before you head out the door. Make it hot for a cozy mug or chill the pumpkin milk for an iced version.

Love coffee-shop copycats? Try our Copycat Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha, Copycat Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino, or Copycat Starbucks Iced Chai Latte. For another cold favorite, make the Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.

Fall 2026 update: Starbucks’ fall menu launches August 25, 2026, with PSL returning alongside new Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha, and Pumpkin Spice Chai. The seasonal lineup also includes returning Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, and Pecan favorites. This recipe is the evergreen homemade starting point for the season, and our Starbucks Copycat Recipes hub tracks the new fall drinks as their copycats go live.

My syrup pick: I like Monin for this homemade version because it gives the latte a smooth vanilla note. If Torani is already in your cabinet, use it too. There is no need to buy another bottle just for one recipe.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: Not applicable
Chill Time: Optional, for iced latte
Rest Time: Not applicable
Total Time: 10 minutes, plus chilling time if making it iced
Servings: 1
Difficulty: Easy

What You Need

2 shots espresso, or 1/2 cup very strong brewed coffee
1 cup milk of your choice
2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
1 tablespoon Monin vanilla syrup (Torani works too)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or sugar, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Whipped cream, optional

Before You Start

Use real pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which would make the finished latte harder to balance. If you are using espresso, brew it first so it is ready when the pumpkin milk is hot. If you are using strong brewed coffee, make sure it is concentrated enough to stand up to the milk.

Make the Pumpkin Milk

Add the 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée, 1 tablespoon Monin vanilla syrup, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon ginger to a small saucepan.
Set the saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk frequently as the mixture warms so the pumpkin and spices distribute evenly.
Warm for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let the milk boil. You want it hot and steamy, not bubbling aggressively.
Taste the pumpkin milk carefully. If you want more sweetness, add a little additional maple syrup or sugar. Make small adjustments because the final drink will also contain espresso.

Froth the Milk

For the smoothest coffee-shop texture, use a handheld milk frother or another frothing method. Froth the warm pumpkin milk until it looks lightly foamy. If you do not have a frother, whisk the milk vigorously for a few seconds. The latte will still taste delicious, even if the foam is lighter.

Build the Latte

Pour the 2 shots espresso, or 1/2 cup very strong brewed coffee, into a 12-ounce mug.
Slowly pour the warm pumpkin milk into the mug while stirring gently.
Taste before adding anything else. If you want a sweeter latte, add a small amount of additional maple syrup or sugar.
Top with whipped cream if desired and finish with a small pinch of cinnamon.

Make It Iced

Prepare the pumpkin milk exactly as directed, then let it cool completely. For the best result, refrigerate the pumpkin milk until cold rather than pouring hot milk over a glass full of ice. Pour chilled espresso into a glass filled with fresh ice, add the chilled pumpkin milk, and stir gently.

Tips for a Better Pumpkin Spice Latte

Keep the heat gentle: Boiling the milk can create a cooked flavor and make the drink harder to froth.
Whisk the pumpkin: Pumpkin purée can settle, so whisk while the milk warms and again before pouring.
Use strong coffee: Weak coffee can disappear behind the milk, pumpkin, and spices.
Sweeten gradually: Different milks and coffee concentrates have different levels of sweetness and strength.
Make the iced version cold first: Chilling the pumpkin milk before adding ice keeps the drink from becoming watery.

Troubleshooting

Why is my latte grainy?

Pumpkin purée and spices can settle or feel slightly textured if they are not whisked thoroughly. Keep the mixture moving while it warms and froth it before serving.

Why does it taste too pumpkin-heavy?

Make sure you are using exactly 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée and enough strong espresso or coffee to balance it. A small extra splash of coffee can also help.

Why is it not sweet enough?

Add maple syrup or sugar a little at a time. Taste after each addition rather than adding a large amount at once.

Storage

The pumpkin milk mixture can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 3 days. Stir or whisk it before using because the pumpkin and spices may settle. Rewarm gently for a hot latte, or chill thoroughly for an iced one. Brew fresh espresso or coffee when you are ready to assemble the drink.

Easy Substitutions

Milk: Use dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or another milk you enjoy. Oat milk gives the drink a particularly creamy texture.
Coffee: Use decaf espresso or strong decaf coffee if you want the flavor without the caffeine.
Sweetener: Maple syrup, granulated sugar, or another preferred sweetener can work. Add it gradually.
Vanilla syrup: Monin is my pick, but Torani works too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use coffee instead of espresso?

Yes. Use 1/2 cup very strong brewed coffee so the coffee flavor does not disappear into the milk.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Oat milk is especially creamy, but almond milk and other milk alternatives work too.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Make the pumpkin milk up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it. Prepare fresh espresso or strong coffee when you are ready to drink the latte.

Shop This Recipe

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Keep Planning

Want another coffee-shop copycat? Browse Starbucks Copycat Recipes for the full drink lineup, or use What Should I Make? for your next recipe. You can also use Recipes by Budget when you want to plan around spending, browse Shop My Kitchen for coffee gear, or use the $50 Grocery Challenge to turn several recipes into one shopping trip.

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte