This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.
Whip up this dreamy iced pumpkin spice latte! Espresso, creamy milk, pumpkin puree and a warm pumpkin spice blend come together for a delightful cozy sip.
Why we love this recipe
If there’s one drink that’s perfect for fall, it’s the Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte! This Starbucks special might be a little basic, but honestly: we’re here for it.
Make it at home and it’s even better than at a coffeeshop: creamy and cozy-spiced, with a hint of vanilla and real pumpkin puree. It’s easy to whip up this pumpkin drink and when you take the first sip: you’ll want to make it on repeat.
What’s in an iced pumpkin spice latte?
The iced pumpkin spice latte is a chilled spin on the hot latte of the same name, first launched by Starbucks in 2003. An iced latte is made with espresso, milk, and ice. The pumpkin spin on it uses real pumpkin puree, pumpkin spices and maple syrup to make a cozy, autumnal spin on the classic. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this iced latte at home:
- Espresso (or strong coffee)
- Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Maple syrup
- Milk of any type
- Pumpkin pie spice blend
- Ice
How to make an iced pumpkin spice latte: basic steps
Here’s the outline of how to make an iced pumpkin spice latte at home:
- Step 1: Make a double shot of espresso.
- Step 2: Froth ¼ cup whole milk with ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spices by shaking it in a covered jar or whisking until frothy.
- Step 3: Stir the espresso with 1 tablespoon each pumpkin puree and maple syrup.
- Step 4: Add the milk and serve with ice.
Espresso making methods (or use strong coffee
The hardest part of an iced pumpkin spice latte? Making the espresso! There are several methods for homemade espresso. You can also substitute very strong coffee—or our favorite, cold brew concentrate. Make sure to use espresso roast coffee: it’s important to get the right dark, bitter flavor. Some brands we recommend: Illy, Starbucks or Intelligentsia. Then, use one of the following espresso methods:
- Espresso machine: An espresso machine is the best option: it makes bold, rich-flavored espresso. However good machines can be pricy.
- Portable espresso maker: A manual espresso maker is a great affordable option.
- French press: Making French press espresso works very well if you have this coffee tool on hand already.
- Moka Pot: Another option is make very strong espresso-like coffee in a Moka Pot (Bialetti). While it’s still just strong coffee, the flavor is bold enough to act like espresso in coffee drinks.
Use any type of milk
This iced pumpkin spice latte works with any type of milk you like! The best dairy milks are whole milk and 2%. For a non-dairy option, we like oat milk: it has just the right creamy texture and lightly sweet flavor. Almond milk also works, but it has a sharper, nutty flavor.
Step it up: add whipped cream!
If you like, you can top this iced pumpkin spice latte with whipped cream or dairy free whipped cream! But honestly: it doesn’t need it. We usually drink our coffee without whipped cream, but of course we had to do it for the photo! For vegan, make a batch of Vegan Whipped Cream with coconut milk.
More iced lattes and coffee drinks
Love a good iced latte? There are so many tasty lattes and iced lattes to try: and we’ve got homemade versions of all your Starbucks favorites! Try these lattes:
- Go classic with a Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Try a Perfect Iced Latte or Iced Vanilla Latte
- Go green with an Iced Matcha Latte
- Whip up a Mocha Frappe or Frozen Coffee
- Opt for a cozy Iced Chai Latte, Almond Milk Latte or Oat Milk Latte
- Grab an Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso or Iced Cappuccino
Dietary notes
This iced pumpkin spice latte recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
Whip up this dreamy iced pumpkin spice latte! Espresso, creamy milk, pumpkin puree and a warm pumpkin spice blend come together for a delightful cozy sip.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Espresso
- Cuisine: Coffee
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso (2 ounces, or ¼ cup strong coffee or cold brew concentrate)
- ¼ cup whole, 2%, or oat milk
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- Ice
- Whipped cream or dairy-free whipped cream, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Make the espresso: Make the espresso using an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Moka Pot. (Or, substitute strong coffee or purchased cold brew concentrate.)
- Froth the milk: Place the milk and pumpkin spice blend in a covered jar and shake until foamy.
- Serve: Add the espresso, pumpkin puree and maple syrup to a glass and stir until combined. Top with the frothed milk. If desired, top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin spice.
Notes
Purchased cold brew concentrate makes it quick and easy! You can also make your own cold brew coffee at home.
This is, by far, the best pumpkin spice latte recipe. I made it this morning with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. I also heated it up and used hot coffee ( way to cold here for iced coffee!)
Perfect flavour and not too sweet!
Thank you
So glad you enjoyed it!
Let us know if you have any questions!