Pumpkin Spiced Iced Latte

Why You Need to Try This Recipe

Pumpkin spice latte is a hugely popular drink available in most coffee shops during autumn (fall) and winter.

This is an ice-cold version of the recipe. It is refreshing, and just as delicious and simple to make in the comfort of your own home as the original hot version!

It contains only common ingredients, so all you need to do is open your pantry and look up the spices.

A homemade pumpkin spiced iced latte is way cheaper to make at home, you can have it anytime you want to, and because you have full control over the ingredients, you can make it less calorific!

Before you jump to the ingredients list, here are some more tasty coffee recipes that you may want to try at home: indulgent Irish cappuccino, caramel iced latte, cold brew latte, hazelnut iced coffee with milk, and iced mocha latte.

If you want to make a seasonal party drink that is awesome for parties and gatherings during the holidays, check out this easy blackberry Halloween sangria or alcohol-free mulled wine.

Finally, have you tried these spooky chocolate apples, warming pumpkin soup or pizza with pumpkin and goat's cheese?

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Spiced Iced Latte

For this homemade pumpkin-flavoured iced coffee, you will need:

• Homemade pumpkin spice mix - this spice mix is made of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and allspice is super easy. You can make a batch and save the rest for later for an instant burst of pumpkin pie flavour in your coffee or cakes! No special pumpkin syrups or puree are needed in this recipe.
• Coffee - espresso, cold brew or instant coffee will all work in this recipe. You can also prepare a decaf version.
• Milk - it wouldn't be a latte without it, right? Use cow or plant-based milk if you prefer. Oat, soy or almond milk will pair well with the spices.
• Sweetener is optional for this recipe. To make the most of the beautiful taste of the spices, use maple syrup, honey, or sweetener. Skip this if you wish to keep the calories count low.
• Whipped cream - is also optional. This indulgent addition is the cherry on top of this latte. Preferably, use a light (reduced-fat) version.

That's it, no pumpkin is included in this recipe, as you can get the same lovely flavours just from the right mix of spices, coffee and milk!

Substitutions & Variations

Are you missing any of the ingredients? Here is a list of ideas on how to substitute them:

• Use cold brew or instant coffee mixed with cold water (60ml of each).
• Add decaffeinated version of your favourite coffee if you wish to make this iced latte caffeine-free.
• Spice mix - do not worry if you miss some of the spices. The pumpkin spice blend is big on flavours, and while all of the components complement each other, you may not even notice if you actually skip one or two of them. For example, allspice actually tastes and smells like a mix of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves - feel free to make the spice mix without it, your iced latte will still be delicious!
• Use whole spices instead of ground ones - just grind them in a mortar before adding.
• Milk - the type of milk used will also influence the flavour of the drink. I recommend using semi-skimmed milk. Swap it for oat, almond or soy milk if you are vegan.

Finally, you can totally make a hot version of this drink. Use hot, freshly made coffee and warmed-up (frothy) milk, and ta-da you've just made a classic pumpkin spiced latte!

Is Pumpkin Spice Healthy?

Pumpkin spice mix on its own can be very healthy. Here are some of the main health benefits of each of the spices:

Cinnamon

This sweet spice is very nutritious. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, and helps prevent cancer, lowers blood sugar levels (fights diabetes and heart disease), and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties (helps against infections). It is beneficial to add it into your daily diet. This common addition to many breakfast items also tastes great with fruit like pears, apples, oranges, but also goes well with coffee, yogurt, and porridge, and finally, it's a base of many delicious tomato and curry sauces.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is another real treasure in the kitchen cupboard and has been valued for its health benefits for centuries. You can recognise nutmeg for its typical warming, sweet and nutty flavour. Typically, nutmeg is added to baked goods, porridge, oats, coffee drinks, and many festive recipes and drinks (ie. mulled wine, cider, or eggnog). Nutmeg is a source of antioxidants, has antibacterial properties, and helps fight inflammation and pain. However, for its side effects, nutmeg should be used sparingly and with caution. A pinch of ground nutmeg added to your favorite food will give it a burst of nutmeg's characteristic flavour and aroma, whilst keeping it beneficial to your overall health and diet.

Ground Ginger

This dried version of the root vegetable is very common in Asian dishes. It works well in both sweet and savoury meals, but also in drinks. Just like nutmeg and cinnamon, ground ginger has also been used widely in medicine. Ginger helps to ease nausea and vomiting, and improves digestion. It is full of antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger also can reduce pain, helps prevent heart disease and lowers blood pressure, amongst other health benefits.

Cloves

This aromatic spice is rich in manganese, mineral improving bone health, and antioxidants. Cloves have been used to treat toothaches and may help lower blood sugar levels. This seasoning, however, needs to be used sparingly in the kitchen, as its rich flavour can easily overpower the whole dish (or drink).

Allspice

Also known as Jamaica pepper, allspice is a dried berry, slightly bigger than regular black pepper. It has a strong aroma and comforting flavours, which makes it a perfect addition to baked goods but also soups, casseroles and even red cabbage. Allspice is another wonderful nutrition, vitamin and mineral-packed spice that is a source of antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, can help improve immunity, and supports gut, heart and dental health.

That said, some of these spices may cause allergic reactions and/or have other possible side effects. Always check with your dietitian or doctor before making any changes to your diet.

How To Make Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte At Home

Seriously, making this autumn-flavoured iced coffee at home couldn't be easier! Just follow these four steps:

1. Prepare your coffee and spice mix, and mix together.
2. Pour the mix over ice.
3. Add milk and stir.
4. Top with whipped cream, sprinkle with some extra spice and serve!

For detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this article.

Top Tip

Make a batch of pumpkin spice mix. It will come in handy and will allow you to use it again and again, for both coffee and pies! Store it in an airtight container in the cupboard and consume it within 6 months. The full recipe is enclosed in the recipe card.

Storage

Pumpkin spice and coffee can be prepared in advance. Mix the two together and store in an airtight food container (jar) in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Do keep in mind, that the spices' flavours do intensify over time. Use less spice if you prefer a mild taste - you can always add a bit more just before serving.

Shake the container well before serving, and serve over ice. Add milk and whipped cream, sprinkle with some more spice and enjoy!

In addition, you can freeze pumpkin spice latte mix. Pour it in an ice cube tray, leave to sit in the freezer for several hours, then take it out, and transfer into a freezer bag - this will keep for up to 6 months. To serve, add a few frozen cubes in a glass, add milk, and whipped cream (if using), sprinkle with some more spices and that's your iced pumpkin latte ready!

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