A Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

George Eliot

A Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte. Sept. 22, 2024. Golden pumpkins are dotting the landscape, a symbol of the coming fall and the vast array of rich colors it brings. The harvest moon often looks like a large amber pumpkin surrounded by twinkling stars in the sky in honor of this beloved gourd that holds deep cultural and historical significance. And while we love pumpkin in many forms, such as pie and bread, it is the pumpkin spice latte, a recent creation, that has birthed a new fall tradition, joyfully assimilated into the culture as a long-lost friend. Pumpkin spice lattes are fall magic in a cup. One sip of the sweet, spicy nectar of Autumn is enough to send me shopping for that perfect chunky sweater in just the right shade of marigold.

And much like Christmas in July, the commercial powers that be simply can’t wait until fall to bring out the pumpkin spice. So, come August, the much-adored flavor returns for its annual takeover at Starbucks and convulses the community of Fall lovers. We pretend it’s chilly and don our puffer vests and boots in celebration as we head out for that first latte topped with spray whipped cream. At some point in all this pumpkin spice festivity, I had to ask myself why I wasn’t making them myself since I was now the proud owner of the long-wished-for Breville espresso machine. Hadn’t I already created my own gingerbread lattes and peppermint mochas that were ten times better than Starbucks? What was the delay? And why was I still paying for pumpkin spice lattes while my husband stood by, sighing and rolling his eyes?

A Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

I finally got in the kitchen and did it. It didn’t take long either. I made my own pumpkin spice syrup- in August. But out of decency, I waited for the first day of fall to publish this post. This is a rich latte drink. It isn’t watery or mild. I also recommend homemade whipped cream. Of course, the recipe can be adapted to suit your taste. Happy first day of Autumn!

Have a cozy day!