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CLOSEPumpkin Spice Drinks – with a (cold) twist
As the warm(ish) summer days fade into the crisp autumn air, one thing comes to mind for many: it’s pumpkin spice season. It’s everywhere, from lattes to candles, marking the seasonal shift with its cosy, spiced aroma. But while the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) has become a fan-favourite autumn tradition, there’s so much more to this beloved spice blend than your typical warm coffee drink.
If you’re looking to shake things up and explore new, exciting ways to enjoy pumpkin spice, you’re in for a treat! Our Lead Recipe Developer, Sophie Nahmad, has created a trio of alternative pumpkin spice drinks that will take your seasonal sipping to the next level.
Spicing up your pumpkin
Pumpkin spice isn’t just about pumpkins. It’s a delicious blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla. Together, these spices evoke a warm and comforting feeling, making them perfect for autumn. Although pumpkin spice has been widely associated with hot lattes, it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in various other delicious drinks — cold or hot.
Before we get into the exciting drinks, you want to create your pumpkin spice syrup. This syrup will serve as the base for all the creative drinks we’re about to explore.
How to make a Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Pumpkin Spice Syrup Recipe
Ingredients (makes 8 servings / 300ml)
- 150g pumpkin puree
- 4 tbsp caster sugar
- 5 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 300ml water
Combine all your ingredients in a pot and bring to the boil over a medium-high heat. Simmer for 10-12 mins, or until the sugar has dissolved and the mix has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
Leave the syrup to cool before pouring into a sterilised bottle and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Pumpkin Spice Affogato
For those who love combining pumpkin with coffee, the Pumpkin Spice Affogato is the perfect autumn indulgence. Typically, an affogato is a simple Italian dessert consisting of a shot of hot espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold creates an irresistible harmony of flavours, and with the addition of pumpkin spice syrup, it becomes the ultimate autumnal treat.
Ingredients (serves 1):
- 50ml pumpkin spice syrup
- Double shot of espresso
- 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
Add a scoop of ice cream to an espresso cup and pour in your espresso. Drizzle over the pumpkin spice and dig in!
Pumpkin Spice Iced Tea
Who says pumpkin spice is only for warm drinks? This Pumpkin Sp-Iced Tea is a refreshing twist, perfect for those warmer autumn days when you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the iced summer drink.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 tea bags
- 400ml boiled water
- 50ml pumpkin spice syrup
- Ice cubes
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
Add the tea bags to a heatproof jug with the boiled water and steep for 2-3 mins. Once steeped, remove the tea bags and set aside to cool – this is your tea mix.
Once your tea mix has cooled, fill a glass with ice and add the tea mix with the pumpkin spice syrup. Give it a good mix up with a cocktail spoon, or the cinnamon stick, and serve!
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
For cocktail lovers, why not take your pumpkin spice obsession into happy hour? The Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini adds an autumnal twist to the classic espresso martini, blending the rich flavours of coffee with the warmth of pumpkin spice and a hint of vodka.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- Double shot of espresso
- 50ml pumpkin spice syrup
- 50ml coffee liqueur
- 100ml vodka
- Ice cubes
- Star anise (optional)
Add all your ingredients (except the star anise!) to a cocktail shaker with lots of ice and shake very vigorously for 2-3 mins.
Strain into a martini glass and garnish with the star anise (or some coffee beans) and enjoy!
While the Pumpkin Spice Latte will always have a place in our hearts for autumn, these cool, refreshing drinks offer a fresh and exciting way to transition into the cosy season.
This one got your taste buds tingling? Check out our other pumpkin creations such as our pumpkin spiced latte pie.
