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Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

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The sound of ice clinking against glass filled our kitchen as Max watched me swirl creamy pumpkin spice into cold espresso, creating beautiful caramel ribbons in our iced pumpkin spice latte. "Mom, it looks like coffee art!" he announced, mesmerized by the way the spiced milk created swirling patterns before I topped it with fluffy whipped cream. After countless attempts to recreate that perfect Starbucks PSL flavor at home, we finally cracked the code with the right balance of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and strong coffee over ice. Max proclaimed it "even better than the coffee store version" after his first sip of this homemade iced pumpkin coffee revealed the rich, creamy texture that makes fall mornings feel magical.

Creamy iced pumpkin spice latte with homemade pumpkin spice mixture and cold coffee that tastes just like Starbucks. This easy PSL copycat recipe uses real pumpkin puree and warm spices for authentic fall coffee flavor.
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Iced pumpkin spice latte served in a mason jar, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks, with rich golden tones and creamy foam spilling over the rim, styled on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon dust.
Iced pumpkin spice latte served in a mason jar, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks, with rich golden tones and creamy foam spilling over the rim, styled on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon dust.

Why l Love This Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

This DIY iced pumpkin spice latte delivers authentic Starbucks flavor without the coffee shop price tag or long lines. Max loves watching the spiced milk swirl into the cold coffee and creating his own coffee art patterns. You can customize the sweetness and spice levels to match your family's preferences perfectly. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like pumpkin puree and common spices instead of expensive syrups. It's ready in under 5 minutes and costs a fraction of store-bought versions while tasting just as indulgent.

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What Is Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte?

An iced pumpkin spice latte is a cold coffee drink made with espresso or strong coffee, steamed milk flavored with pumpkin and warm spices, served over ice with whipped cream. This fall coffee drink combines the rich flavors of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla with the refreshing chill of iced coffee. The Starbucks copycat version became a seasonal sensation, but homemade iced PSL allows you to control ingredients and sweetness while enjoying the same cozy autumn flavors. Unlike hot pumpkin spice lattes, the iced version provides refreshing relief on warm fall days while delivering those beloved seasonal spices.

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients

  • Strong brewed coffee : Provides robust coffee base that won't get diluted by ice
  • Espresso shots : Creates authentic latte flavor with rich coffee intensity
  • Whole milk : Adds creamy texture and helps blend spices smoothly
  • Pumpkin puree : Delivers authentic pumpkin flavor and natural sweetness
  • Vanilla extract : Enhances overall flavor profile with sweet aromatic notes
  • Ground cinnamon : Essential warm spice for classic pumpkin spice blend
  • Ground nutmeg : Adds aromatic depth and traditional fall flavor
  • Ground ginger : Brings subtle heat and complexity to spice mixture
  • Brown sugar : Provides molasses sweetness that complements pumpkin perfectly
  • Heavy cream : Creates rich whipped topping for authentic coffeehouse experience
  • Ice cubes : Chills the drink and creates proper iced latte consistency
  • Cinnamon stick : Optional garnish for stirring and extra spice aroma
Realistic top-down image of iced pumpkin spice latte ingredients on a white kitchen counter with no labels, including pumpkin puree, spices, coffee, milk, and whipped cream tools in a cozy fall kitchen setting. 
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How to Make Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Prep the Coffee Base

  • Brew strong coffee using double the normal coffee grounds for concentrated flavor that won't dilute
  • Let coffee cool to room temperature or chill in refrigerator for faster preparation
  • Fill large glass with ice cubes, leaving room for milk and coffee mixture
  • Prepare espresso shots if using instead of brewed coffee for authentic latte taste
  • Max loves counting the ice cubes to make sure each glass gets the perfect amount

Make the Pumpkin Spice Mixture

  • Whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla in small bowl
  • Heat mixture in microwave for 30 seconds to help spices bloom and sugar dissolve completely
  • Gradually whisk in cold milk until mixture is smooth and well combined
  • Taste and adjust spices or sweetness according to your preferences
  • The mixture should be creamy and aromatic with no lumps of pumpkin

Assemble the Latte

  • Pour cold coffee or espresso shots over ice-filled glass slowly to create layers
  • Add pumpkin spice milk mixture and stir gently to create beautiful swirling patterns
  • Top with freshly whipped cream for authentic coffeehouse presentation
  • Dust with extra cinnamon and add cinnamon stick for stirring if desired
  • Max always gets the first taste test to approve the perfect spice balance

Final Touches & Serving

  • Serve immediately while cold and properly layered for best visual appeal
  • Provide long spoons for stirring and mixing all flavors together
  • Take photos of the beautiful swirl patterns before mixing if desired
  • Adjust sweetness with extra brown sugar or spice blend to taste
  • The drink should be creamy, cold, and perfectly balanced between coffee and pumpkin flavors

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Options

Replace whole milk with oat milk or almond milk for creamy dairy-free version that maintains rich texture. Use coconut whipped cream instead of dairy whipped cream for completely plant-based iced pumpkin latte.

Caffeine-Free Swaps

Substitute decaffeinated coffee or cold brew for regular coffee to enjoy pumpkin spice flavors without caffeine. Rooibos tea concentrate creates an interesting caffeine-free base with naturally sweet, vanilla-like notes.

Low-Sugar Versions

Use sugar-free brown sugar substitute or maple syrup in smaller quantities to reduce overall sugar content. The natural sweetness from pumpkin puree helps maintain flavor while cutting added sugars significantly.

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Variations

Spicy or Savory Twist

Add pinch of cayenne pepper and extra ginger for warming heat that adults appreciate in their fall coffee drinks. Include cardamom and allspice for more complex spice profile reminiscent of authentic pumpkin pie.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Max loves the version made with cold chocolate milk instead of coffee for a pumpkin spice chocolate drink. Extra whipped cream and cinnamon sugar rim on the glass create special treat feeling for non-coffee drinkers.

Fancy or Holiday Upgrade

Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds for elegant presentation. Drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass and add vanilla bean paste for gourmet coffeehouse experience at home.

Equipment

  • Large glasses or mason jars
  • Small whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Coffee maker or espresso machine
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Long spoons for stirring

Storage Tips

Best Fresh

Serve immediately after assembly for optimal flavor and proper layered presentation. The ice keeps everything perfectly chilled while spices remain vibrant and aromatic.

Fridge Storage

Store prepared pumpkin spice mixture covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days and assemble fresh drinks as needed. The spice blend actually improves in flavor as it sits and melds together.

Make-Ahead Base

Prepare double batch of pumpkin spice mixture and store refrigerated for quick iced lattes all week. Cold brew coffee concentrate can be made ahead and stored for convenient drink assembly.

Freezer Tips

Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays to prevent dilution when making iced lattes. Coffee ice cubes maintain drink strength while adding extra coffee flavor as they melt.

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Top Tip

My biggest iced pumpkin spice latte disaster happened when I tried to impress Max's teacher during a fall conference by making fancy coffee drinks, but I heated the milk too quickly and ended up with curdled, lumpy pumpkin mixture that looked more like chunky soup than smooth latte base. Max tried to help by suggesting we call it "pumpkin coffee surprise," but I learned that gentle heating and gradual whisking are essential for smooth, creamy results. The secret is warming the pumpkin mixture just enough to dissolve the sugar and bloom the spices, then gradually incorporating cold milk to prevent temperature shock that causes curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in the Starbucks iced pumpkin spice latte?

Starbucks iced PSL contains espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin spice sauce with pumpkin puree, and whipped cream over ice. The signature flavor comes from their proprietary blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove spices mixed with real pumpkin.

Does an iced pumpkin spice latte have caffeine?

Yes, iced pumpkin spice lattes contain caffeine from the espresso or coffee base, typically around 150mg per grande size. The caffeine content varies depending on the number of espresso shots or strength of coffee used in preparation.

How many calories are in a pumpkin spice iced latte?

A homemade iced pumpkin spice latte contains approximately 200-250 calories depending on milk type and sweetener amount. This is significantly less than Starbucks versions which can contain 300+ calories due to higher sugar content.

Are Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes healthy?

While delicious, pumpkin spice lattes are high in sugar and calories, making them more of an occasional treat than daily beverage. Max prefers our homemade version because we can control ingredients and reduce sugar while maintaining great taste.

Fall Coffee Victory

Now you have the secret to creating this incredible iced pumpkin spice latte that brings coffeehouse-quality fall flavors and creamy perfection to your kitchen with simple techniques and pantry ingredients. This recipe proves that the most satisfying seasonal drinks combine authentic flavors with homemade care that creates cozy autumn moments.

Ready for more fall coffee magic? Try our Pistachio Latte for nutty sweetness with creamy steamed milk and rich pistachio flavor that creates cafe-quality indulgence, or explore our Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso for bold coffee with caramelized brown sugar and oat milk that delivers trendy coffeehouse vibes. For classic coffee lovers, our Starbucks Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe provides smooth cold brew flavor with customizable sweetness that tastes just like your favorite coffee shop order.

Star rate this iced pumpkin spice latte recipe and share your autumn magic! Tag us @HannahCooking with #IcedPumpkinSpiceLatte; we're dying to see your beautiful coffee swirls and hear about your favorite fall coffee moments!

Looking for other recipes like iced pumpkin spice latte? Try these:

Iced pumpkin spice latte served in a mason jar, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks, with rich golden tones and creamy foam spilling over the rim, styled on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon dust.

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte (Starbucks Copycat)

Creamy iced pumpkin spice latte with homemade pumpkin spice mixture and cold coffee that tastes just like Starbucks. This easy PSL copycat recipe uses real pumpkin puree and warm spices for authentic fall coffee flavor.
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Course: Beverage, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 large lattes
Calories: 185kcal
Cost: $4-6

Equipment

  • 2 Large glasses or mason jars (16–20 oz capacity)
  • 1 Small whisk (For mixing spice blend)
  • 1 Measuring cups (Various sizes)
  • 1 Measuring spoons (For spices)
  • 1 Small mixing bowl (For pumpkin mixture)
  • 2 Long spoons (For stirring)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Strong brewed coffee - Cooled to room temperature
  • 2 shots Espresso - Optional, for stronger flavor
  • 1 cup Whole milk - Cold
  • ¼ cup Pumpkin puree - Canned or fresh
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon Ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoon Brown sugar - Adjust to taste
  • ½ cup Heavy cream - For whipped topping
  • 2 cups Ice cubes
  • 2 whole Cinnamon sticks - For garnish

Instructions 

  • Make strong coffee and let cool to room temperature
  • Combine pumpkin puree with spices, sugar, and vanilla
  • Whisk pumpkin mixture with cold milk until smooth
  • Pour coffee over ice, add pumpkin milk mixture
  • Add whipped cream and cinnamon garnish

Notes

Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredient nutritional data and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Large latte | Calories: 185kcal (9%) | Carbohydrates: 18g (6%) | Protein: 6g (12%) | Fat: 10g (15%) | Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 35mg (12%) | Sodium: 65mg (3%) | Potassium: 285mg (8%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 16g (18%) | Vitamin A: 3800IU (76%) | Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) | Calcium: 195mg (20%) | Iron: 0.8mg (4%)

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