5 Autumnal Alternatives To Pumpkin Spice Latte
The pumpkin spice latte is an autumnal favourite, but if you’re looking for a little break from your usual coffee order, Zoe Turner from Denby, shares five equally delicious seasonal alternatives.
There are ample reasons why so many of us love the autumn season. From the crisp air and falling leaves to warm jumpers and nights in with friends, this time of year is nothing if not cosy. Perhaps one of the best of the autumn delights is the humble pumpkin spice latte (PSL). With seasonal pumpkin and warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, the PSL brings together everyone’s favourite autumn flavours in one comforting drink.
Full of seasonal nostalgia, the pumpkin spice latte is a fan favourite, but pumpkin isn’t the only autumnal flavour we go wild for year after year. The cosy season brings a variety of other fresh and delicious flavours, such as apple, caramel, maple, and more. If you’re looking for an alternative to your usual pumpkin spice latte or would like a new autumnal drink to add to your long list of favourites, we’ll be sharing five PSL alternatives to warm you up this season, plus our tips for making the most of your autumn drinks.
Vanilla chai latte
If you’re searching for a pumpkin alternative but still love some warming spice, the chai latte is for you. Originating in India, chai is a classic drink many enjoy at this time of year. The chai latte blends seasonal spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves with the delicate sweetness of vanilla for an irresistible flavour combination you’ll keep coming back to.
To make a single serving of vanilla chai latte, you’ll need:
- 250ml milk of your choice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cardamon
- A pinch of ground cloves
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
- Cinnamon dusting (optional)
Start by warming your milk in a small saucepan over a low heat. Measure out your spices into a small bowl and add them to your milk, whisking gently until everything is combined. Once your milk has warmed to your desired temperature, take it off the heat, add your vanilla extract, and mix. Pour your drink into your cosiest mug to enjoy. You can also add a cinnamon stick or a dusting of ground cinnamon for decoration. If you’re looking for that caffeinated kick, you can also make a dirty vanilla chai latte by adding two espresso shots to the final chai latte blend.
Golden milk latte
Just like chai, turmeric milk is a staple drink in India and has made its way across the globe in the form of the golden milk latte: a delicate blend of spices, milk, and honey. This drink is the perfect mix of earthy spice and sweetness, making it the ultimate winter warmer.
To make one golden milk latte, you’ll need:
- 250ml milk of your choice
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp honey
- A pinch of black pepper
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- A pinch of ground cloves (optional, for extra spice)
Gradually warm your milk in a small pan over a low heat, adding all the spices and whisking as you do so. Once the milk is warmed through (but not boiling), take it off the heat and add a tablespoon of honey. Strain the milk into your mug to ensure a smooth and silky texture. You can also add your own spin on the golden milk latte by adding a touch of vanilla for sweetness or a shot of espresso for a caffeinated kick.
Apple cinnamon latte
If there’s one autumn flavour more iconic than pumpkin here in the UK, it’s apple. From apple pie and crumble to the classic toffee apple, this crisp fruit is abundant at this time of year, making it the perfect choice for a seasonal sip.
To transform your favourite autumn desserts into a comforting apple cinnamon latte, you’ll need:
- 250ml milk of your choice
- 1 tbsp apple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 espresso shots
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Caramel sauce (optional)
Add a tablespoon of apple syrup to your mug — the cosier, the better. Prepare your espresso shots and set them aside. Then, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to any milk of your choosing and warm it in a small saucepan over a low heat. When the milk is hot but not boiling, pour it into your mug over the apple syrup, adding the espresso shots on top. Give everything a mix to ensure all those sweet and delicious flavours are combined and enjoy. For extra decoration and decadence, top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a dusting of ground cinnamon.
Toffee apple latte
If you’re a fan of toffee apples, then you’ll love this flavourful brew inspired by your favourite Halloween treat. To make a toffee apple latte, you’ll need:
- 250ml milk of your choice
- 1 tbsp toffee syrup
- 1 tbsp apple syrup
- 2 espresso shots
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Caramel sauce (optional)
Start by warming your milk in a pan over a low heat. While your milk is heating, add your flavoured syrups to your mug and prepare the espresso shots. Once the milk is warmed through but not boiling, pour it into your mug over the syrup and add the espresso shots. Mix everything together and top off with some whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Maple pecan latte
While pumpkin spice is one of the most popular flavours we’ve adopted from the US, autumn is also peak season for two more North American flavours: maple and pecan. From maple syrup to pecan pie, these two flavours embody the homely sweetness of the autumn months, and a maple pecan latte makes the perfect sip to enjoy on a chilly walk in the park or a rainy day indoors.
To make a mug of maple pecan latte, you’ll need:
- 250ml milk of your choice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
- ½ tbsp pecan butter
- 2 espresso shots
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chopped pecans (optional)
Begin by mixing your milk and pecan butter together in a small pan and warm it on a low heat. While your milk is warming through, brew your espresso shots and add the maple syrup to a mug. Once your milk is warm, but not boiling, take it off the heat and pour it into your mug. Add the espresso shots and mix well. Decorate with the whipped cream and chopped pecans and enjoy!
How to elevate your cosy coffee moment
Taking in the comforting flavours of autumn is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a little me-time. Brewing any of these drinks will fill your home with an abundance of welcoming scents, and there are a few ways you can elevate your coffee moments even more.
Using high-quality coffee and fresh, filtered water will ensure a smooth finish and a more rich and complex flavour profile. If you’re looking for a soothing drink to unwind with at the end of the day, switch your coffee for a decaffeinated version or opt for one of the coffee-free options, such as the golden milk latte.
The mug you brew your coffee in can also make a difference to your autumn drink. Of course, a bigger mug means more seasonal deliciousness, but the shape and size of your mug may also make a difference. According to a study published in the journal Food Quality and Preference, mugs with a wider diameter were perceived to be sweeter. Narrow mugs were associated with more aromatic coffees, while those who drank coffee from a short mug perceived more bitterness and intensity. So, it’s worth taking a little more time to consider the size and shape of your mug depending on how you’d like your drink to taste.
Finally, you can add an extra autumnal touch to your pumpkin spice alternatives by choosing a mug in your favourite seasonal colours. Look for rustic shades of cream, brown, grey, or green to add to your autumnal aesthetics — and don’t forget those all-important garnishes to make your coffee Instagram-worthy!
Whether you’re a pumpkin spice fan or prefer a different type of sip, these PSL alternatives are bound to satisfy your craving for something warm, comforting, and delicious. Brew one of these autumnal drinks and unwind at home, or take it out on a crisp Sunday afternoon walk to warm you through. For even more seasonal tips and advice for living alone, take a look at the other guides at Solo Living.
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Zoe Turner
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