Thank God, it’s finally fall. Which means every coffee shop in the country is busting out their pumpkin spice and apple crisp lattes. But, if you’re anything like me, buying coffee is a once in awhile type deal. Or maybe you’re looking for a more creative and wallet-friendly way to get a pumpkin spice fix. Either way, there’s no better way to welcome the season in than by rolling up those chunky sweater sleeves and making these at-home autumn coffees.
- Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
This may just be the most popular flavor of the season, and it’s not hard to tell why. Companies everywhere are making their own iterations of pumpkin spice whether that be infused into gum, whipped cream—which is bomb btw—or even popcorn. But did you know this syrup is so easy to make on the stove? With just a few minutes and ingredients you can have your own reservoir of this coveted syrup on your counter in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ⅓ can pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp sugar, adjust to taste
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ⅓ cup water, can add more to thin out
- vanilla extract to taste
On a stovetop heat the pumpkin puree and spice for about a minute on medium heat.
Add in syrup and sugar, bring to a bubble, and let cool for a few minutes.
Heat once more, add in vanilla and water, then take off the heat.
Store in the fridge in your container of choice.
- Apple Crisp Syrup
Okay, so you hate pumpkin. Don’t worry, we’ve got all of our gord-avoidant girls covered here. Apple Crisp lattes and macchiatos are just as cozy as their pumpkin counterparts, with a cidery and light caramel feel. Here’s how you make it.
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, preferably unsalted
- ½ tsp apple pie spice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
To make this seasonal syrup, heat a saucepan on low/medium heat and add the apple cider, brown sugar, and butter to the pan till everything is melted together.
Mix apple pie spice and cornstarch together in a separate bowl and add to the wet mixture.
Bring the mixture to a bubble and then reduce heat and let simmer for ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Store in the fridge for all of your apple-spiced needs.
Source: https://www.shugarysweets.com/apple-crisp-macchiato/
- Whipped Honey Coffee
Honey may be available year-round, but there’s just something about it in the fall that makes it feel extra comforting. Maybe it’s the weather changing or the fact that honey has an undeniable sweetness we all need at this time of year. Either way bringing back an old classic for the best season of the year just seems right.
- 2 tbsp instant coffee
- 2 tbsp honey of choice
- 2 tbsp boiling water
- 1 cup milk of choice, use creamy if using oat or almond
For this recipe, you’ll need a handheld or stand mixer just to make life easier.
In a bowl, add your instant coffee, honey, and water to a bowl and whip on low until everything is dissolved. Then up the speed of the mixer until stiff peaks form and the mixture becomes thicker.
Take extra honey and garnish the inside of the cup and pour your milk in.
Add the coffee mixture on top, garnish with honey, or caramel if you’re feeling so inclined, and a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon.
- Maple Syrup Latte
If we’re being honest, we can all agree that maple syrup is basically liquid gold. It’s got that sweet and earthy taste that just can’t be found anywhere else. But this amber treasure isn’t just good for waffles, it can also make for one of the best lattes of the season. Not to mention, it is by far the easiest recipe to make on this list. So for the girls who love syrup and lack those stovetop skills, listen up.
- 1-2 tbsp pure maple syrup, adjust based on sweetness preference
- 1 cup milk of choice
- Shot—or 2—of espresso
For this recipe, there are two ways to make it based on whether or not you have a milk frother in your kitchen.
If you have a milk frother, add your maple syrup to a cup and pour about 3 tbsp of hot milk on top. Froth it together until the mixture triples in size.
Make your espresso shots, heat your milk, and combine them together.
Finally, add in your maple mixture, stir, and enjoy.
If you are frotherless, follow these easy steps:
Add your maple syrup to the bottom of your mug.
Pour in hot milk and espresso.
Stir and dive in.