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Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte Cocktail Drink

Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Savor the fall with this quick spiked pumpkin spice latte recipe! For a delightful autumn cocktail, blend espresso, pumpkin spice syrup, bourbon, milk, whipped cream, and cinnamon.
Prep time: 2 minutes
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 269

Ingredients
 

  • 1 shot of Espresso
  • ½ oz pumpkin spice syrup
  • 1 oz Bourbon
  • 1 cup of milk
  • Whipped cream - for topping
  • Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon - for garnish

Equipment

  • Espresso Machine or Coffee Maker
  • Milk Frother optional
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Heatproof Mug

Instructions

  • Brew Espresso: Brew 1 shot of Espresso using your espresso machine or usual coffee maker.
  • Heat Milk: Warm up 1 cup of milk in a saucepan or in the microwave. If available, you can also use a milk frother to add milk foam to your drink.
  • Add Pumpkin Spice Syrup: Pour ½ oz pumpkin spice syrup into your mug.
  • Add Bourbon: Measure and pour 1 oz Bourbon into the mug as well.
  • Combine with Espresso: Pour the brewed espresso over the syrup and bourbon mixture. You may stir briefly to combine.
  • Top with Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.
  • Garnish with Cinnamon: Garnish with a cinnamon stick or with a pinch of ground cinnamon and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Espresso: If you don't have an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee as a substitute. I've also used instant espresso powder in a pinch; follow the package instructions for making one shot.
  • Pumpkin Spice Syrup: You can make your own by combining pumpkin puree, sugar, water, and pumpkin pie spices in a saucepan and simmering until thickened. Store-bought versions work just as well.
  • Bourbon: If you prefer a different spirit, try spiced rum or brandy for a unique twist. I've found that these alternatives still complement the pumpkin spice flavors nicely.
  • Milk: Any milk works here, including almond or oat milk, if you want a dairy-free option.

Making a Batch of Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 shots of espresso, 8 oz of pumpkin spice syrup, 8 oz of bourbon, and 8 cups of milk.
  • Mix: Heat the milk and pumpkin spice syrup in a large saucepan. Brew all the espresso shots and combine them in the saucepan along with the bourbon.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual mugs, top each with whipped cream, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use non-alcoholic bourbon or omit it for a kid-friendly version. I've tried adding a splash of vanilla extract to mimic some of the depth bourbon provides.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these non-alcoholic substitutes to enjoy a delicious, spiked pumpkin spice latte.

Making it Vegan:

  • Milk Substitute: Use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk instead of regular milk. Oat milk gives it a creamy texture similar to dairy milk.
  • Whipped Cream Substitute: Use coconut or any other plant-based whipped cream available at your local store.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these vegan substitutes to enjoy a vegan spiked pumpkin spice latte.