5 pumpkin drink recipes to try at home

1. Classic Pumpkin Spice Latte

A warm and cozy pumpkin spice latte is a fall favorite, perfect for mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee

2 tablespoons pumpkin purée

1–2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Whipped cream for topping

Method:

1. In a small saucepan, heat milk, pumpkin, sugar, and pumpkin spice over medium heat until warm, whisking to combine.

2. Froth the mixture with a hand frother or whisk until slightly foamy.

3. Pour over brewed espresso in a mug.

4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.

Tip: Adjust sweetness and spice to taste. For a vegan version, use almond or oat milk and coconut whipped cream.

2. Pumpkin Smoothie

This pumpkin smoothie is nutritious, creamy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pumpkin purée

1 banana

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt

1 cup milk or almond milk

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Ice cubes (optional)

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

3. Pour into a glass and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds, flax seeds, or protein powder to boost nutrition. For extra creaminess, add half an avocado.

3. Pumpkin Chai Latte

Combining the warming flavors of chai with pumpkin, this drink is perfect for a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients:

1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

1 chai tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose chai tea

2 tablespoons pumpkin purée

1–2 teaspoons sugar or maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Whipped cream (optional)

Method:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan, add pumpkin, sugar, and cinnamon, and stir until combined.

2. Brew chai tea directly in the milk mixture, letting it steep for 3–5 minutes.

3. Strain if using loose leaf tea, then pour into a mug.

4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Tip:For a spiced kick, add a pinch of cloves or cardamom. Sweeten to taste with honey or brown sugar.

4. Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

A rich and indulgent pumpkin hot chocolate blends chocolatey goodness with subtle pumpkin spice.

Ingredients:

2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)

1/4 cup cocoa powder

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons pumpkin purée

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping

Method:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cocoa, sugar, pumpkin, and spice over medium heat until smooth and heated through.

2. Pour into mugs.

3. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows and a dash of pumpkin spice.

Tip For extra richness, add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or a splash of coffee to deepen the flavor.

5. Iced Pumpkin Latte

Perfect for warmer days, an iced pumpkin latte is refreshing while still capturing autumn flavors.

Ingredients:

1 cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based)

1/2 cup cold brew coffee or chilled espresso

2 tablespoons pumpkin purée

1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Ice cubes

Method:

1. In a blender, combine milk, pumpkin, sweetener, and pumpkin spice until smooth.

2. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the coffee over the ice.

3. Top with the pumpkin milk mixture and stir to combine.

Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for visual appeal and extra flavor. You can also froth the pumpkin milk before adding it for a creamy texture.

These five pumpkin drinks provide a variety of warm and cold options, from cozy lattes to refreshing smoothies, covering both sweet and lightly spiced tastes. They’re perfect for autumn, but delicious any time you crave pumpkin flavor.

If you want, I can also create a 7-day pumpkin drink plan, pairing hot and cold drinks for each day of the week. This would give you a full week of pumpkin beverages!