Pumpkin spice latte season lands in the UAE the moment the mornings ease off, and making one at home costs a fraction of the cafe version. Here are two easy ways to do it: the classic syrup-and-espresso build, and a no-espresso blend if you want it caffeine-light or quicker.
Method 1: syrup and espresso (the classic)
This is the cafe-style PSL. You need espresso, milk, and a good pumpkin spice syrup.
- Pull a double shot of espresso, or make about 60ml of strong coffee.
- Add 15 to 20ml of Proper Pumpkin Spice Syrup to the cup and stir it into the hot coffee.
- Steam and froth 200ml of milk. Any plant-based milk works; oat foams best.
- Pour the milk over, finish with foam and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Adjust the syrup to taste. Start on the lower end, because pumpkin spice creeps up on you.
Method 2: an all-in-one blend (no espresso needed)
If you want it simpler or lower in caffeine, use a ready blend like the Blendsmiths Pumpkin Spice Blend or the Chalo Pumpkin Spice premix.
- Whisk 2 to 3 teaspoons of the blend with a splash of hot water into a smooth paste.
- Add 240ml of hot milk and stir. Froth if you like.
- Want it caffeinated? Add a shot of espresso. Want it cosy and caffeine-free? Leave it as is.
Iced pumpkin spice latte
- Stir the syrup or blend into a small amount of warm water or the espresso first, so it dissolves.
- Fill a glass with ice and cold milk.
- Pour the pumpkin coffee over the top and stir. Finish with a little cinnamon.
Tips for a better PSL
- Dissolve the syrup or powder in something warm before adding cold milk, or it will sit at the bottom.
- Go easy on sweetness first, then adjust. The spice reads sweeter than it is.
- A pinch of salt rounds out the spice and stops it tasting flat.
- Browse more flavours in our coffee syrups, and pair with a solid espresso from the specialty coffee range.
Frequently asked questions
Is there real pumpkin in a pumpkin spice latte?
Usually not. The name refers to the pumpkin pie spice mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove) rather than pumpkin itself. Some blends do add real pumpkin, so check the label if that matters.
How do I make a pumpkin spice latte without an espresso machine?
Use an all-in-one pumpkin spice blend with hot milk, or make strong coffee any way you like (moka pot, instant, drip) and stir in pumpkin spice syrup.
Can I make it caffeine-free?
Yes. Use a pumpkin spice blend with milk and skip the espresso, or add a decaf shot.
What milk is best for a PSL?
Whole milk is classic, but barista oat milk froths well and suits the spice. Any plant-based milk works.
Where can I buy pumpkin spice syrup in the UAE?
PERCUP stocks pumpkin spice syrup and latte blends with delivery across the UAE, usually in 2 to 4 days.
