With fall now officially in full swing, pumpkin spice is the taste (and smell) on everyone’s lips. But if you’re tired of the usual pumpkin spice latte that’s a staple every year (looking at Starbucks), Sophie Nahmad, lead recipe developer at recipe box service Gousto, has the answer to your pumpkin spice prayers.
Sophie has come up with three offbeat pumpkin spice recipes, including an affogato, iced tea and even a cheeky espresso martini, bringing a culinary adventure to these classic recipes that’s far from the usual spiced coffee. The great thing is that you can even make your own pumpkin spice syrup at home, so you can go wild and embrace the pumpkin season as much as you want.
“I love these recipes because they combine the seasonal flavors of pumpkin spice with an unusual twist, mixing it up with the expected coffee and pie recipes,” says Sophie.
“First you should make your pumpkin spice syrup, and then the flavors of autumn will be at your fingertips. There are hundreds of different ways to use pumpkin spice, but I’ve picked three of my favorite recipes below. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve decided that these are the most delicious and unique ways to enjoy the flavor of the season and elevate drinks this fall.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup
“This will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, giving you plenty of time to embrace the taste of autumn the way you want!”
Makes 8 servings / 300 ml in total
Ingredients
- 150 g pumpkin puree
- 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- a pinch of salt
- 300 ml of water
Method
- Add all the ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let it boil for 10-12 minutes or until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is thickened and syrupy.
- Allow the syrup to cool before pouring into a sterilized bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Pumpkin Spice Affogato
“This treat is super simple!” Sophie says. “The dual effect of sweet vanilla and bitter coffee with pumpkin ink is a delicious combination you’ll crave all season long,” says Sophie.
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients
- 50 ml pumpkin spice syrup
- A double shot of espresso
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Method
- Add ice cream to the espresso cup and pour the espresso into it.
- Sprinkle some pumpkin spice on top and dig in!
Pumpkin Spice Iced Tea
“This refreshing drink is perfect for those days when you need a refreshing pick-me-up to brighten up the dreary, fall weather.”
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tea bags
- 400 ml boiled water
- 50 ml pumpkin spice syrup
- Ice cubes
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
Method
- Add the tea bags to a heat-resistant jug with boiled water and steep for 2-3 minutes.
- Once the tea bag is steeped, remove the tea bags and set them aside to cool – this is the tea mixture.
- Once cooled, fill the glass with ice and add the tea mixture with the pumpkin spice syrup. Stir it with a cocktail spoon or cinnamon stick and serve!
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
“Who can say no to an espresso martini? Pumpkin spice syrup elegantly elevates the flavor and adds seasonal comfort to the classic cocktail.”
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
- A double shot of espresso
- 50 ml pumpkin spice syrup
- 50 ml of coffee liqueur
- 100 ml of vodka
- Ice cubes
- star anise (optional)
Method
- Add all ingredients (except star anise!) to a cocktail shaker filled with plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 2-3 minutes.
- Strain into a martini glass and garnish with star anise (or coffee beans) and enjoy!
