Craving that Starbucks pumpkin spice vibe without leaving the house? This easy homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup is your ticket to cozy fall flavours—perfect for lattes, drizzles, and, of course, everything nice!
I’m not going to lie – I’ve never been a “Starbucks Girly”. I don’t know how to order from there, I don’t know the elaborate drink menu off the top of my head, and I can probably count the amount of times I’ve had it in my entire 33 years of living on one hand. Heck, most of the memories I have of me stepping foot into a Starbucks is in a foreign country trying to figure out where the bathroom is or connect to reliable wifi (pro tip!).
BUUUT, I have to admit (especially being a food blogger who spends her fair share of time scrolling through social media), there’s nothing that quite gets me like seeing people’s hype around the famous pumpkin spice latte around this time of year. The cozy, warm vibes are hard to resist, and even I get a little tempted to hop on the pumpkin bandwagon.
Starbucks is notorious for getting the pumpkin spice ball rolling earlier than most places, and their famous pumpkin spice syrup is always a hit—or so I’m told 😉 I figure, why not bring those flavours home, where I can control the ingredients and make it my own? Plus, nothing says “fall” like the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves simmering on the stovetop. Am I right?!
No judgment here if you are a Starbucks fanatic, though. With things like this pumpkin spice syrup to send coffee over the top, I can see why. Honestly, keeping a bottle of this syrup on hand makes me feel like I’m running my own little café (or dare I say Starbucks?!), ready to whip up cozy drinks whenever my pumpkin spice crazy friends come a-knockin’. Whether you’re pouring it into iced coffee, stirring it into lattes, or drizzling it over weekend pancakes, just know that this pumpkin spice syrup seriously does it all.
Starbucks, who?!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUP FROM STARBUCKS
This homemade pumpkin spice syrup is the ultimate way to bring that cozy Starbucks flavour right to your kitchen. Made with real pumpkin and warm spices, it’s perfect for lattes, iced coffees, or even drizzling over pancakes and desserts. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this rich, fall-inspired syrup that’s free from artificial flavours and completely customizable!
Let’s discuss the exact ingredients you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail down below:
- Water: Forms the base of the syrup. Also helps dissolve the sugar while cooking, giving it the right consistency for mixing into beverages and drizzling.
- Sugar: Sweetens the syrup and creates the thick, sticky texture we all love. You can adjust the amount slightly based on how sweet you prefer your syrup.
- Pumpkin Purée: Adds a genuine pumpkin flavour and that classic orange tint. Make sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
- Pumpkin Spice Blend: The star of the show! This pre-made blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice, giving the syrup its warm and aromatic flavour. Adjust the amount depending on how strong you want the spice flavour to be. Don’t have any on hand? Try making your own pumpkin pie spice from scratch with easy pantry spices!
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavour profile, adding depth and a hint of sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUP FROM STARBUCKS (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this starbucks pumpkin spice syrup copycat in the recipe card down below. But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use pumpkin purée. Make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance and texture of the syrup.
- Simmer, don’t boil. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer while cooking the syrup. Boiling can cause the sugar to burn or caramelize too quickly, affecting the flavour and consistency.
- Stir frequently. Stir the mixture often to prevent the pumpkin purée and spices from settling or sticking to the bottom of the pan. This helps create a smooth, even consistency throughout the syrup.
- Strain for smoothness (optional). If you prefer a silky texture (like the kind you’d get at Starbucks), strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth after simmering. This will remove any bits of pumpkin and spices, giving you a smooth, pourable syrup.
- Adjust the sweetness and spices. Taste as you go and feel free to adjust the sugar or pumpkin spice amount to suit your preference. If you like it sweeter or spicier, tweak the measurements to create your perfect blend!
- Cool completely before storing. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a bottle or jar. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can affect the shelf life of the syrup.
- Store in the fridge. Keep the syrup refrigerated in an airtight container. It should last for up to 2 weeks, and giving it a quick shake before use will keep it well-mixed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, Starbucks does sell their pumpkin spice syrup, but it’s not typically available for retail purchase in their stores. The syrup they use in their famous pumpkin spice lattes is part of their exclusive line of ingredients, reserved for their beverages. Occasionally, you might find the syrup (or a similar version) available through their online store or partnered retailers, but it’s not as common as other Starbucks products like their classic syrups or flavoured creamers.
For those wanting that authentic Starbucks flavour at home, making this homemade pumpkin spice syrup recipe is the perfect solution! It’s easy to whip up, uses real ingredients, and lets you control the sweetness and spice levels to match your exact taste. Plus, you can enjoy all those cozy, warm pumpkin flavours in your lattes, iced coffees, and desserts anytime—without leaving your kitchen!
A standard Starbucks pumpkin spice latte contains different numbers of syrup pumps depending on the size of the drink. For a tall (12 oz), you get 3 pumps of pumpkin spice syrup; for a grande (16 oz), it’s 4 pumps; and for a venti (20 oz), it’s 5 pumps. If you order an iced venti (24 oz), it also has 5 pumps. You can customize the number of pumps to suit your taste, so if you prefer a less sweet or more intense pumpkin flavour, you can always ask for more or fewer pumps.
The syrup is what gives the latte its signature spicy-sweet flavour, so adjusting it is a great way to make the drink your own (which is super easy to do at home!)
Pumpkin spice syrup is incredibly versatile and can be used for much more than just coffee! Of course, it’s perfect for lattes, iced coffees, and teas, but you can also drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a cozy breakfast twist.
It works great as a flavour booster in smoothies, milkshakes, and even cocktails like a pumpkin spice martini. You can also use it as a sweet topping for ice cream or yogurt, or mix it into oatmeal for a spiced-up start to your day. Whether you’re baking fall treats or creating seasonal beverages, this syrup is your go-to for adding that warm, spicy-sweet flavour to just about anything!
Homemade pumpkin syrup typically lasts about 2 weeks when stored in the fridge in an airtight container. The key is to make sure the syrup has completely cooled before sealing and refrigerating it to prevent any condensation from affecting the texture or shelf life. Over time, the syrup may thicken slightly, so giving it a quick shake or stir before using will help keep it smooth. If you notice any changes in smell, taste, or appearance, it’s best to discard it and make a fresh batch. For the best flavour, try to use it up within that 2-week window!
LOVE STARBUCKS? TRY MY COPYCAT STARBUCKS LONDON FOG RECIPE NEXT!
MORE GREAT PUMPKIN RECIPES
PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS WITH PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUP (STARBUCKS COPYCAT)
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Water
- 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar
- 4 tbsp Pumpkin Purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2-2.5 tsp Pumpkin Spice Blend
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the pumpkin purée and the pumpkin spice blend. Whisk together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together. Be sure not to let it boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you prefer a smoother syrup, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids from the pumpkin purée. This step is optional but recommended for a smoother texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean glass jar or bottle with a lid. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Video
The links in this post are affiliate links. Thanks for supporting HipHipGourmet!