Pumpkin Spice Latte: the taste of the American Autumn!

Based on coffee, one can make countless drinks. One of these, is probably the ultimate drink of the American Autumn: Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Over the past few years, the celebrations of Halloween have begun to conquer Europe and, last but not least, our country. Halloween is a very important celebration for the United States of America, which has become an integral part of America's Pop Culture, and it is amusing for both young and old, as it is full of sweets and treats, frightening disguises and of course ... pumpkins! The pumpkin in America is fully associated with the autumn and the beginning of winter, as apart from the thousands of Halloween carved pumpkins, pumpkin recipes are always present at the Thanksgiving table, a very important celebration for the USA celebrated always in November.

By tapping on the love of the Americans for pumpkins and how they are connected with the arrival of autumn on the other side of the Atlantic, a well-known coffee chain launched a few years ago a beverage that aspired to enclose the flavors of the American autumn: Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with espresso, milk, spices used to spice the pumpkin pie, but also pumpkin syrup or puree.

A recipe such as Pumpkin Spice Latte can host those who insist on the most traditional versions of espresso, but it is light, fragrant and perfectly suited for autumn afternoons. The recipe you read contains natural pumpkin puree, so that the drink is healthier and tastier.

What do you need for a pumpkin spice latte?

• A large piece of pumpkin, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• Nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, ginger
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 double espresso

How is Pumpkin Spice Latte prepared?

• In a saucepan, place the pieces of pumpkin and fill water to cover them.
• Boil on low heat until the pumpkin softens.
• Swab with a rattan or a fork to make the pumpkin puree
• In a pan, add sugar, spices, puree and cook over low heat.
• Add the milk slowly and let it boil.
• Place the mixture in a blender and beat it carefully until it froths
• Prepare the double espresso, serving it in a large, transparent glass
• Fill with the fluffy pumpkin-milk mixture
• Garnish with a little whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon or ginger

Tips for a a succesful Pumpkin Spice Latte 

• Youn can customize sugar at will! Pumpkin is relatively unsweetened, and sugar can unify tastes. Let's not remorse, Pumpkin Spice Latte is not a drink for daily consumption, so you can add a little more sugar!
• Pay close attention when using the blender: putting the hot mix in the blender may make it explode, staining your kitchen and clothes, and there is a risk of burns. Let the mixture cool down a little or secure your blender very well.
• For spices, count about one pinch of each - you can gently emphasize ginger, but not the rest, because the drink will start to taste bitter.
• For the espresso to be used, opinions differ. Many Pumpkin Spice Latte lovers prefer sweet, aromatic coffees, while others insist that a strong blend emphasizes the taste of coffee. If you want a sweet drink, choose an aromatic, 100% Arabica coffee, such as Lucaffe's Mr Exclusive or Hausbrandt's Academia. If, on the other hand, we want your beverage to have a stronger coffee flavor, choose a blend with a strong Robusta presence, such as Lavazza's Vending Gusto Forte or De Roccis's Intenso.
• Do not forget that despite spices and pumpkin puree, Pumpkin Spice Latte contains a double espresso, so it has a strong dose of caffeine, so it is not suitable for children. You can prepare it with decaf coffee, making it suitable for younger ages or for those who care for daily caffeine intake.
• You can make a simpler version, completely omitting the pumpkin puree. In this case we will just make a Latte flavored with autumn spices - easy and quick solution to enjoy our espresso with a different twist!
• Being wintery and aromatic, Pumpkin Spice Latte is great for Christmas breakfast!