Back in 2003, Peter Dukes, a then product manager at Starbucks, led a small group in brainstorming a new drink to add to the chain’s fall espresso menu. They filled the research and development space (a.k.a. the “Liquid Lab”) with fall decor and pumpkin pie to get their creative juices flowing prior to deciding on the latte recipe that would change how we view autumn forever. And thus, the pumpkin spice latte was born.
A little more than 20 years later, the pumpkin spice latte (PSL) has proved itself as the unofficial official drink of the fall season. Though it can be a divisive drink, we know to make the mental switch from daydreaming about tropical vacays to frolicking among the fall foliage whenever we see the pumpkin spice latte appear in stores.
What is the PSL?
Contrary to its name, pumpkin spice doesn’t actually contain pumpkin. The spice itself, which predates the latte that made it a household name, is a combination of different spices, usually cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. It’s added to a variety of dishes and drinks for added flavor.
As far as the original latte is concerned, it is actually pretty simple to make. According to the Starbucks website, the pumpkin spice latte is made of the following ingredients: 1 capsule of espresso, 1 cup of whole milk, 3 tablespoons of homemade pumpkin spice syrup, ½ cup of whipped cream, and a pinch of pumpkin spice for a nice garnish. You’ll want to heat and froth your milk and brew your espresso. Then add the syrup into the mug prior to mixing in the espresso and stirring it all together. Top with your frothed milk and whipped cream, and finish with a bit of pumpkin pie spice.
Starbucks’s homemade pumpkin spice syrup consists of 1½ cups of granulated sugar, 1½ cups of water, 6 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, and 4 tablespoons of pumpkin purée. Mix the sugar and water in a saucepan, and bring it to a simmer. When the sugar has dissolved, add the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and pumpkin purée before letting it simmer for about 20 minutes. Then remove from heat and strain before pouring it into your latte.
Health benefits
Yep, there are a few health benefits to consuming a pumpkin spice latte. The spice itself is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Samantha Dieras, DCN, RD, who serves as director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital, says cinnamon and ginger may reduce blood sugar and high cholesterol. Ginger, as well as nutmeg, can also aid indigestion, bloating, gas, and nausea. Cloves, she explains, can support your immune system, while allspice aids your metabolism.
Other ingredients, such as milk and coffee, can have potential health benefits if they don’t contain an excess amount of added sugars or preservatives. Milk, depending on which you choose, can hold healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. And coffee has been linked to benefits for those with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. “The key is the quantity and quality of the ingredients used,” she says. “If you’re making [it] at home and using fresh, healthy ingredients, the latte can be a part of a healthful diet and provide benefits listed above.”
There’s also a mental well-being element to the beverage. Dieras explains that if a pumpkin spice latte makes you feel happy, warm, and cozy, don’t feel guilty for indulging every so often. If it boosts your mood, it may not be that horrible for you.
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