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Fall Drink Lineup Overview
Fall is one of the most exciting seasons for coffee lovers, especially those who enjoy warm, comforting flavors. Starbucks releases a range of cozy beverages each fall, with staples like the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, Caramel Mocha, and more recently, the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte.
This article brings those favorites to your kitchen. These recipes are easy to follow, use common ingredients, and let you skip the café line while keeping all the fall feels.
Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) Copycat
Why It’s a Classic
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is the original fall drink icon. It’s creamy, warm, sweet, and filled with the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Our version recreates that comforting experience at home—no espresso machine required.
Ingredients
1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
¾ cup milk of your choice (dairy, oat, almond)
2–3 tablespoons pumpkin spice syrup or flavored creamer
Whipped cream (optional)
Pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Instructions
Brew your espresso or strong coffee.
Heat the milk until steaming and froth it if desired.
Mix the syrup into the coffee, then add the steamed milk.
Top with foam or whipped cream and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.
Make Your Own Pumpkin Syrup
Mix equal parts water and sugar (½ cup each) in a saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice and a spoonful of pumpkin purée. Simmer until blended, then cool and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Apple Crisp Macchiato
Flavor Overview
This fall favorite is layered with apple flavor, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It’s traditionally made with oat milk, espresso, and a spiced apple drizzle.
Ingredients
1–2 shots espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
¾ cup oat milk (or other milk of choice)
2 tablespoons apple syrup or apple cider reduction
1 tablespoon brown sugar syrup
Ice (if making iced version)
Optional: whipped cream, apple spice drizzle, or cinnamon
Homemade Apple Syrup (Optional)
Simmer ½ cup apple juice with 1 tablespoon brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and sliced apple for 5–10 minutes. Strain and store chilled.
Instructions
Pour syrups into your glass or mug.
Add milk and optional foam.
Slowly pour espresso over the milk to create layered effect.
Top with drizzle or spice dusting.
For Iced Version
Use chilled coffee, ice, and cold oat milk. Follow the same layering instructions and finish with a drizzle or foam.
Caramel Mocha (Fall Twist)
Cozy & Indulgent
Caramel Mocha is warm, chocolatey, and sweet—with rich caramel drizzle on top. This version adds a cinnamon twist for that autumn vibe.
Ingredients
1 shot espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1–2 tablespoons caramel syrup
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup or cocoa powder
Whipped cream
Optional: cinnamon, sea salt, or caramel drizzle
Instructions
Brew coffee and heat milk.
Mix caramel and chocolate syrup into the coffee.
Pour in the warm milk and stir.
Top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon or drizzle.
Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte (Bonus Recipe)
Fall’s Newest Nutty Hit
Inspired by the seasonal menu, this latte features nutty pecan flavor, creamy oat milk, and sweet caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
1 shot espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
¾ cup oat milk
2 tablespoons pecan or maple-pecan syrup
Whipped cream
Crushed candied pecans (optional)
Caramel drizzle for topping
Instructions
Brew espresso or coffee.
Heat oat milk and stir in pecan syrup.
Pour milk mixture into coffee.
Top with whipped cream, caramel, and crushed pecans if desired.
Home Barista Tips & Tools
Tools You Can Use
French press or moka pot for brewing
Handheld milk frother or mason jar (for frothing milk)
Saucepan and whisk for homemade syrups
Blender for iced or blended drinks
Techniques
For foam: shake warm milk in a jar or use a frother
For layering: pour espresso over the back of a spoon to keep it floating
For iced: use cold brew or chill your brewed coffee before mixing
Substitutions & Dietary Notes
| Standard Ingredient | Substitute Option |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | Oat milk, almond milk, soy |
| Espresso | Instant espresso, strong coffee |
| Whipped cream | Coconut cream, non-dairy whip |
| Syrups with sugar | Monk fruit sweetener, sugar-free syrups |
| Caramel (dairy) | Vegan caramel or date syrup |
All drinks here can be made 100% vegetarian and easily adapted to vegan or low-sugar diets. No alcohol, pork, or bacon is used in any recipe.
FAQs – Fall Drink Edition
Can I make these drinks without an espresso machine?
Yes! You can use instant espresso, French press coffee, or extra-strong brewed coffee.
How long do homemade syrups last?
Store any syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks in a sealed container.
Can I make these drinks sugar-free?
Absolutely. Use unsweetened milk and sugar-free syrups or natural sweeteners like stevia.
Do I need to froth milk?
Frothing improves texture but isn’t required. For a quick foam, shake warm milk in a jar for 30 seconds.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix syrups and milk together in advance. Just heat and add coffee when ready.
How do I layer drinks like Starbucks?
Pour syrups first, then milk, then espresso. Don’t stir. This creates a beautiful layered effect.
Final Thoughts
Fall is the coziest season of all, and now you don’t have to leave home to enjoy your favorite seasonal drinks. Whether you’re sipping a Pumpkin Spice Latte, layering an Apple Crisp Macchiato, or indulging in a Caramel Mocha with whipped cream and cinnamon, these recipes bring the magic of the season to your kitchen.
They’re easy to adapt, perfect for beginners, and totally customizable. Try a new one each week, mix and match flavors, and share the love with your fellow fall fanatics.
So grab your favorite mug, light a fall candle, and get brewing—you’re now your own barista.
