Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version

Starbucks’ pumpkin spice syrup is beloved—but homemade is better. Here’s why this copycat recipe wins:

• Made with real pumpkin puree instead of artificial flavorings

• Customizable sweetness and spice levels to fit your taste

• More affordable than buying over and over

• Perfect for coffee stations and holiday gifting

• Free from preservatives and unpronounceable ingredients

You get that coffee-shop flavor at home, in control of everything that goes in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Syrup (Makes about ¾ cup)

• ½ cup water

• ½ cup granulated sugar (or cane sugar / organic sugar)

• ¼ cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for richer taste)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Tip: adjust spice ratios to match the exact flavor you remember from your favorite PSL.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice (Optional)

If you don’t have a pre-blended spice mix, combine:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

Mix and store for future batches.

Tools & Prep in Advance

• Small saucepan

• Whisk

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Fine mesh sieve (optional)

• Clean glass jar or bottle with lid

• Labels or tags (great if gifting)

Having ingredients pre-measured makes this process easy and quick.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Liquid and Sweeteners

Add water, white sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree to a saucepan. Whisk gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth—about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Spices

Stir in cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Continue whisking to ensure spices disperse evenly.

Step 3: Simmer

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4–6 minutes, stirring frequently. The syrup should thicken slightly and become fragrant.

Step 4: Finish with Vanilla

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool a moment before straining or transferring.

Step 5: Optional Straining

For a clean, smooth syrup—especially if using in cold drinks—strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar, discarding any spice sediment or pumpkin bits.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Allow syrup to cool to room temperature before sealing. Store in the refrigerator up to 10–14 days. Shake before using, as natural settling may occur.

How to Use Your Copycat Syrup

PSL at Home (Hot or Iced)

• Hot: Combine 1–2 tablespoons of syrup with espresso or strong brewed coffee in a mug, stir, and top with steamed milk or foam. Finish with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon sprinkle.

• Iced: Fill a glass with ice, coffee or cold brew, stir in syrup, and top with cold milk or whipped cream. Use pumped syrup quantities to match your sweetness preference.

Barista-Style Creative Uses

• Pumpkin cold foam: Blend cold milk with a shot of syrup and froth for a thick cream top layer over iced coffee.

• Chai pumpkin blends: Add to chai tea or chai latte for a spicy pumpkin twist.

• Pumpkin concentrate: Use as a base for drinks like espresso shots+milk or homemade lattes.

Beyond Coffee

• Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or yogurt.

• Add to smoothies, milkshakes, or hot chocolate.

• Swirl into whipped cream or frosting for desserts.

• Gift-ready at fall gatherings and gatherings—bottle with ribbons and tags.

Variations & Customizations

Dairy-Free Version

Use maple syrup in place of white sugar and water. Substitute almond or oat milk in drinks. The syrup itself is naturally vegan when using vegan sugar and pure pumpkin.

Reduced-Sugar Version

Use a less sweet sugar like coconut sugar or cut total sugar down by ¼ cup. Taste before straining to ensure flavor balance.

Extra Spice Version

Increase cinnamon and ginger by ¼ teaspoon each for a bolder spice profile. Add cardamom or allspice to taste.

Cocoa Pumpkin Syrup

Stir in 1 teaspoon cocoa powder while cooking for a mocha-like twist.

Citrus Twist

Add ½ teaspoon orange zest when simmering to brighten the flavor.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Label jars with content and date prepared.

• Keep refrigerated; shelf life: 10–14 days.

• Freeze smaller batches in silicone molds or ice cube trays for longer storage.

• Batch-make a few jars before fall—it makes mornings fast and flavorful.

• Include syrup as part of an at-home coffee bar setup for guests or office stations.

Why DIY Beats Buying

Starbucks syrup is convenient—but home-made offers clear advantages:

• Price: Homemade costs pennies per cup.

• Ingredients: No corn syrup, artificial colors, or preservatives.

• Flavor Control: You decide how sweet or spicy it is.

• Sustainability: Use recyclable jars and avoid plastic pump bottles.

• Fun Factor: Makes a great gift or fall activity.

Nutrition (Approximate per Tablespoon)

Based on granulated sugar and typical pumpkin puree.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does this syrup taste exactly like Starbucks?

Close! Using real pumpkin changes the texture slightly, making it more wholesome. You can adjust spices and sugar to match the intensity you remember.

Will it curdle in milk?

If the milk is hot, no. For iced or cold milk drinks, stir the syrup well into coffee before adding milk to prevent separation.

Can I make this syrup sugar-free?

Yes—use sugar alternatives such as monk fruit or erythritol. Adjust quantity for sweetness and monitor consistency (some sugar alternatives don’t thicken the same).

How long does it last?

Stored properly in a sealed jar, it stays fresh for 10–14 days. You can freeze small amounts for up to 3 months.

Is it vegan?

Yes, when using vegan sugar and plant-based sweetener like maple. Avoid honey to keep it vegan.

Can kids drink drinks using this syrup?

For kids, skip caffeinated coffee. Mix syrup with warm milk or serve as a sweet topping on cereals or pancakes.

Final Words: Why This Recipe Delivers

This Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Spice Syrup brings genuine pumpkin flavor and warm, spiced sweetness to your drinks—all without artificial ingredients or premium costs. Perfect for anyone who loves the taste of seasonal lattes without the lines.

Easy to make, customizable, shelf-stable, and endlessly versatile—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever went through a pumpkin season without your own jar in the fridge. Pour it over coffee, tea, desserts, or breakfast, and welcome fall flavor through every sip.