I look forward to “Pumpkin Spice Season” all year! I’m a huge fan of the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew that Starbucks rolled out last year — it’s absolutely delicious! I’m rarely in the mood for a hot drink until the temperatures drop below ~40°F, so the pumpkin cold brew is the perfect option right now. I hope they keep this seasonal beverage around for years to come!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I haven’t been able to visit Starbucks as often as I would like to this season so I’ve had to improvise at home. I’ve found four ways to make pumpkin iced coffees at home to get my “fix” between my now very infrequent visits to Starbucks.
Additionally, the calories for each drink are very low (as my husband and I are working to lose our #Quarantine15 weight), but that does not mean that we are sacrificing any flavor or texture here. They do not taste low-cal at all. That being said, you can always make your own substitutions with the more basic ingredients (the coffee base or milk choice) if you have another preference.
Let’s get to it, Pumpkin! 😉
Cold Brew + Pumpkin Creamer
A little goes a long way with this creamer! I love the flavor and how it gives my cold brew a little something extra for the season. I much prefer a splash of this creamer to drinking a glass of the premade Starbucks Iced Espresso Pumpkin Spice Latte — NOT a fan of the latter, so choose wisely while at the grocery store!
Cold Brew + Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake
I can’t sing Premier Protein’s praises enough (or sing at all, if we’re being honest 😬) — they’re packed with protein, are low in sugar, and have the best flavors. My favorite “always” flavor is Café Latte, but my favorite seasonal is Pumpkin Spice! It seriously tastes like a pumpkin pie milkshake. Adding a little bit to my morning coffee as a “creamer” is a great way to start the day off right, especially before a workout — I drink the rest of the shake post-workout! (Fair warning: the shake consistency separates a tiny bit in the coffee unless you stir it really well… or just ignore it 😅).
Last year I discovered Skinny Mixes and fell head-over-heels for the brand. They make everything from coffee syrups and cocktail mixes to flavor infusions for just about anything! When I saw this Pumpkin Syrup Trio become available for the season, I had to snag it! The flavor options in this trio were the ones that intrigued me most: Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin Caramel. You can purchase them individually, but I wanted to try all three and these bottles are a bit smaller than the individual bottle size, which is ideal for testing them out!
(They’re already so affordable, but you can get $5 off if you click here!)
Café Latte Protein Shake + Pumpkin Syrup
These Café Latte protein shakes are what take up most of the room in my fridge… as far as protein shakes go, they’re the best! Adding a tiny splash (like 1/4 tsp, or to taste… just know that a little goes a LONG way!) of pumpkin syrup to the shake transforms it to a pumpkin spice dream!
Cold Brew + Oat Milk + Pumpkin Syrup of your choice
I only just started making the conversion from dairy milk to other forms of “milk” and I have to say that oat milk has the best flavor profile and consistency for coffees (in my not-so-humble opinion). To make your coffee into a pumpkin cold brew, just add a splash of oat milk and a tiny bit of pumpkin syrup. Et voilà!
*Side note: I think my favorite pumpkin syrup flavor is: the Pumpkin Cheesecake syrup, but they’re all very good.
I hope this helps you to also enjoy your pumpkin coffee beverages at home while we’re all doing our part and being responsible by staying home as much as we can!
Sending hugs!
xx, Natalie
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