The new Pumpkin Spice Latte helps Starbucks' bottom line

In the four-week period ended Oct. 31, the company's comparable-store sales grew by 11% over the same period last year -- thanks, in part, to the pumpkin drink. (TheStreet.com)
> Starbucks' CEO says in a company press release: "The very successful debut of Pumpkin Spice Latte, which has been enthusiastically received by our customers, is creating momentum as we head into the holiday season."
> Here's a recipe for a mock Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

Comments

[Dru]

and i think i've purchased every one of them singlehandedly.

darn that thing is tasty! :-D

That's because the secret ingredient is crack.

Say, can you spare a starbucks card? I just need a hit. A quick hit, a couple syrup shots and a little nutmeg dust on top.

Don't even get me started on the eggnog lattes.

[miss. barista]

My boyfriend,my fellow starbuckers and I all love the pumpkin!

[patti]

I'm addicted, luckily they still will make it even though it's not on the menu.

[Katurah Raiter]

Pumpkin Spice Latte-- I just made one but I did it before I saw this. Here is my recipe:

I broke out my espresso machine & used

2 shots Espresso- I actually didn't have any so I used Starbucks Elephant Kinjia finely ground.
3 oz milk combined w/ 3oz 1/2 & 1/2 steamed & frothed-- or As much as u like
2 Tsp Pumpkin Spice- Grocery store Spice Isle.
1 tblsp white mocha Tollhouse chips to sweeten.

Then I just mixed it all up to taste.

Topped with whipped cream and a sprinke of pumpkin spice.

It was really good and really close just not as thick.

[laurie]

I can't explain how happy I was when I walked into SB today, mourning summer, and there was my nirvana, back on the menu board. YAY! : )

[Allee]

My boyfriend and I love to go get a pumpkin spice frappuccino CREAM BASED!!!Its so good you can taste the pumpkin a lot better without the coffee!!!***

[Pamela]

I am addicted to Pumpkin Spice...but have been denied of it the last two times (due to lack of spice)...going through withdrawls...

[Addicted 2 Pumpkin latte]

Just wanted to share with you all.........you can order very similar coffee flavoring syrups at monin.com I make my own version of the Toffe nut latte & the Pumpkin spice latte with their tofee nut syrup or pumkin spice syrup and yes I use only the best espresso Starbucks!! The ones I make at home taste just like the real thing. Try it you will be hooked!!

[Donna-Lee]

Hi Pamela and All!

I thought that I would give you another option...

You can get your Pumpkin Spice Syrup, and all the other flavors too, at discounted prices at www.javaqueen.us

We will roast your coffee when you put your order in and send it right to you!

You could save a TON of money making your drinks at home... not to mention, we believe as do all of our customers, that we have a better roasting process than Starbucks... unless you really like that over-roasted bean, which some people do.

Although, I would venture to say that it is not the coffee but rather the specialty drinks that they are famous for.

[Mia]

Hahah I can't belive there's a starbucks gossip blog! That's great! I found it searching for info (recipe) on the pumpkin spice latte, i.e. my crack. :) So glad to find a recipe and links to places to buy syrups! :)

[Lamb Chop]

I agree with Donna-Lee, just searching for a recipe and ended up laughing out loud! Thanks!

[Lambchop]

Oops! I mean MIA!

[Jasmine]

Hi,My Mum Jude, just flew into LA from Australia, and she was only there half an hour when she rang me at 4.45am (Aus time) to say that she had just got off the plane and had drank a pumpkin latte. Just thing you need after a long haul flight for 12 hours plus. This is her introduction to American culture and it sounds alright. Now I can get to a starbucks in Perth, I think, but it sounds interesting enough to try whipping one up at home. Can anyone tell me what pumpkin spice is? would it be mainly say, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon maybe? And canned pumkin? mmm thats easy enough to make. Someone told me that pumpkins in the US are not what we call pumpkins in australia, we have Jap pumpkin, Queensland blue,kent, and butternut pumkin mainly. Anyway basic pumpkin should do. And would you use pure cream, or do you have the fake stuff. MMMmmm cannot wait to try some.

[Mia]

Well when I make pumpkin *bread* I put in cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves & allspice (allspice is just cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves together, I believe).

You can buy just canned pumpkin or canned "pumpkin pie filling" which is canned pumpkin + the spices. Usually they are in similar cans right next to eachother in the store.

So to duplicate the latte it's probably easiest to buy the pie filling, I'm guessing. :)

[Emily]

Just a correction. Allspice actually is NOT a combination of spices. It is its own spice. It comes from "evergreen pimiento tree, native to the West Indies and South America, though Jamaica provides most of the world's supply (allspice is also known as Jamaica pepper)". <--from Food Network.com. A lot of people think it's a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves because that's what it tastes like.

[KibbitzQueen]

I'm now officially a 'punkn,-latte'-a-holic! How mean! They get you addicted to a seasonal flavor!
UGH! How will I ever stand withdrawl?

[Kathy]

Oh my Gwad! Did you read the nutrition info on those Lattes? I love them too but 500 calories a pop?
I'm sure a little experimentation at home is called for. I have the pumkpin as I am trying to perfect a pumpkin pancake recipe.
Do those syrups come in sugar-free?

[Todd Pumpkin]

I *tried* to peak at the label on the syrup at my Starbucks and I might be wrong - but there was not actually any pumpkin in the list of ingrediants. I was shocked because it tastes to pumpkin-ie. I think I will try your recipe at home and I bet it will taste better - actually having pumpkin in it. But, i will also keep buying the Starbucks variety... too bad they are not sold in the little bottles that you can buy at the market.

[mgr]

There is no pumpkin in a pumpkin spice latte-- it's just flavoring. And for people who continue to bitch about calories and fat, it's mostly just the whipped cream that is the culprit, which is basically aerated vanilla lard. Get it non-fat and no-whip and move on.

[Patrick]

MGR, Do you work for Starbucks. I do and its kinda funny to read these forums. Anyway, i thought it was funny that someone was trying to sneak a peak at the label of the Pumpkin Spice flavoring. If they asked one of the baristas what the ingredients were, I'm sure they would tell them. It's not like its a big secret. Good luck finding out the proportions of the ingredients however, if you are trying to duplicate the recipe. Also, if someone is so addicted to Starbucks and is complaining about not being able to afford it, you might as well just work for Starbucks and then you can get all the free/discounted coffee and tea you could ever want. The other thing that bothers me is when people make comments or ask questions without reading all of the previous posts. Often times your questions are answered above, and then you just look like an idiot when you ask the question again.

[MGR]

Patrick, I do indeed. I love every minute of it. But alas, my heart dies just a little bit with each passing day as humanity becomes more and more stupid and lazy. I agree with you about the benefits of free coffee. In relation to my earlier post, I wish I could just customers people to go to a freakin gym. I go to one just so I can drink and eat whatever I want. I refuse to let customers draw me into whatever ridiculous diet program of the week that they think is going to replace exercise. Oh those heady days of the moronic Atkins craze.....

[Michelle]

I too am an addict! I can't stop going to Starbuck's to get another tasty Pumpkin Spice Latte even though they are so darn expensive! I may have to get a job there to support my habit. Thanks to those of you who have posted your recipes, I will be trying them all!!! Coming soon are the Gingerbread Lattes...even more delicious! Someone stop me please!!! What's another hour at the gym??

[Jennifer]

as a graphic artist, sometimes i'm up late, sometimes i'm up really early! sometimes i just need to be UP! i confess, i'm a Pumpkin latte addict and i'm converting as many of my fellow arteests as possible... can't wait to try some of the recipes. i am also a chai tea latte addict. i buy the mix by the carton!

[Claudia]

None of the recipes posted here taste like the "Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte." I refuse to give up on creating a mock version since Starbucks is about 40 minutes from where I live. So far I have discovered the following:

2 heaping teaspoons of Eagle Brand,
a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg,
milk, and
2 shots of espresso.

It is still not perfected yet, but I'm getting there. Those of you addicted and trying to make it at home, please try this and let me know what you think.

Claudia

[Capt.Gravy and Sweetpea]

Lordy! I love me some P.Spice Latte's.

However, I think it's a StarBucks trap to take over the world!

[Jay]

STARBUCKS is EVIL. Do not go there. They use slimy, underhanded business tactics (such as buying out the leases of local coffee shops) in order to dominate the landscape of our small towns and cities. Just say no.

[gordond]

It's evil? Evil? This is the first I have heard of such a thing. I will throw out my machines, tumblers, cups, and the like, and stick strictly to tea from Chelsea's of Whittard from here on in.

Unless you think they're evil, too.

[Svet]

I found this recipe for gingerbread latte:

Gingerbread Syrup
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup fresh espresso
8 ounces milk, steamed (with a little foam)

Garnish
whipped cream
ground nutmeg

Recipe

1. Make the gingerbread syrup by combining water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Be sure the pan is not too small or the mixture could easily bubble over.

2. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer syrup, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat when it's done and slap a lid on it.

3. Make a double shot of espresso (1/2 cup), using an espresso machine. Use the machine to steam 8 ounces of milk, or heat up the milk in themicrowave if your machine does not foam and steam milk.

4. Make your latte by first adding 1/2 cup espresso to a 16-ounce cup. Add 1/4 cup gingerbread syrup, followed by the steamed milk. Stir.
**Note: I read somewhere else from an alleged starbucks barrista that the order the ingredients should be mixed is as follows:
-Syrup
-Espresso
-Steamed milk

5. Top off the drink with a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Can't wait to try this one out!

[Joe]

I love the pumpkin spice latte and have loved it since I first tasted it last year. It gives you the feeling you get when you bite into a piece of pumpkin pie! It also gives you a warm feeling that lasts most of the day!

[Mia]

Did you all see that for the holiday season, Coffee Mate has come out w/ special flavors including PUMPKIN SPICE!??? That and also gingerbread, egg nog, and more. I can't get my hands on the pumpkin, but the gingerbread is great. It's by the milk (refrigerated), not by the coffee (it's the liquid, not the powder).

I'm an addict of the Pumpkin spice lattes for the past three years. I just had the opportunity to try the Coffee Mate special flavor of pumpkin spice and it is incredible.

Milk, coffee and a little bit of the Pumkin spice from coffee mate and I think you will stop going everyday to starbucks. The only problem is you would not be able to find the coffee mate pumpkin flavors in all the stores.

have a great holidays pumpkin spices addicts!!!!

I also have been hooked on the Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and like another poster, I bought the Coffeemate Pumpkin Spice creamer. It is not exact, but tastes good enough to curb my latte spending, mmmm!

I also have been hooked on the Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and like another poster, I bought the Coffeemate Pumpkin Spice creamer. It is not exact, but tastes good enough to curb my latte spending, mmmm!

[Wendy]

I'm so glad to see that there are so many fellow pumpkin spice latte addicts out there. I am drinking one right now and it's heavenly. The first time I tasted it I became addicted. I got my boyfriend addicted to them also when we were in Las Vegas back in september - I introduced him to the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino - then he tasted the latte and I could not have one without him either "sharing" or stealing it from me!

This stuff is great - I wish they would make it year round, but then again, maybe it wouldn't be so special!

To all my brothers and sisters in Pumpkin Spice Latte - Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Wendy

[ana]

I work in a coffee shop (may i add our espresso is MUCH better than starbucks...but thats beside the fact.) and we also make a pumpkin spice latte. It's a lot easier to make than you'd think if you have a recipie, also saves a lot of money if you make it at home if you already have an espresso maker.
sm-1 shot espresso
3 pumps of Da Vinci Gourmet Pumpkin Pie Syrup
12 oz. steamed milk (whole or skim)
whipped cream Ioptional)
If you want a medium, just do 2 shots of espresso, 4 pumps of syrup and 16 oz of steamed milk. For a Large, it's 3 shots of espresso, 5 pumps of syrup and 24 oz of steamed milk.

[Jenny Jenkins Rollllll]

Hi Guys , gals, girls, and squirrels....
OK I totally agree Starbucks is so evil- and i am so addicted to their darn coffeee anyway- in fact I traded a $30 hand beaded barrette I created for one - get this- regualr cup of joe! I was a hippy livin outta a van w/ no $ and they almost didn't even give me th eplain cup O' Joe!
The sad truth is- that small baristas need to work harder at making their coffee taste better. UNFORTUNATELY theri coffeee alwasy is watered down and plain comparitively- what do you do- you want the taste ...without the waste....someone needs to come up with a new coffee venture and really make it accessable and owned by small buisnesses yet shared by community- serve organic - have people buy shares and BREW SUPER COFFEE!
Whad'ya think?

you can buy the syrup on e-bay....if your addicted you will not find the 25$ shipping charge.
also,i just had my last sip of the addicting yet wondferful pumpkin spice latte...i realized that its really overpriced(1800 /year) and that i can easily try to create one myself...ill let you addicts out there know if i create anything worth trying....

[Patty]

The pumpkin spice was yummy, but better without the whipped cream

[JK]

how many milligrams are in a grande, pumpkin spice latte, from Starkbucks?

Thank you.
JK

[teya]

miligrams of what? milk, syrup, total volume of the drink? and wouldn't it be measured in a liquid measurement ie) mililitres or ounces?

[Bo]

Love the pumpkin spice latte (non-fat, light whip), that's all I've been ordering since the first of October. If you haven't tried the pumpkin cream cheese muffins I reccomend that you do. While at work this a.m. I was craving my PS latte and PC muffin; however before making the 35 minute round-trip, I called SB to make sure they had my favorite muffin available -- they only had two and they were sure to have one waiting for me at the drive-thru (I would have requested they pull one from the freezer if they didn't). Just what I needed to get my brain/mind functioning.

[Laurie]

I've been making my own pumpkin spice lattes for over a year and my husband says they're as good as SB. I think SB is a tiny bit better because of the syrup, but this saves big time on the bucks. Mine are also a lot less fattening. Here is my recipe:

8 oz 2% milk
2 oz expresso
1 oz Torani pumpkin spice syrup

I use an Italian stovetop espresso maker, very easy.
Nuke the milk in a glass measuring cup 2 minutes, pour into a tall container (I use an SB metal coffee commuter cup $20.00), froth with a hand held mini whipper, add syrup, then coffee. Voila.

You don't need an expensive espresso maker,this is faster and less cleanup. I use the SB 2oz shot glass. The stovetop espresso maker and whipper can be purchased at Sur La Table or most kitchen shops.

I will try the Da Vinci Gourmet Pumpkin Pie Syrup someone mentioned above. I usually get Torani online at Espresso Parts.com (don't get sugar free, it's awful).

[jules]

How fattening are SB's syrups? I just bought 2 big bottles(Gingerbread and Cinnamon Dolce)from my local Starbucks. They don't have any fat but they do have sugar. I drink sugar free cokes and try to never drink sugared drinks, but they don't carry sugar free syrup. Now, I'm afraid I'm going to get fat drinking my morning coffee!!

[CuteBarista!]

"aerated vanilla lard"

awesome.

[bloatedbetty]

Hey everyone, I've been dying to get my hands on a bottle of the cinnamon dolce syrup...do most Starbucks sell the big bottles or do I have to try to find a vindictive Starbucks employee on ebay to sell me one? ;-)

[xcat]

my understanding is that the cdl syrup is for sale... the only one's that aren't for sale are punkin spice, white mocha, and vanilla if the store is low on vanilla bottles.
and for fellow baristas, how many bottles of ps syrup do you guys have stocked up? we seriously have 13 bottles still, and we're still selling the crap out of the psl's

CDL isn't for sale it is a LTO and proprietary.

[vegasgreys]

Damnit! I have tried to buy the bottle of Cinnamon Dolce latte syrup at three different starbucks in two states and I almost succeed until the person ringing me up says that the bar code doesn't register. ARRRGGHHH!!!! I guess that's a good way to get you to buy their product! I have been buying the vanilla syrup (big bottles) without a problem. :-(

[jenny]

heh really interesting reading this thread (by accident) as half of the syrups you are talking about we don't have over here in the UK!(i too am a "partner") Nice to know some things are the same though- like lazy moron customers. "just a coffee please" where do you think you are?! sigh.

[sbuxmanager]

Just tell the barista to ring it up using the same SKU as a bottle of vanilla.

[CDLfan]

Starbucks discontinued the Cinnamon Dolce flavor! I've started withdraw and it's not pretty. Does anyone know a syrup carried anywhere else that's like CD?

[Sheik]

Starbucks didn't discontinue Cinnamon Dolce Latte. It will be back next winter. It's a wintery drink and why would you want to drink it in the summer? Starbucks needs to promote new beverages (crappy green tea bevs going on now and Banana frappuccino in a few months). Then Cappuccino's get focused on early fall. Then Pumpkin spice is back mid fall. Then holiday bev's. Then Cin Dolce will be back.

Relax.

[kelly]

uhhhh you would want to drink it cuz its good? especially blended. blended can be for summer right?

[super duper coffee man]

i work at a starbucks and i too love the pumpkin spice lattes but we dont cary the syrup till october and my manager just threw away the last bottle... i tried recreating the taste with other syrups that we have... for a grande i used 2 and 1/2 pumps of vanilla syrup and 1 and 1/2 pumps of cinnamon syrup and although it does not taste exactly like pumpkin spice syrup, its a good start to a close second.. im wondering if i added white mocha to it if it would come closer

[doug]

When is the pumpkin lattes going to be released this year 2006

[Jenny]

Goddess bless all of you for sharing recipes and places to get the syrups. I am both broke, and addicted to PSLs - so this is a wonderful find!

[Jennifer]

How long do those syrups last? I'm thinking forever, since they're mostly just sugar, right?

[Alistair]

To reply to Doug -- they're here already. PSLs and pumpkin cream cheese muffins were available at my local Sbux (Southborough, MA) earlier this week.

[J.Parker]

Someone PLEASE give me a similar recipe to the pumpkin cream cheese muffins like Starbucks serves. I've just gotta have them!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Laura]

I just want to get a lrecipe for a sugar free pumpkin spice latte...please...i love the psl's but can't have the sugar

[ibydoll]

Of course, like the victims above, I too was searching for the Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe! It is only 2 weeks into the season and I have purchased 5 PSL's! It is not even below 80 degress here in Arkansas yet, and I am ordering up extra hot expresso drinks! Anyways, thanks for the recipes! Which is the best? And do the other syrups that you can buy taste like the starbucks syrup?
Thanks so much and have a wonderful day!

[Lisa]

the brand of syrup that starbucks uses is called "fontana" and you can purchase it from SYSCO in canada but i don't know about other countries. As for psl i am still waiting for my distributer to get back to me as to whether i can get it or not. i will keep you posted..

Chai Tea Latte with pumpkin spice. It's Sooooo Good!!!!!

[Becca]

Lisa, the syrups don't come in the sysco order, they come in the starbucks order, which are completely seperate. Fontana is under Starbucks' portfolio, and they only sell to starbucks.

[TAMARA]

Pumkin Spice Latte's are awesome. I have tried to buy the syrup from Starbuck's - they won't sell it. For those who have to have the Pumpkin Spice - Try going to Monin Brand Syrups - they make Pumpkin Spice -
www.everythingcoffee-tea.com - sells for $5.90 per bottle!!!! I am in Canada and the shipping out of this world - so a local bistro is ordering it in for me way cheaper - try Gingerbread - really good!

[shauna Maness]

i want to order the syrup for starbucks chai tea latte... but i don't know what the right one is??? will someone please let me know what kind of syrup they use in the store... thanks! i am all the way in germany... and there is no starbucks in my little village!! ;)

[barista sUz]

I thought you could order the chai on the website but I guess I was wrong. However, the chai concentrate is available in SBUX stores. I'm sure if you go on ebay you could find some, since there aren't any Starbucks close to you.

[CDL Addict]

Are you sure that the CDL will be coming back in January? I just bought four bottles on EBAY because I was told it was discontinued. If you are sure that it is not going to be, you are an angel!!! Please tell me what, if anything, you have heard.

[Eric]

Dddddid someone ssssay pumpkin sssspice latte? Oh yeah, the smell, taste, the sensation, the scalded tongue I get from trying to drink it too fast - everytime I drink it. Thanks for the recipes. Has anyone perfected the pumpkin spice yet. Any tweaks to get the previous recipes a little closer?

[Sheik]

Crack addicts and Future-Diabetics can rejoice: CDL WILL be back. It said so in "The Scoop" last year... "you can thank your customers for helping this bevereage become yadda yadda yadda and remind them that it will be back next winter!"

[leeza]

Monday morning:
A day that is undeserving of a name to call itself by. For we must all suffer on that day. Walking out my door I feel the damp chill in the air that is saying "Fall is Here". Starting my car I now know will take extra time to allow it to warm, thus depriving me of my alloted snooze button time. But what is this I see? A starbucks on my route home from droping off the kid at school. One my say my wrong turn out of the school was a mistake. Me I choose to think of it as a sign. And there on the menu board is a light emulating from around the words "Pumpkin Spice Latte!"I relize there is a God and he does Loves me!

[Linda Stearns]

Yes, you're right -- God really does love you. By the way, I, too, am a Pumpkin Spice Latte addict. I tried some Nescafe Classico instant coffee with vanilla cream and cinnamon and French's Pumpkin Pie Spice and I must say, although it was not SB, it was pretty darn good since that was all I had available. Improvisations, and a willingness to be content, can go a long way sometimes, especially if you're on the poor side. :-)

[Nicole]

Does anyone know how many calories for a nonfat tall and grande pump Spice Latte ?

[Becca]

Nicole:
Grande Non Fat, No Whip PSL: 290 cal
Tall non fat, no whip PSL: 210 cal
(Adding wc will add about 80-120 cal)
In the future, the starbucks website has nutrition info for (almost) all of the drinks.

[Nicole]

Does anyone know when the gingerbread lattes are coming back?
thanks.

[Coffee Connoisseur Wannabe]

Oh my gosh! Like a previous poster, I was just trying to find a pumpkin spice latte recipe when I found this site. You people are sooooooo hilarious! I wish I could read more, but I'm supposed to be working. And yes, Starbuck's is evil! They must be using crack! And by some coincidence, in my area, Diedrich's Coffee Shop and Espresso Exchange have died and we have only Starbuck's on every corner!!!! Yes, I'm also addicted to all their coffees and to the P.S.L. and now the Gingerbread! Their coffees are extremely expensive, but I just can't help myself! Couldn't they start a frequent flyer card just to be nice to their loyal customers (like me!)???

[Coffee Connoisseur Wannabe]

Whoops!...I meant to say "frequent buyer" instead of "frequent flyer" in my last post...hee hee hee....

[salter]

For all Starbucks pumpkin spice addicts-you can bid on the actual pumpkin spice mix from starbucks on Ebay! Yes, Ebay! But get your pocketbook ready. I have seen it go as high as $75.00. It is a commercial size mix, so you could split it with friends. There is not any mix on the market that comes close to the actual product. Just thought I would share.

[Simone]

is it me or does the pumpkin spice latte taste like cigs!? i duno i just cant taste any pumpkin! :(. ick.

[Selena]

Does anyone know how starbucks makes their Chai Tea? I bought the Tazo that they sell in the store but it's not as good when I make it myself.

[J-Barista]

Selena,

It's a chai concentrate made by Tazo. The stuff you purchased is the same, however it is diluted. When a Tazo Chai Latte is made at Starbucks, it has the concentrated chai syrup in it, 1/2 the cup size of hot water to "bloom" the tea, filling the remaining room in the cup with fresh steamed milk. If you just order it without specifications, it's made with whole milk. Using any other milk will effect the flavor. Your proportions are probably off is my guess. Good luck.

[Anna]

OMG, I am addicted to PS lattes. I so agree that they make the lattes with crack. My friend told me that last week. Noticed the posting up top about it as well. I just about died last year when they stop serving them...SO HAPPY EGGNOG Lattes are next...can't wait. That way I won't have to enter into rehab.....YUMMY!!!!

[Nicole]

Too funny! I, too, was looking for a PSL recipe so that I wouldn't break my bank account! I've copied the recipes that have been listed here, but if anyone knows which is best, please let me know!!

[Colleen]

I'm actually not a big psl fan...I just use them to hold me over until gingerbread season! Anyone know when the holiday flavors start? I can't remember from last year...

[jessica]

OMG!! me and my friends walk home like 3 and 1/2 miles 2 times a week from school in the freezing cold just to gett the pumpkin spice!! its sooo good!! were in love with it!!

[E]

My store says Gingerbreak Nov 1, but the store at work (which is not a Starbucks, but serves the coffee, like at bookstores) is serving pumpkin, gingerbread AND peppermint all at once right now....

[Red]

Okay, I LOVE (!) the pumpkin spice lattes, but a customer put a new twist on this and I have to share. Try a Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte. Yes, Chi Tea. If you really love the spice, this will do it. Just ask you favorite barista add the sauce to your chi tea latte, top with whipped cream and pumpkin spice and off you go. Not only does it smell like fresh baked pumpkin pie, it's to die for. Enjoy!

Red

[Shawn]

I bought the Monin Pumpkin Spice Syrup and it is AWFUL. Doesn't taste anything like SB's and I tried everything to make it work. Don't do it - unless you want to waste your PSL allowance on a bum experiment.

[Dan]

Has anybody gotten sick after drinking any of these? I've had 3 of them and get a terrible stomach ache each time. Just wondering if anyone notices. It sucks because they're tasty!

[Tracie]

I have tried the pumpkin pie syrup and I don't like it, it's definitely not the same. I was wondering if anyone knew what brand of pumpkin spice Starbucks has (or Tully's...shhh!), because I know the brand can make the slightest difference!

[bob]

dan: are you lactose intolerant? because there is dairy in them...

[Kristine]

I am addicted to the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks, but I have to drive 30 minutes to the nearest Starbucks to get one. At my local market yesterday, I picked up a bag of Green Mountain Coffee in a Pumpkin Spice flavor, hoping that it might help to curb my latte cravings when I don't have time to run to Starbucks. I brewed a pot this morning and am on my third cup, it is very good and flavorful. Not as good as a Starbucks Latte, but the flavor is there!

[Elissa]

HI
I was just wondering if anyone out there had the recipe for starbuck's PUMPKIN BREAD it is the best I have ever had and I need more!
thanks

[Genea]

Good Morning ALL Addicts,

I CRAVE my pumpkin spice lattes. I was searching for the receipe to because I see the afects on my wallet and said, hey maybe i ant try to make at home and instead i found you guys!!! I dont want the season to end because there goes my pumpkin spice lattes.

Happy sipping :)

[Miguel]

I think it's an "American" taste? Here in the Philippines, most people think it sucks.

I've only had one so far, so maybe I'll try it again, later...

[Antoinette]

hey I am looking at being a store manager for star bucks is it good money & are they good to work for??? What incentives are there for mangers to make more money & where can you go from after being a store manager. Thanks

Antoinette (Australia)

[sara]

you people are killing me! i live in italy and i am missing my starbucks! pumpkin spice, gingerbread and eggnog lattes rock!!! i want them! i wish they had starbucks here.

the oregon chai brand is good, for someone looking for a good home chai. i can't wait to try the pumpkin spice recipe someone posted.

The coffee mate pumpkin spice is pretty good. i add a little powder to my cappucino every morning.

oh poor you!
living in italy, and missing starbucks?!?

i think your priorities are a little off, friend. or your sensibility. either way - i think you need to step outside your comfort zone and see what the grandfather of starbucks is about...

without italy, we'd be nothing, so go on and try something new/original.

you can't beat the original.

(although the italians probably never ruined good coffee with pumpkin flavour in their lives)

:)

[Terrence]

When is Starbucks going to lead us all towards something new. Eggnog, pumpkin, gingerbread... the same old stuff all the time. How about a MATE LATTE? All the independent cafes are serving them - why isn't Starbucks?

[KM]

Now the key is to get Starbucks to add the Pumpkin Spice Latte to the permanent menu. Last year it was only on the fall/winter menu and when the syrup ran out, we had to wait several months for it to return. I've sent 9 comment cards to date asking for the PSL to move to the permanent menu. If others send in comment cards and customer e-mail, perhaps it will become a permanent offering. After all, the only additional item they have to stock to keep it is the syrup.

[Becca]

km, it won't happen. Pumpkin is too sesonal. No one thinks to themselves, when it's blistering hot out there, that they want a pint or two of pumpkin, it's not refreshing, and it's too entangled in autumn to work.

[Gina]

I too have been trying to figure out a recipe...but no luck! I decided to get on the internet and see if I could find the recipe and came upon this site! This is great! I am craving a PSL right now, but unfortunately I live in Colorado where we just had a giant storm and everything...I mean EVERYTHING (except King Soopers or Kroger as it is called in some states) is closed! I can't believe it! Don't they know that when you HAVE to be out in this stuff, you need a cup of coffee (or latte), LOL!!!

[Brian]

Hey Ladies, I just offered to make my wife one of these... cause I figured I could figure it out.

Well I did... sorta. Actually my wife said "It might be better"

Mix approx 3 - 1 Milk to Coffee Mate Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer
2 Shots Espresso
2 Tbsp white chocolate shavings

Steam the Milk/Creamer mix, add them all together mix and enjoy!

[Maggie]

Another PSL junkie here. Major...to the tune of buying 5 jugs of SBUX PS Syrup off ebay. Ack! I gotta ask though...are the people who sell the SBUX jugs on Ebay SBUX employees? If so, where do they get the syrups? Are they allowed to order them when the store orders...or am I being naive and the employees are stealing them and making cash from us poor junkies on ebay?! LOL! Either way...I'm just glad I've got my stock up for the long summer months ahead. I LOVE ICED PSL!!!

[PSL Addict #8796]

My dreams have come true! My friend has a friend in Canada that works at SB and I am the proud owner of a whole jug of STARBUCKS psl syrup. MMMMMMmmmmm thats about a million lattes!

[j.j]

i work right across from SB and every morning I have to have my pumpkin spice latte. I am just noticing now that I better order it light , I am adding on a few pounds...Does anyone know how fattening it is?

[Melissa]

PSL Venti w/whole milk and whipped is 580 calories and 25 grams of fat - same "with" non-fat milk and no whipped is 360 and 0 grams of fat - just have to watch for the sugar - but who cares! I just visit the gym a bit more frequently. You can find this on the starbucks.com nutrition page. :)

[Linsey]

OMG!!! This GREAT!! I can't wait to try the recipes!

I'm going today to try and buy a bottle of the PS syrup from our local SB!
Wish me luck! lol

[Dawn]

Starbucks serves a concertrated chai that comes in a white box but they wont sell that one Does anyone know where i can buy that one? The stores do not carry it. I was hoping i could buy it on line somewhere or from a distributor. Please help I've had one everyday for about 7 years I'm now BROKE!!!!!

[Kim]

How come 99% of the people who work for Starbucks that post on here seem like total asshats? The other 1% seem really helpful but geesh reading the posts from the asshats was a big turn off to the brand.Seems like an employee or manager would have enough sense not to slam his customers on a board where they are raving about his companies products.

[Cindy]

Does anyone know the name of the spices that they use the Chai tea lattes at starbucks and the exact tea they use?

[Julie]

I'm so glad that my starbucks over ordered the PS syrup so I still have them. I'm going to die when when they run out. The manager did tell me that customers can order the syrups through the store. The catch is you have to buy a case. I was so happy to hear that, I forgot to ask how much a case costs. LOL
He said that a lot of customers keep a bottle in their car and bring it in with them when they order their coffee (I hope they get a discount).
A case seems like a huge investment but then I know I spend at least $40/mo just on PS lattes so it's probably worth it in the long run.

I think it's ridiculous to say that "nobody" wants pumpkin in the summer. Obviously "someone" does or this page would be empty. If you notice, 90% of the posts are people addicted to PS lattes. I live in VA where the heat index is usually over 100 in July and August but I still drink hot coffee. Give me a break. Pumpkin may be associated with Fall, but it's just a flavor. It does not make the coffee any hotter. "sigh" I'm really glad that the employee's at my SB's are not pretentious snobs.

It's been quite awhile since anyone has posted about recipes. If you are still out there. Did you ever get any further? Also, I saw a post about one brand of syrup not being good. Has anyone tried any others? I hate to waste my money (especially shipping)when I know that I can get the sb syrup. Well depending on just how much it is. ha ha

One last thought. I do this because I like my coffee rich, but it occurred to me that it also gives you more latte for your buck. I always order a grande in a vente cup. Some of the barista's will go ahead and almost fill the cup but even when they don't, it's cool cus I put about an inch of 1/2&1/2 on top. If you don't want the extra calories you could use skim milk. It still tastes divine, not watered down at all.

Anyway, glad to see I'm not the only addict out there. I wish I knew another addict around here, to go in on a case with me. ;)

[Heidi]

I am so sad that most of the Starbucks around here in Tulsa have run out of Pumpkin Spice. I agree who says you can't drink fall flavors in the summer?? I usually don't like the winter but now i something new to look forward to. YEAH!!

[Tari]

The Chai Lattes are made with Tazo Chai in a brown box. You can buy it in Starbucks or in major grocery stores - Kroger, Scotts, Meijers. In NE IN, it sells for $4.50. You just mix equal amounts of the Tazo with milk, heat up and enjoy!

[Kelsie]

Hey Guys

Good to meet you. I'm from Perth Western Australia and sadly we don't have a Starbucks here! So firstly: someone has to open one up and secondly: does anyone know how to make a Iced Latte, Iced Tea Mango Frappuccino and a Caramel Quandi? I really miss them! Thanks.

[Lisa]

Hi everyone ..

I'm a "big fan" of starbucks. I have my own Barista Machine with all the accessories to go with it, including the creamer that makes the whip cream like starbucks.

They are so much fun to make at home - but it's nice sometimes when someone else makes it for you.

I had know idea how popular the "pumpkin spice" latte's were. I'm crazy mad about them. If only starbucks would sell the syrup - I would drink them everyday! (2-3 times a day) I have read all the various receipes for the pumpkin spice lattes. I will make them all and get back to you on who I believe has the best receipe in my opinion. Bye for now to all those Pumpkin Spice Latte fans out there!

Just for interest sake - I also love the Cafe mocha drinks - I always ask for a shot of hazzelnut syrup to be added to it. Try it you'll like it!

[yo]

if you want pumpkin spice syrup, look on craigslist (much more reasonable prices) or ebay, it's insane.

[Gina]

I know I shouldn't brag....My son works at a major grocery store chain here in Colorado and there is a Starbuck's in the store. Back in February I went in to get a Pumpkin Spice Latte. The Barista told me the Pumpkin Spice syrup was being discontinued for the season at the end of February and that she had two unopened bottles that they were going to have to throw away! She sold them to me for $2.00 a piece! I still have a half a bottle left and have a Pumpkin Spice almost everyday!

[oldpurdue]

when does the pumpkin spice come back? does it come in October??

[G]

they offer it during the holiday period, my local (Portland, OR) Coffe Rush store decided to offer it year round and it tastes better than Sbucks version.

[LM]

Pumpkin spice starts August 28th woohoo

[LP]

Do all Starbucks start the PSL on Aug. 28th??? I have been looking for this info everywhere!!!

[Lovely]

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is AMAZING. Unfortunatly they quit selling it in about February. But it's back on the market tomorrow. Eeeek! I'll be there first thing. Maybe we should all suggest they keep it year round. Really, it's what keeps me going.

[lekker]

mmm...PSL, it's so good to have you back!

[JENN]

I'm going to have a hard time choosing between the frappuccino and the latte! Both taste sooo good! I love Starbucks' little halloween themed stuffed animals they sold last year. I hope they have them this year!

[Katharine]

I also enjoy the Cinnamon Dolce Latte. The season of autumn brings me joy, as well as Starbucks' themed drinks to go along with it.

[Erica]

I wouldn't doubt it, I'm waiting for it to come back again! That's all I ever got hahah Actually that's how I found this site.. Looking to see when it would be back rofl

[Lacey]

the DaVinci and Ronin pumpkin spice syrups are nothing like starbucks. I did manage to pick up 3 bottles from a store when she said the next day they would have to throw them out. i just ran out a little while ago and now want real bad!

[aprille]

FYI-Gingerbread Latte Lovers---I just heard today from my barista that they are introducing Sugar Free Gingerbread Syrup this holiday season!! There is a God. There must be. I wait and wait (Pumpkin Spice is a good hold-over, I will admit) for the release of Gingerbread Lattes every year...

[Roger LAngmaid]

Am I along in suspecting starbucks is thinking of stopping serving plain old brewed coffee because the profit margin is too low especially with all of those of us who drink it rich in that 1/2 and half at dollars a litre. Recently I noticed that my drive in receipt had brewed coffee 1.89 - " with cream - no charge - on it - will we soon be charged for cream ? Next day my local has signs saying no brewed coffee today but all other drinks available - ? Is this a test to see how many of us out there who think 4 dollars is to much to pay for a drink are willing to pay more when those 2 buck coffees are no longer available. Am I just seeing conspiracy theories here ?! Anyone else see somthing similar going on ?

[Dbarista]

I have not seen my local SB stop selling brewed coffee; hope that does not happen! Nothing like it in the AM. Anyway, I found this site while searching for PSL recipes. Too funny. I am so happy to see that "we are not alone". Everyone living under my roof loves PSL's and we are proud. There are worse things we could be spending money on, and most of those don't taste good at all! :)
Enjoy fellow PSL's and onward to GBL's! Happy Holidays!

[Lisa]

Has anyone tried buying the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice flavoring that is for sale on ebay?! I'm curious as to whether they are the real deal. It is about $50 bucks a pop for the big pump bottle but worth all the savings you would get out of it!

[Breanne]

The Pumpkin Spice Syrup made by Torani is rather tasty! My local coffee supplier stocks Torani syrups, though I know Torani is available online through Amazon as well. I was delightfully surprised to find that this syrup tasted quite similar to Starbucks', though I did add a few shakes of Pumpkin Pie Spice and topped it all with Smucker's Caramel Sundae sauce and light whipped cream. Tastes almost identical to me, and much easier than melting down white chocolate chips or pie filling. So long, Starbucks!

[Nancy]

Pumpking Spice jug on ebay: But will you use the whole jug in less than 3 weeks? It goes bad after 14 days. That's a lot of lattes. Unless you're having a gathering.. it's crazy.

[ghole]

Listen here ceos, I better see Britneys new album in our stores! You dont understand its good, and good for business! furthermore i want to hear it play in stores! no more bob dylan... so do it or ill blow up a store!

[becca]

I too love this drink! my favorite ever. Thanks for the recipes - I found you when I googled for it. Can't wait to try it.

[AP]

OMG! The Pumpkin Spice Latte is SOOOOOOO good. This is the BEST drink I have EVER had. I'm sure it is only seasonal...which sucks. BIG TIME! I could drink these everyday for the rest of my life.

[Michigan_Witch]

HEY STARBUCKS! Sell the damn pumpkin spice suryp in your stores. PLEASE! We want it! We need it! We can't live without it!

[JC]

The key is to find the pumpkin syrups that more SAUCES that use real pumpkin and not simply flavored sugar water. Hint-- a clear bottle that looks a little brown isn't the answer
Try products like Sweetovations pumpkin pie syrup or divinci pumpkin syrup from the internet -- they use REAL pumpkin in these products. Prob a bit more then the flavored sugar water but worth it,

[Lo]

Oh jeez. I am way beyond in love with the starbucks pumpkin spice. mmmm happy vbes all over. give the Cinomen Dolce Latte a try too, yummy! I am having mongowithdrawls cuz for the year i am in Spain (amazing country! buuut no starbucks) and I havnt had a bladded Pumpkin Spaice in over a year. So! I am on the hunt to create my own! Thanks for all of your suggestions!

[Sue]

I created my own version of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I think you'll agree that it is very close to Starbuck's version. I've been making one every morning.

3 oz. espresso
1/3 cup of 1% milk
2 Tablespoons of Coffee Mate Pumpkin Spice liquid creamer (I bought it at Safeway).
1/8 Teaspoon of Allspice
1/2 Teaspoon of Caramel Sauce (I used the Starbuck's brand)
Whip cream

Heat, blend and froth the milk, creamer, allspice, and caramel sauce. Add the espresso. Top with whip cream if you like. Sprinkle with a little allspice. Makes one double shot latte. Cost? Less than 50 cents. Sorry Starbucks....

[java-mama]

rumor has it that the PSL will soon become a permanant menu item not just seasonal

I do believe that after enjoying a couple of the pumpkin spice lattes, I've grown to acquire an allergy to either the spice or the pumpkin--dang it! Anyone else have this problem?

[sweety]

this psl is so good i wake up in the middle of the night...so hoping its morning so i can go to stabucks

[PKinLatte]

If you were in charge of marketing pumpkin spice latte's. How would you generate store sales and get people to try it?

[moe]

just curious...but has anyone tried freezing the pumpkin spice syrup? just thinking that a whole jug of it would be hard to use up in a reasonable amount of time for just two people. maybe it could be frozen in ice cube trays and stored for future use?? i love it and want to buy a jug of it on ebay but i am intimidated by the shear qty of it. wondering if anyone has experimented on this front. cheers!

[Linda]

Pumpkin spice latte is not something I'd give up for Lent, that's for sure. T'is the season and I have a little "pay it forward" suggestion that will shock the heck out of your local "do-gooders." If you're at the mall, and the bellringers are standing out in the cold reminding us about holiday charity, pick up a $5 card so they can run in on break and get something warm and delicious. I tried this for the first time last year and the young lady I gave it to appeared stunned and then looked as if she might cry. It was worth the price of admission! And no - I don't work for
Starbucks.

[Erin]

LOL! U guys are great! I'm not alone with being a Starbucks addict! I love it! :)

[Lupe]

Hey, I just discovered the best, closest recipe to the SB's pumpkin sauce. I brought a Sara Lee's pumpkin frozen pie with the intent to bake it soon. Well, this being the after Xmas sales, I left the frozen pie out to thaw a bit but I came back so late the pie had turned to a sweet yummy liquid. As I was taking the pie out of the box I accidently spilled some in the box. So there I was scraping the box with a spoon to put some of the pie filling back into the pie crust. I tasted it, I couldn't resist!!!! And go figure!!!! It taste just like the SB's pumpkin syrup that I've been trying to purchase for two years. And the prices on ebay were just ridiculous. I just made a cup of coffee, put some Sara Lee's pumpkin pie liquid inside with some half and half, and oh!! How delicious!!!! I solved my pumpkin coffee dilenma. You see, I too had tried making my own recipes from the above recipes listed, but I'm telling you, this is it!! That's why SB's pumpkin taste so good and taste like Pie, that's because it really is the ingredients for a PUMPKIN PIE. I promise you you will be satisfied and save a whole lot of money. The pie only cost me $2.00 on sell. And $4.00 dollars regular price. You can't go wrong. So go out there and enjoy SB Pumpkin Pie Spice Lovers. I am. :-)

[Kelly]

Hello. I rec'd a Cuisinart Cappucino machine for Christmas (pretty darn nice). However, I cannot get the hang of making a latte to save my life. I just went to Starbucks this morning and was inquisitive of their process. They were kind enough to tell me that they use water that is filtered 3X, heat the milk to 160 degrees too. I guess my question is...am I either grinding my espresso beans too fine and am I using to much espresso in my latte? I though a latte was 1/2 espresso and 1/2 milk? If anyone knows the answer to this, I'd appreciate it...as my boyfriend is wondering why I'm going back to Starbucks to get my lattes when he just bought me the cap machine for Christmas:)

[jabanga]

1/2 espresso 1/2 milk would be too strong for most people. a traditional italian cappuccino would be about 2 oz. espresso, 2 oz. steamed milk, and 2 oz. foam. a starbucks tall cappuccino would be 1 oz. espresso, and about 5 1/2 oz. steamed milk and 5 1/2 oz. foam. that would be too weak for me so i would get a double tall or 2 oz of espresso. the length of your shot time would dramatically effect the flavor of your drink and grinding it too fine could cause too long of a drip time and extremely bitter espresso. you should most likely be at about 20 seconds but it depends on the specifications of the machine. didn't the machine come with any recipes?

[Legendary_or_bust]

I have been under the impression that a traditional (i.e. by the book (aka BRM) SBUX cappuccino is espresso that has "velvety" foam poured onto it. In other words, there is NO milk and Foam separation. You just steam the milk to make ALL foam that is not too thick and not milky either. Then you just grab that pitcher, maybe give a few knocks on the bar with it to break up any existing bigger bubbles, swirl the pitcher a few times to estimate the quality of the foam, and just dump it onto espresso that had just been extracted. That's it. There is no milk and foam separation, again. it is all microbubbles (i.e. velvety foam).

[jabanga]

i don't have access to a current beverage resource manual at this point in time so i don't know exactly what it says these days. the version that we used to use clearly indicated a ratio of steamed milk to foam at about 50/50 once poured. while i know the size of the bubbles is a key compnonent of the quality of the drink we also weighed them and without steamed milk in there the wieghts would be way too light no matter how rich your foam.

this is what i got from starbucks.com today:

"Rich, full-bodied Starbucks® espresso in a small amount of steamed milk, with a deep layer of foam. With less milk than a latte, the classic and complex cappuccino offers a stronger espresso flavor and luxurious texture."

[Kelly]

I think I figured it out...latte is 1 1/2 oz espresso and 4 oz steamed milk...yes, this was from the machine's recipe book...but I must say, I don't think it will ever taste like the full bodied lattes that I get a Starbucks.

[SBUX29]

does anyone know if you can buy the chai syrup they use in the store from starbucks?

[Erin]

When I became addicted to Chai a few years ago I asked a barista at Starbucks how they made it. She told me they just used the Tazo Chai concentrate. I used to buy the box at starbucks, now I buy it at Target. I prefer the Tazo organic chai concentrate because it tastes like it has more spice to me.
The other chai I've found that's really good is ordering Indian Spice loose tea from Harney and Sons. I was in a mom and pop coffee shop once that used that and it was very good. A very different taste from the starbucks chai. For me it was equally addictive. Just depended on what I was in the mood for. Good with lots of honey!!!

[hmmmph]

I am pregnant with my 3rd kid and guess what the flavor is that I'm addicted to? Damn Starbucks for creating such a delicious drink! I actually had to bribe my hubby with 1000 lindens from second life to go on a SB run for me...my cravings have been wicked bad for Pumpkin Spice Latte...i will try all the recipes above if it will help me to save on the cost of it...btw...my hubby is now addicted to the stuff too!

[beautifulbarista]

If your calorie concious and still want the pumpkin spice latte, you can try subsituting part of the syrup with the sugar free cinnamon dolce..
like a..
tall 1 1/2 pump sugar free cinnamon dolce non fat 1 1/2 pump pumpkin spice latte!
I think it taste better than the "normal" way!