Pumpkin season is my favorite time of the year. There’s something about the rich, warm flavors of pumpkin spice that feels like a comforting embrace. Some people scoff at pumpkin spice, but millions of people can’t be wrong. Pumpkin spice lattes might be a clever marketing ploy, but I’m down with pumpkin, and I’m down with spice.

Pumpkin is a curious thing. Some folks love it; others, not so much. As for me, I’m a pumpkin lover through and through. I think it all started because my mom never let me eat pumpkin pie when I was a kid. We’d pass by the bakery, and the tantalizing aroma of pumpkin pie would fill the air. I’d ask if we could buy one, but she’d always get me a doughnut or a cookie instead. While those treats were tasty, they weren’t the deliciousness I was craving. My childhood was pumpkin pie-less. So, when I finally tasted pumpkin pie, I went a little crazy. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin doughnuts, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin French toast, pumpkin noodles, pumpkin mac and cheese – I love pumpkin in anything and everything. And nothing beats wrapping my hands around a warm pumpkin spice latte.

Recently, I whipped up a batch of pumpkin spice syrup and used it in my morning pour-over coffee. I’m obsessed with pour-over coffee – I love the ritual – and even though it’s blasphemous to drink pour-over anything other than black, I went ahead anyway, and it was heavenly. I even whipped up some heavy cream by hand and topped it off with a (not-so) healthy dollop. It’s spicy, fall heaven in a cup. So here’s to pumpkin, and here’s to spice.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin

How to Make It:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugars. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and stir to dissolve.
2. Turn the heat down to low and stir in the spices and pumpkin. Simmer (without bringing to a boil) for 5 minutes.
3. Let cool and store in the fridge or use immediately.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Makes 1 Drink

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cups warm milk
• 1 shot espresso
• 1-2 tablespoons pumpkin spice latte syrup, or to taste
• Whipped cream and cinnamon, if desired

How to Make It:

1. Stir together the milk, espresso, and syrup. Taste and adjust if needed.
2. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon, if using, and enjoy hot.

Alternatively, if you’re drinking drip or pour-over coffee, just add the syrup and milk/cream to your mug to taste.