Pumpkin Spice Recipes

Pumpkin spice season is one of the most reliable annual opportunities for cafés, coffee shops, and hospitality venues to drive incremental sales. Customers actively look for it from early autumn, the warm spice profile works across coffee, hot chocolate, and cold drinks, and the seasonal nature creates urgency that evergreen menu items do not. Here are our favourite pumpkin spice drink recipes using Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup, plus tips for making the most of the season on your menu.

Why Pumpkin Spice Works on a Commercial Menu

Pumpkin spice is not just a flavour — it is a seasonal signal. Customers associate it with autumn, comfort, and a change in season, which means they are actively looking for it rather than just responding to it when they see it. Starbucks' annual Pumpkin Spice Latte launch generates significant media coverage every year for exactly this reason.

For independent cafés and coffee shops, adding one or two pumpkin spice options in September and October costs very little — a bottle of syrup and some basic garnishes — and gives you a seasonal talking point that drives repeat visits and social media engagement.

Recipe 1: Pumpkin Spice Latte

The classic. Rich espresso, steamed milk, and pumpkin spice syrup with a whipped cream finish.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 pumps Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 double espresso (approximately 60ml)
• 150ml whole or oat milk, steamed
• Whipped cream to garnish
• Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sprinkle to finish

Method:

1. Brew a double espresso directly into the serving cup
2. Add 1–2 pumps of Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup and stir to combine with the hot espresso
3. Steam the milk to approximately 65°C and pour over the espresso in a circular motion
4. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon
5. Serve immediately

Tip: For a stronger pumpkin spice flavour, add the syrup to the milk before steaming rather than stirring it into the espresso — this distributes the flavour more evenly through the drink.

Recipe 2: Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

A non-coffee option that works well for customers who want the seasonal flavour without espresso. Popular with children and non-coffee drinkers, making it useful for venues with a mixed customer base.

Ingredients:

• 1 pump Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• 33g Simply Hot Chocolate Powder
• 180ml whole milk, steamed
• Whipped cream to garnish
• Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sprinkle to finish

Method:

1. Mix the hot chocolate powder with a small amount of hot water — just enough to form a smooth paste and dissolve any lumps
2. Add one pump of Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup and stir into the paste
3. Steam the milk and pour over the chocolate mixture in a circular motion to fully combine
4. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon
5. Serve immediately

Recipe 3: Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

An iced version for customers who prefer cold drinks year-round, or for early autumn when temperatures are still warm.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 pumps Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• 1 double espresso, allowed to cool slightly
• 150ml oat milk or whole milk, cold
• A generous handful of ice
• Whipped cream and cinnamon to garnish

Method:

1. Brew a double espresso and stir in the pumpkin spice syrup while still hot to dissolve fully
2. Fill a tall glass generously with ice
3. Pour the espresso and syrup mixture over the ice
4. Top with cold milk and stir gently
5. Add whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon to finish

Recipe 4: Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

A caffeine-free alternative that pairs the warmth of chai spice with pumpkin spice syrup. Works well as an afternoon or evening drink option.

Ingredients:

• 1 pump Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• 1 chai tea bag or 15ml chai concentrate
• 180ml oat or whole milk, steamed
• Whipped cream and cinnamon to garnish

Method:

1. Brew a strong cup of chai tea using a tea bag steeped in 60ml of hot water for 3–4 minutes, or use a chai concentrate
2. Add a pump of Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup and stir to combine
3. Steam the milk and pour over the chai base
4. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon

Making Pumpkin Spice Season Work for Your Business

A few practical tips for running a seasonal pumpkin spice menu effectively:

• Start early — customers begin searching for pumpkin spice drinks in late August and early September, often before the weather has turned. Adding it to your menu early captures demand before competitors do.
• Promote it visibly — a small chalkboard sign or printed menu insert is enough. Customers looking for seasonal drinks will spot it quickly.
• Use consistent garnishes — whipped cream and cinnamon is the standard finish that customers expect. It also makes the drink photograph well for social media.
• Offer it across drink types — having both a hot and iced pumpkin spice option extends your appeal across different customer preferences and weather conditions.

We stock Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup and a wide range of seasonal and everyday flavoured syrups for café and hospitality use. Browse the full syrup range or contact us for advice on building a seasonal drinks menu.