9 pumpkin spice hacks Starbucks fans need to try to make the flavor even better

Ellie Conley
Updated ·3 min read

Starbucks famously releases its Pumpkin Spice Latte at the end of the summer and this year is no different. As the unofficial kick-off to fall, the sweet and spicy coffee beverage has been a mainstay for the chain over the past 16 years and generated a cult-like following.

Whether you're a fan or you're still trying to figure out the hype, there are a few pumpkin spice latte hacks you should try to make sure you get everything you can out of the seasonal flavor. Make it healthier, make it sweeter or make it cheaper, here are 9 ways to use Starbucks' pumpkin spice flavor.

Make it a "lighter" PSL drink

While Starbucks has yet to make a "skinny" sugar-free version of the pumpkin spice syrup, there are a few ways to lighten up the drink. You can ask for less pumps of the syrup (for reference, a tall PSL contains three pumps), you can ask for non-fat skim milk or a dairy-free alternative and you can order it with no whipped topping.

Side note: There's currently no way to make a dairy-free PSL, as the pumpkin spice-flavored syrup contains dairy.

Order your PSL iced or Frappuccino-style

Like any other flavored-latte on Starbucks menu, you can order your PSL poured over ice. If you want all the icy pumpkin flavor but not the coffee, you can also order a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino.

Add extra espresso to your PSL

For an added dose of caffeine and an extra kick of coffee flavor, add an extra shot of espresso to your latte, but keep the syrup level the same.

Combine pumpkin spice with hot chocolate

Hear us out: Chocolate and pumpkin combined have long made great desserts (like these chocolate pumpkin whoopie pies!). So, order yourself a hot chocolate and ask for a pump or two of pumpkin spice flavoring for the ultimate cup of heaven.

Add pumpkin spice to your chai tea drink

Chai tea, also known as masala chai, is black tea often spiced with cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, star anise, fennel or peppercorn. Mixed with pumpkin spice (which is basically cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves), it takes on a whole new level of warmth. Add it to a regular hot cuppa or mix it into a chai tea latte.

Add pumpkin spice to your regular coffee

If you prefer your coffee black, but are in the mood to change things up, try a pump or two of pumpkin spice syrup. It will have less calories without the added milk and cost you a little less money, too. You can also add the syrup to any cold brew or Nitro drink.

Mix pumpkin spice with a Caramel Macchiato

Starbucks' Caramel Macchiato mixes vanilla syrup with espresso, milk and caramel drizzle on top. Instead, try substituting pumpkin spice syrup for the vanilla and just wait—this will be your new favorite drink order.

Make your drink tastes like actual pumpkin pie

If you want to sip on the full flavor of a pumpkin pie, listen up. Try mixing equal pumps of pumpkin spice, white mocha and cinnamon dolce (this would be one pump of each in a tall-sized drink) into your drink. No need to thank us!

Add pumpkin cream cold foam to any iced drink

This year, Starbucks is adding pumpkin cream cold foam to its fall lineup. While on the menu, it's combined with cold brew and vanilla syrup, you can add the pumpkin cream cold foam to any iced drink. For a creamier take, try it on top of an iced vanilla latte or on your go-to iced cappuccino.