Pumpkin Spice Latte & Eggnog

Sip Into the Season: Your New Favorite Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte & Eggnog

Hey there, my fellow flavor-chaser! Can you feel it? That crisp, magical shift in the air where the last golden leaves of fall gently give way to the first sparkling whispers of winter? It’s my absolute favorite time of year. The oven is constantly on, my favorite sweater is permanently dusted with a little flour, and my kitchen smells like a happy, spicy dream.

And you know what this glorious in-between season calls for? The ultimate drink duo. On one hand, we’re clinging to the cozy, cinnamon-kissed embrace of a perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte. On the other, we’re eagerly anticipating the rich, creamy, and downright festive indulgence of a glass of cold Classic Eggnog. Why choose when you can have both?

I’m letting you in on a little secret today: ditching the coffee shop line and the store-bought carton to make these drinks at home is not only easier than you think, but it’s about a million times more delicious. We’re talking real ingredients, adjustable sweetness, and that incredible feeling of accomplishment when you take that first sip. So, tie on your apron (the messy one is always the best), and let’s make some magic together. Your mug is waiting!

A Tale of Two Sips: My Love Affair with Seasonal Sips

It all started in my grandma’s kitchen, a place that always seemed to smell like whatever holiday was next on the calendar. The day after Thanksgiving was a sacred tradition. While the last of the turkey sandwiches were being made, Grandma would declare it the official start of “The Sipping Season.”

She’d pour the grown-ups a small glass of her famous, from-scratch eggnog from a mysterious jug in the back of the fridge—always with a knowing wink. For me, the designated “little chef,” she’d whip up something special: a warm, milky drink she called “Pumpkin Pie in a Mug.” She’d let me grate the fresh nutmeg and shake the cinnamon jar over the pot, making me feel like I’d performed alchemy when it all came together. That warm, spiced steam hitting my face is a core memory. It wasn’t coffee yet, but it was the soul of what a PSL is all about: comfort, love, and the promise of good things to come.

Now, I’ve just added the coffee (a crucial adult upgrade, if you ask me!) and perfected her eggnog method. Making these drinks myself is my way of wrapping my hands around that same mug of warmth and nostalgia. I hope they become a part of your traditions, too.

Gathering Your Cozy Concoctions: The Ingredients

Here’s the beautiful part: you likely have most of this in your pantry right now! Using real, simple ingredients is what makes these homemade versions sing.

🎃 For the Pumpkin Spice Latte (Makes 2 generous mugs)

• 2 cups milk – Whole milk makes it super creamy, but any dairy or non-dairy milk works! Oat milk is my personal fave for its richness.
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée – Not pumpkin pie filling! This is our star. It gives that authentic flavor and velvety texture.
• 1–2 tablespoons sugar or pure maple syrup – Start with 1 tbsp and add more to your taste. I adore the deep flavor maple syrup adds.
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – No store-bought blend? No problem! Make your own with a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – The secret weapon! It rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
• ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso – The stronger, the better. It needs to hold its own against the spiced milk.
• Whipped cream & extra spice for topping – Because joy is mandatory. A cinnamon stick stirrer is also highly encouraged.

🥚 For the Classic Homemade Eggnog (Makes about 4 cups)

• 4 large egg yolks – This gives us that iconic, luxurious yellow color and thick, custardy base.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar – This sweetens the nog perfectly. You can adjust this to your liking.
• 2 cups whole milk – Essential for that classic, creamy nog flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream – This is where the decadence comes in. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish – Freshly grated nutmeg is a GAME CHANGER here. Trust me.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – The flavor enhancer we all love.
• Optional: ½ cup bourbon, dark rum, or brandy – For the grown-up version! Bourbon is my personal favorite for its warmth.
• Optional for garnish: whipped cream & a sprinkle of cinnamon – Go all out. You deserve it.

Let’s Get Mixing: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Pumpkin Spice Latte (The 10-Minute Cozy-Up)

1. Combine & Heat: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, pumpkin purée, sugar (or maple syrup), and pumpkin pie spice. Chef’s Hack: Keep whisking! This prevents the pumpkin from clumping and ensures everything is beautifully smooth.
2. Hot, Not Boiling: Heat until the mixture is steaming hot but not boiling. You’ll see little bubbles forming around the edge of the pan. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Chef’s Tip: Boiling can make the milk taste a bit “scorched,” so we avoid it.
3. Incorporate the Coffee & Vanilla: Remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the strong brewed coffee (or espresso) and the vanilla extract. Taste it! This is your moment to add a pinch more spice or another drizzle of sweetness if you want.
4. Froth It (Optional but Fun!): For a true café-style experience, carefully pour the mixture into a heat-safe jar, seal the lid tightly, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until frothy. Or, use a milk frother if you have one!
5. Serve Immediately: Pour into your favorite mugs, top with a generous cloud of whipped cream, and dust with a little extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Serve immediately and feel the warmth spread.

Making the Classic Homemade Eggnog (The Chill-Inducing Champion)

1. Whisk Yolks & Sugar: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale yellow, thick, and falls off the whisk in a ribbon. This takes about 2-3 minutes of energetic whisking. Chef’s Hack: This step is key for a smooth nog! It helps dissolve the sugar and incorporates air.
2. Heat the Dairy: In a separate, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Heat over medium-low heat until it’s just starting to steam—again, do not let it boil.
3. Temper the Eggs (Don’t Panic!): This is the fancy term for the most important step. Slowly, and while whisking the egg mixture CONSTANTLY, drizzle in about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture. This slowly brings the eggs up to temperature without scrambling them. Once that’s incorporated, slowly whisk the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk.
4. Cook to Thicken: Return the pan to low heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon. This should only take a few minutes. Chef’s Tip: Draw a line with your finger on the coated spoon. If the line holds, it’s ready!
5. Chill & Serve: Immediately remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract (and your choice of alcohol, if using). Pour the nog through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or jar—this catches any tiny bits of cooked egg for a perfectly silky texture. Let it cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The flavors meld and deepen beautifully as it chills. Serve cold with a garnish of nutmeg or whipped cream.

Serving Up the Good Vibes

Presentation is part of the fun! For the Pumpkin Spice Latte, I always use a clear mug so you can see the gorgeous layers of coffee, spiced milk, and fluffy whipped cream. A cinnamon stick makes the perfect stirrer and garnish. Curl up with it by the window with a good book—it’s a whole mood.

For the Classic Eggnog, go full holiday cheer. Serve it in a festive punch bowl with a ladle for a party, or in individual vintage glasses. A dollop of freshly whipped cream, a dusting of nutmeg, and a sprinkle of cinnamon make it irresistible. For the adults, a shortbread cookie on the side is pure magic.

Make It Your Own: Delicious Recipe Variations

The best recipes are a starting point for your own creativity! Here are some of my favorite twists:

For the PSL:

• Dairy-Free Delight: Use oat milk or coconut milk. Coconut milk adds a lovely tropical twist that pairs surprisingly well with the spices!
• Sugar-Conscious Sip: Swap the sugar for a sugar-free maple syrup alternative or a pinch of stevia to taste.
• Extra Protein Kick: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored collagen peptides or protein powder along with the milk for a more filling drink.
• Decaf Cozy: Use decaffeinated coffee or espresso so you can enjoy this cozy drink any time of day.

For the Eggnog:

• Dairy-Free Nog: Use canned coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess) and a plain, unsweetened almond or cashew milk in place of the dairy. The coconut flavor is fantastic!
• Boozy Variations: Not a bourbon fan? Try spiced rum, brandy, or even a coffee liqueur for a different kind of kick.
• Vegan Nog: For a plant-based version, use silken tofu or soaked cashews blended with plant-based milk and spices. You’ll skip the egg-cooking step and just blend until smooth!
• Nog Latte: Heat up a mug of your finished, chilled eggnog and add a shot of espresso for the most festive latte of your life.

Chef Emily’s Notes & Kitchen Stories

Oh, the stories I have from testing these recipes! Let’s just say my first attempt at eggnog involved a little too much enthusiasm with the whisk and I ended up with a light dusting of nutmeg on every surface of my kitchen (and my dog). The recipe has evolved since those early days!

The biggest lesson? Don’t rush the tempering process for the eggnog. I’ve learned that patience is the true secret ingredient. I also started adding the vanilla at the end, off the heat, to preserve its beautiful flavor. For the PSL, my “aha!” moment was realizing that real pumpkin purée makes all the difference—it’s not just about the spice! It adds a body and richness that syrup alone can’t achieve.

These drinks are meant to be fun and forgiving. So what if it’s not perfect? It’s made with love, and that’s the most important ingredient of all.

Your Questions, Answered (FAQs & Troubleshooting)

Q: Can I make a big batch of the Pumpkin Spice Latte base ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can mix the milk, pumpkin, sugar, and spice together and keep it in a jar in the fridge for 2-3 days. When you’re ready for a latte, just heat up the desired amount and whisk in your coffee and vanilla. Easy mornings!

Q: My eggnog turned out a little lumpy! What did I do wrong and can I fix it?
A: This usually means the eggs got a little too hot too fast during tempering. Don’t worry! Simply pour the finished nog through a fine-mesh strainer. It will catch any little cooked bits and still give you a silky smooth texture. No one will ever know!

Q: How long does homemade eggnog last in the fridge?
A: Because it’s made with fresh eggs and dairy, your homemade eggnog (without alcohol) will keep for about 3-4 days in a very cold fridge. If you add alcohol, it can last up to a week. Always give it a good stir before serving.

Q: I don’t have espresso. What’s the best way to make strong coffee for the PSL?
A: No problem! Just use half the amount of water you normally would when brewing your coffee to make it double-strength. For example, if your machine makes 4 cups, use enough grounds for 4 cups but only put 2 cups of water in the reservoir.

A Quick Note on Nutrition

I’m all about balance! Enjoying these indulgent, homemade treats is part of the joy of the season. Here’s a general look at what you’re getting (approximations per serving, without toppings):

Pumpkin Spice Latte (with whole milk and 1 tbsp sugar): This version is a healthier alternative to the coffee shop kind! You’re getting about ~180 calories, 6g of fat, 25g of carbs, and 6g of protein. The real pumpkin adds a dose of Vitamin A, and you’re controlling the sugar—a major win!

Classic Eggnog (without alcohol): This is a rich, celebratory drink. A ½ cup serving has roughly ~250 calories, 18g of fat (it’s the good, satisfying kind!), 18g of carbs, and 6g of protein. It also provides calcium and other nutrients from the dairy. The key is to savor it as the treat it is!

Final Thoughts from My Kitchen to Yours

Well, friend, we’ve done it—we’ve officially wrapped our hands around the coziest mugs of the season. Whether you’re team #PSLForLife or counting down the days until Eggnog Season, there’s something magical about making these sips at home. It’s not just about saving a trip to the coffee shop or skipping the store-bought carton—it’s about slowing down, whisking spices into warm milk, watching cream swirl, and creating traditions right in your own kitchen.

For me, these drinks are a bridge between seasons: the Pumpkin Spice Latte carrying the last golden whispers of autumn, and Eggnog ushering in the sparkle of winter festivities. Together, they’re like a duet of comfort and celebration—one cozy, one indulgent, both unforgettable.

So, pull out your favorite mug (the one with the little chip that makes it yours), froth up something festive, and sip slow. These moments, these flavors, these rituals—they’re the heart of the season. Here’s to warmth, tradition, and the kind of kitchen magic that lingers long after the last sip.