Not a fan of the much-loved Pumpkin Spice Latte? Don't quite get the hype?
Fear not. There are plentiful alternative Autumnal hot drinks with just as much flavour and warmth.
We've done some research so you don't have to, and compiled a list of 5 delicious Autumn/Winter drinks for you to try this year as Pumpkin Spice Latte alternatives and how to make them.
Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Recipe
This drink is a fantastic twist on a traditional hot chocolate. Adding a few extra spices, the flavour is enhanced and brings a new warmth to a simple Autumn/Winter hot drink. In this recipe you can add alcohol if you wish, but it tastes just as good without and makes it perfect for kids!
How to make Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
What you need:
- 9 teaspoons vanilla extract (varied to taste)
- 2L whole milk (or the milk of your choice)
- 650ml cups heavy whipping cream, divided
- 16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, divided
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 180ml hazelnut liqueur (optional)
- 30g chopped toasted hazelnuts
- Cinnamon sticks (optional)
What to do:
- Heat the milk and 180ml cream on a medium heat to a simmer.
- Chop 15 ounces chocolate and combine with Nutella, sugars, salt and vanilla extract in a large heatproof bowl.
- Pour warm milk mixture over chocolate mixture and let it stand for 1 min.
- Meanwhile, whip remaining cream and shave remaining chocolate.
- Whisk chocolate mixture until smooth then stir in liqueur (optional).
- Serve with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and chopped hazelnuts on top and garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.
Comforting Coffee Milk Recipe
Comforting Coffee Milk is such a simple but heavenly drink to make. If you're looking for a delicious hot drink to comfort your cozy night in, this is it.
How to make Comforting Coffee Milk
What you need:
- 950ml whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 315ml strong brewed coffee
- 120ml maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons baking cocoa
- 240ml heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional baking cocoa
What to do:
- Combine the milk, coffee, maple syrup, molasses and baking cocoa in a large saucepan on a medium heat to just simmering (do not boil), while stirring.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the cream until it begins to thicken.
- Add maple syrup and vanilla and beat until soft peaks form.
- Serve with coffee milk with a dust of baking cocoa on top.
Maple Cinnamon Latte Recipe
The Maple Cinnamon Latte is the ultimate Autumnal inspired drink, with the most Autumnal flavours and spices. It is simple but full of flavour and it is the perfect drink to have on a cold Autumn night while you're sat under your blanket.
How to make Maple Cinnamon Latte
What you need:
- 180ml of milk (of your choice)
- 120ml coffee
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or more to your taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (plus more to garnish)
- 1 cinnamon stick to garnish
What to do:
- Pour milk into a mason jar, screw on the lid and shake for 10-15 seconds until foam forms.
- Remove the lid and microwave for 45 seconds or until the milk is hot and foam (make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn't bubble over).
- Pour the hot coffee into a mug and stir in the maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Top with the milk with the foam on top.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and add the cinnamon stick to garnish.
Gingerbread Latte Recipe
The Gingerbread Latte is another classic Autumn/Winter drink, but it can be a love or hate drink. If you're not so sure on this hot drink, having a home made version may just change your mind!
How to make Gingerbread Latte
What you need:
- 335ml of milk (any milk you like)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black treacle
- 120ml freshly brewed espresso or very strong coffee
- Whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles
What to do:
- Heat up 60ml of milk with the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, brown sugar and black treacle in a saucepan until the spices and sugar have dissolved.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the freshly brewed espresso.
- Steam the rest of the milk and add to the mixture.
- Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles to finish.
Karak Chai Tea
Karak Chai Tea originates in India and is very popular across Arabian countries. It is a strong and sweet hot drink packed with lots of flavour thanks to the delicious blend of spices. It's slowly becoming more popular in the UK as it is in Dubai. Making Karak Chai is a longer process than the above Autumnal drinks but it is one of the healthier options, so the effort is worth it!
How to make Karak Chai Tea
What you need:
- 240ml water
- 3 teaspoons black tea leaves
- 2 pods of cardamom crushed
- 1/8 teaspoon of saffron
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 80ml evaporated milk
What to do:
- Bring water to boil in a small saucepan.
- Add the black tea leaves to the saucepan and leave it for 1 min.
- Add the crushed cardamom and saffron and let it tea boil for 30 secs.
- Add the sugar and evaporated milk and bring it to boil.
- Remove from heat then put back on heat bringing it to boil again. Repeat this process for 5 minutes until the Karak Chai Tea is a rich caramel colour.
- Using a tea strainer, serve immediately.
With 5 Pumpkin Spice Latte alternatives and how to make them, how many are you going to try?
Tag us in your creations and let us know your favourite! @coffeeselleruk on Facebook and Twitter, @coffeeseller_uk on Instagram and Coffee Seller on LinkedIn.