The pumpkin spice latte has become synonymous with the arrival of fall. While the popular coffee store chain has made it a sensation, there are other delicious ways to create this autumn classic. This version of the iced pumpkin spice latte is not overly sweet, allowing the flavors of pumpkin, coffee, and fall spices to shine. It's incredibly creamy and can be customized to your liking. Here's how to make it:

Choosing the Perfect Coffee

Start with a mellow, balanced blend for the base of your latte. Alex's Low-Acid Coffee is an excellent choice as it offers a smooth taste with lower acidity compared to most coffees. Additionally, it comes in various options such as Regular, Half Caff, and Decaf, allowing you to adjust the caffeine level according to your preference.

Ingredients and Variations

Milk: Feel free to choose any type of milk you prefer, whether it's dairy, coconut, soy, or almond milk. If you have digestive issues or suffer from acid reflux, skim milk or a fat-free milk substitute might be the best choice.

Pumpkin: Opt for canned pumpkin puree rather than spiced and sweetened pumpkin pie filling. Any extra pumpkin puree can be used in other pumpkin-based recipes like pumpkin coffee bread or pumpkin cookies with mocha frosting.

Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a delightful touch of sweetness to the latte. If you don't have maple syrup on hand, you can use sugar as an alternative. For a lower-calorie option, consider using a low-calorie sugar substitute or brown sugar substitute.

Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice can be used individually or combine them by opting for pumpkin pie spice. The amount of spices you add should match your taste preferences. Sprinkling some on top, along with the whipped cream, adds a nice finishing touch. To enhance the presentation, serve the latte with cinnamon sticks.

Whipped Topping: Whether you prefer coconut-based or dairy-based whipped topping, or any other variety, the choice is up to you. Adding whipped topping is optional but enhances the creaminess of the latte.

Recipe for Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups of strongly brewed coffee, such as Alex's Low-Acid Coffee
1 ½ cups of milk
3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
¾ teaspoon of vanilla extract
A dash each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
Ice
Whipped topping

Directions

In a blender, combine the coffee, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and spices. Pulse gently until the mixture becomes frothy.
Fill glasses with ice.
Pour the blended mixture over the ice.
Optionally, add whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Serve and enjoy your creamy iced pumpkin spice latte!