Fall Latte Drinks: Cozy Drinks To Sip On A Romantic Night
Red, orange, and yellow trees, the sound of crunching leaves under your feet, crisp morning air…It can mean only one thing—it’s fall latte time! Indulge in your favorite fall coffee drinks on a chilly afternoon, and warm up your hands around a hot mug.
Pumpkin spice, cinnamon, salted caramel, apple, maple, and other fall flavors will delight your taste buds year-round—no need to wait for the fall. With our lineup of fall coffee recipes, you’ll be transported straight into your favorite season.
Let’s start!
1. Cinnamon Maple Latte
Here’s how to make this delicious autumn coffee treat.
What You Need
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup of coffee or two espresso shots
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- cinnamon
- whipped cream (optional)
AT A GLANCE
Prep time:
5 minutes
Yield:
1 serving
How to Make Cinnamon Maple Latte
A latte is a simple drink. Technically, any drink can be a latte if it’s made with espresso and steamed milk. But what makes lattes so popular is that they are infinitely customizable.
When you mention fall, the first thing that comes to mind for many latte lovers is a regular pumpkin spice latte. Today, we’re venturing beyond pumpkin spice coffee with a wide range of fall drinks your taste buds will love. (Pumpkin lovers, don’t despair! You can always check out this pumpkin cream cold brew recipe to satiate your pumpkin spice cravings (1).
Step 1: Brew Coffee
The cinnamon maple latte tastes best when made with strong coffee. Brew a cup of your preferred coffee, or go for espresso.
Step 2: Froth the Milk
No latte is complete without frothing the milk. You can do this in several ways. Use the milk frother on your espresso machine or a handheld frother.
Pro tip 1: If you don’t have a milk frother, we’ve got you. Pour the milk into a mason jar, remove the lid, and microwave for about a minute. Or, heat the milk on the stove before pouring it into a jar. Screw the lid on tightly, and shake until the milk froths. You’ll get milk froth plus a bonus arm workout.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Take out your favorite fall mug (and if you don’t have one, can you really call yourself a fall lover?). Pour maple syrup into the mug, and add the coffee, vanilla extract, and frothed milk. Make sure to spoon some froth on top.
Step 4: Add Decoration
Once all the ingredients are combined, you can take the cinnamon maple latte further. Sprinkle cinnamon on top, or add whipped cream and then top with cinnamon for that extra fall flavor.
You can make an iced version of this coffee. Make maple spice iced coffee by mixing the milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon and pouring this over two espresso shots with ice. Add pumpkin spice on top.
2. Pumpkin Chai Latte
If you love dirty chai latte, you’ll love the pumpkin chai latte as well. Here’s what you need and how to make this perfect-for-fall coffee drink.
What You Need
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tea bag of spiced chai
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot starch
AT A GLANCE
Prep time:
5 minutes
Yield:
1 serving
How to Make Pumpkin Chai Latte
Yes, we promised we wouldn’t give you another pumpkin spice latte recipe. However, this isn’t just a plain old pumpkin spice latte but a spin on the original recipe. We guarantee it’ll turn even the hardcore pumpkin spice haters.
Step 1: Make the Tea
Boil 1/2 cup water. Remove from heat and add a chai tea bag. Let it steep for four minutes. Also, remove water from the tea bag by pressing it against the side of the pan with a spoon to get all of the chai flavors.
Step 2: Make Pumpkin Spice Milk
Take out a small saucepan, and warm the milk of your choice. Next, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and pumpkin puree. Whisk all the ingredients until the milk bubbles. Then remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Finally, use a milk frother or a whisk to froth milk.
Pro tip 1: You can use any kind of milk you prefer, but we found almond milk works best when combined with chai. Plus, it’s great if you want a dairy-free version. Also, make sure to choose milk that froths well. For example, fat-free and skim milk doesn’t froth the best.
Pro tip 2: Read the ingredients carefully when buying pumpkin spice puree. The USDA is lenient with pumpkin spice puree ingredients, but you should choose one that contains only pumpkin (2).
Pro tip 3: Use stevia drops or brown sugar if you’re looking for a healthier sweetener (3).
Step 3: Combine Milk and Tea
Pour the pumpkin spice milk into the tea mixture. Top with a layer of milk froth. In addition, top with whipped cream for a perfect fall drink.
3. Salted Caramel Latte
Next on the list of our favorite fall coffee drinks is the salted caramel latte. It’s one of the most popular lattes you can get at Starbucks.
What You Need
- 1 tbsp caramel syrup
- 8 oz coffee
- 4 oz milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
- whipped cream (optional)
At a Glance
Prep time:
5 minutes
Yield:
1 serving
How to Make Salted Caramel Latte
Caramel is a flavor you can enjoy year-round, and it combines well with bitter coffee, which results in a semi-sweet drink. And we like to add a dash of salt to offset the caramel and make cozy coffee drinks!
Step 1: Brew Coffee
Use your preferred brewing method and make 8 oz of coffee. Add vanilla extract to coffee, and stir to mix. Go for a strong brew so the caramel and milk don’t overpower the coffee.
Step 2: Froth Milk
Simply froth the milk. Once again, if you don’t have a milk frother, heat the milk, pour it into a jar, and shake vigorously until you see bubbles.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
It’s time to add drizzle caramel into the mug and a pinch of sea salt to the rim. Next, pour the coffee, add the milk, and spoon froth on top.
Pro tip 1: Top with whipped cream and extra caramel sauce if you want a sweet drink.
Pro tip 2: Use a glass mug to see all the nice layers and caramel sauce.
Pro tip 3: Can’t get enough chocolate coffee flavors? We get you. Transform this regular caramel latte into a salted caramel mocha latte by adding one tablespoon of cocoa powder to the milk.
4. Maple Pecan Latte
Maple pecan latte used to be one of the regular Starbucks fall latte flavors. However, it’s been discontinued at some Starbucks locations. Luckily, we have the perfect copycat recipe.
What You Need
- 1 espresso shot
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup pecan butter
- 1/2 cup of milk
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- whipped cream (optional)
- chopped pecan (optional
AT A GLANCE
Prep time:
5 minutes
Yield:
1 serving
How to Make Maple Pecan Latte
Starbucks first created the maple pecan latte in September 2017 (4). Its flavors resembled a classic pecan pie, and the sweet and nutty flavors were a hit with many coffee lovers. However, unlike any Starbucks drink, this drink is only available at selected locations during the fall season.
No worries— you can make this delicious hot coffee anytime at home.
Step 1: Heat the Milk
Take out a saucepan and pour in the milk and pecan butter. Leave on medium heat until the butter melts. Stir occasionally so the milk doesn’t burn and becomes frothy.
Pro tip 1: We like how almond milk combines with pecan flavor, but you can use your favorite milk.
Step 2: Pull an Espresso Shot
Use your espresso machine and pull one espresso shot like you usually do. Add maple syrup to the coffee and stir until well-mixed.
Pro tip 1: If you don’t have an espresso machine, use an alternative brewing method, such as a Moka pot.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the coffee into a glass, and add the milk and melted pecan butter on top. Top with whipped cream and cut pecans for more flavor.
5. Apple Pie Spice Latte
Do you love apple pie and applesauce? Why not try an apple pie spice latte? After all, fall latte recipes can’t be complete without the apple pie spice latte.
What You Need
- 4 oz coffee
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 tbsp apple pie syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- whipped cream (optional)
- ground nutmeg (optional)
AT A GLANCE
Prep time:
10 minutes
Yield:
1 serving
How to Make Apple Pie Spice Latte
This coffee recipe is a great choice when you can’t decide between apple cider and coffee. Plus, you can pour the apple pie syrup on your oatmeal.
Step 1: Make Apple Pie Syrup
Take out a saucepan and whisk sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Then add apple juice and lemon juice and cook on medium heat. You’ll realize the syrup is done when it thickens.
Once your apple pie syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool at room temperature. You can store the syrup in a jar for one week.
Step 2: Brew Coffee and Steam Milk
Make half a cup of coffee using your preferred brewing method. Add the vanilla extract once the coffee is brewed and stir to mix.
Steam milk using a wand. If you don’t have a steam wand, heat the milk in the microwave and whisk until you see bubbles.
Pro tip 1: Combine the coffee and apple syrup in the filter if you’re using a French press to brew coffee. Add the vanilla to hot water before pouring it into the press.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
If you haven’t added apple pie syrup already, start by adding it to the mug. Then add coffee and top with steamed milk.
Add whipped cream on top and nutmeg or cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
Latte is one of the most customizable drinks, so it’s no wonder it’s so popular. You don’t even need to wait for the fall.
Indulge in some of our favorite fall latte recipes whenever the fancy strikes you. And don’t forget to experiment! Substitute sweeteners, try different kinds of milk, and make fall-flavored syrups. Let your imagination run free, and you’ll enjoy delicious fall lattes year-round.
FAQ
Make a pumpkin spice latte when it’s not fall, just as usual. If you crave a pumpkin spice latte during hotter months, you can make an iced version of a pumpkin spice latte. Use cold brew coffee and leave the milk to cool before you combine the ingredients.
Fall coffee drinks are pumpkin spice latte, cinnamon roll coffee, maple latte, salted caramel latte, peppermint hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, hazelnut mocha, brown sugar latte, and many more. Fall coffee recipes are usually hot coffees that suit the chilly fall months. For example, lattes are much more common fall coffee drinks than frappuccinos, although there are some frappuccino recipes with popular fall flavors.
You make coffee taste like fall by using traditional fall coffee flavors. For example, use pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree in your latte, and add brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of regular white sugar. Add grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick to the coffee, and experiment with different syrups. For example, think beyond the basic chocolate syrup, and make your own apple pie syrup.
References
- Grantham-Philips, W. (n.d.). Why are we addicted to pumpkin spice? Perception researchers stress the power of fall scents. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2021/09/22/pumpkin-spice-addiction-science-behind-fall-flavor-obsession/5785384001/
- What’s Actually in Your Canned Pumpkin Purée? (n.d.). Kitchn. https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-actually-in-your-canned-pumpkin-puree-ingredient-intelligence-69123
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020, October 8). Pros and cons of artificial sweeteners. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936
- Starbucks Debuts New Maple Pecan Latte. (n.d.). Starbucks Stories. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2017/starbucks-debuts-new-maple-pecan-latte/
