A hint of cinnamon, cardamom and sweet, spicy warmth hit me like a bolt of lightning in the car park of Tim Hortons in the green nowhere of Eastern Canada. My first encounter with THE autumn drink par excellence - Pumpkin Spice Latte. A drink whose hype I didn't care about at all before the aforementioned lightning strike. Reason enough to take a closer look at the cult drink and find out how it is possible for it to characterise an entire season. In this blog post, I take a closer look and show you a few great alternatives to the iconic autumn drink.
The origins of the Pumkin Spice Latte
The Pumpkin Spice Latte did not become an autumnal cult drink by chance, but thanks to the ingenious and resourceful marketing professionals at the world's largest coffee house chain. The aim was to develop a seasonal drink that was close to the flavour of pumpkin pie and thus convey a feeling of cosiness and warmth. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves were the key to success here (funnily enough, no real pumpkin). This is how the success story of the spicy-sweet Pumpkin Spice Latte began in 2003 in the USA and Canada.
What's in Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Let's be honest: Pumpkin Spice Latte is a real calorie bomb and contains sugar. Lots of sugar to be precise. But we're happy to put up with that for a warm, cosy feeling, cuddly moments and golden memories - oh, I'm digressing again...
Originally, the Pumpkin Spice Latte consisted of an autumnal spice blend, espresso, sugar and frothed milk. In 2015, however, real pumpkin puree was added following pressure from customers and the media. There are now countless recipes for making pumpkin spice lattes at home: with or without pumpkin puree, with homemade pumpkin spice syrup, vegan, sugar-free or as a cold refreshment. Whatever tastes good and meets your dietary requirements is allowed.
What makes this autumn drink so special
The combination of warm spices in the Pumpkin Spice Latte is the essence of autumn and brings back memories of cosy days. For me, as a Pumpkin Spice Latte fan, the sweet and spicy flavour is reminiscent of the endless expanses of Canada and a feeling of lightness. And that is exactly what characterises this cult drink: everyone feels the same and yet different when the taste of cinnamon, cloves and ginger hits their tongue.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte did not become an autumnal cult drink by chance, but thanks to the ingenious and resourceful marketing professionals at the world's largest coffee house chain. The aim was to develop a seasonal drink that was close to the flavour of pumpkin pie and thus convey a feeling of cosiness and warmth. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves were the key to success here (funnily enough, no real pumpkin). This is how the success story of the spicy-sweet Pumpkin Spice Latte began in 2003 in the USA and Canada.
What's in Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Let's be honest: Pumpkin Spice Latte is a real calorie bomb and contains sugar. Lots of sugar to be precise. But we're happy to put up with that for a warm, cosy feeling, cuddly moments and golden memories - oh, I'm digressing again...
Originally, the Pumpkin Spice Latte consisted of an autumnal spice blend, espresso, sugar and frothed milk. In 2015, however, real pumpkin puree was added following pressure from customers and the media. There are now countless recipes for making pumpkin spice lattes at home: with or without pumpkin puree, with homemade pumpkin spice syrup, vegan, sugar-free or as a cold refreshment. Whatever tastes good and meets your dietary requirements is allowed.
What makes this autumn drink so special
The combination of warm spices in the Pumpkin Spice Latte is the essence of autumn and brings back memories of cosy days. For me, as a Pumpkin Spice Latte fan, the sweet and spicy flavour is reminiscent of the endless expanses of Canada and a feeling of lightness. And that is exactly what characterises this cult drink: everyone feels the same and yet different when the taste of cinnamon, cloves and ginger hits their tongue.
From seasonal drink to symbol of autumn
PSL fans have finally been able to sip a little nostalgia and cosiness in small cups at the large coffee house chain with the mermaid again since 10 September, as the popular autumn drink is seasonally limited. This limitation makes the feel-good drink even more desirable and the anticipation for the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte all the greater. Another recipe for success for the autumn drink lies in social media. If you take a look around Instagram and TikTok, there really is no getting round the stylish Pumpkin Spice Latte.
From the beginning of September, heavy artillery will be brought out here: crocheted winter jumpers, DIY autumn decorations, ceramic pumpkins, butter-nut candles and, who would have guessed it, pumpkin spice latte recipes. Everything is being staged in a social media-ready (autumn) way while I'm still trying to shake the sand out of my bikini. The influence on social platforms is enormous and gives the Pumpkin Spice Latte meteoric hype every year. So it's no wonder that the PSL has long since achieved cult status and should definitely not be missed in autumn.
Sweet temptation as a hidden calorie bomb
It's no secret that Pumpkin Spice Latte may not be the perfect choice for the diet-conscious. On average, there are around 300 to 450 calories and 40 to 50 grams of sugar in a medium-sized cup. This varies greatly and depends on the method of preparation. The main factors are the choice of milk, whether cream is chosen as a topping, the amount of sugar syrup and, of course, the size of the drink.
In addition to the high calories and considerable sugar content, artificial additives can be harmful to health. Some industrially produced pumpkin spice latte mixes contain artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives. Always keep an eye on the ingredients list when buying!
My tip: So that the pumpkin "hip gold"" Latte turns back into Pumpkin "Yeah" Latte, I like to prepare the autumn drink with low-fat or plant-based milk. I also only add a small amount of syrup and leave out the creamy topping - et voilĂ , the Pumpkin Spice Latte can be enjoyed with a little less regret!
PSL fans have finally been able to sip a little nostalgia and cosiness in small cups at the large coffee house chain with the mermaid again since 10 September, as the popular autumn drink is seasonally limited. This limitation makes the feel-good drink even more desirable and the anticipation for the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte all the greater. Another recipe for success for the autumn drink lies in social media. If you take a look around Instagram and TikTok, there really is no getting round the stylish Pumpkin Spice Latte.
From the beginning of September, heavy artillery will be brought out here: crocheted winter jumpers, DIY autumn decorations, ceramic pumpkins, butter-nut candles and, who would have guessed it, pumpkin spice latte recipes. Everything is being staged in a social media-ready (autumn) way while I'm still trying to shake the sand out of my bikini. The influence on social platforms is enormous and gives the Pumpkin Spice Latte meteoric hype every year. So it's no wonder that the PSL has long since achieved cult status and should definitely not be missed in autumn.
Sweet temptation as a hidden calorie bomb
It's no secret that Pumpkin Spice Latte may not be the perfect choice for the diet-conscious. On average, there are around 300 to 450 calories and 40 to 50 grams of sugar in a medium-sized cup. This varies greatly and depends on the method of preparation. The main factors are the choice of milk, whether cream is chosen as a topping, the amount of sugar syrup and, of course, the size of the drink.
In addition to the high calories and considerable sugar content, artificial additives can be harmful to health. Some industrially produced pumpkin spice latte mixes contain artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives. Always keep an eye on the ingredients list when buying!
My tip: So that the pumpkin "hip gold"" Latte turns back into Pumpkin "Yeah" Latte, I like to prepare the autumn drink with low-fat or plant-based milk. I also only add a small amount of syrup and leave out the creamy topping - et voilĂ , the Pumpkin Spice Latte can be enjoyed with a little less regret!
Alternative autumn drinks for every taste
As incomprehensible as it may seem to me, not everyone is keen to pour a coffee drink with spices and lots of sugar down their throat in autumn. After intensive research, I was surprised to discover that there is actually a lot of variety in the hot drinks universe. From chai lattes, pear-cinnamon punch and salted caramel hot chocolate to matcha lattes and fresh sage-rosemary-honey tea.
Okay, I admit it. The alternatives are overwhelming, and not just to bring a little variety into the sometimes dreary autumn. Especially for people who (have to) pay particular attention to the health aspect or don't like coffee, other hot drinks are a great alternative for enjoying warm cosiness.
Fancy a cup of happiness?
The sweet and spicy Pumpkin Spice Latte is a seasonal hype that is skilfully marketed due to its limited availability. Every year, it is given an orange and gold colour on social media, which adds to the hype and increases the anticipation and desire among Pumpkin Spice Latte fans.
So is the Pumpkin Spice Latte truly delicious or is it being unfairly hyped? Well, flavour is subjective. That is clear. Nevertheless, there is a reason why the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a symbol of autumn for many. The balance between sweet and spicy notes is incomparable and evokes warmth and cosiness.
While the cold wind whips up coloured leaves outside, there's nothing cosier for me than curling up on the couch with a cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte and a cat on my lap and dreaming of Canada's endless expanses again...
As incomprehensible as it may seem to me, not everyone is keen to pour a coffee drink with spices and lots of sugar down their throat in autumn. After intensive research, I was surprised to discover that there is actually a lot of variety in the hot drinks universe. From chai lattes, pear-cinnamon punch and salted caramel hot chocolate to matcha lattes and fresh sage-rosemary-honey tea.
Okay, I admit it. The alternatives are overwhelming, and not just to bring a little variety into the sometimes dreary autumn. Especially for people who (have to) pay particular attention to the health aspect or don't like coffee, other hot drinks are a great alternative for enjoying warm cosiness.
Fancy a cup of happiness?
The sweet and spicy Pumpkin Spice Latte is a seasonal hype that is skilfully marketed due to its limited availability. Every year, it is given an orange and gold colour on social media, which adds to the hype and increases the anticipation and desire among Pumpkin Spice Latte fans.
So is the Pumpkin Spice Latte truly delicious or is it being unfairly hyped? Well, flavour is subjective. That is clear. Nevertheless, there is a reason why the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a symbol of autumn for many. The balance between sweet and spicy notes is incomparable and evokes warmth and cosiness.
While the cold wind whips up coloured leaves outside, there's nothing cosier for me than curling up on the couch with a cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte and a cat on my lap and dreaming of Canada's endless expanses again...
Warmth & cosiness in autumn
If you are in an autumn mood like me and want to really unwind , then I have the perfect tip for you: spend a few feel-good days in Chiemgau and discover the colourful autumn landscape in and around Inzell - a time-out for body and soul! With the "Seelenbusserl" package, you can experience an autumn break at Alpenhotel Bergmayer and pure relaxation at the Bad Reichenhall thermal spa.
Book your package now!
If you are in an autumn mood like me and want to really unwind , then I have the perfect tip for you: spend a few feel-good days in Chiemgau and discover the colourful autumn landscape in and around Inzell - a time-out for body and soul! With the "Seelenbusserl" package, you can experience an autumn break at Alpenhotel Bergmayer and pure relaxation at the Bad Reichenhall thermal spa.
Book your package now!
24. September 2024
