Pumpkin Lattes

I love Fall and almost everything about it. The crisp, cool air, the brightly colored leaves, the cardigan sweaters and fashion scarves, Halloween, apple cider, apple pie, and of course we can't forget: pumpkin lattes.

Ever since the weather started getting cooler (sporadically) this September, I've been dreaming of pumpkin lattes: the little jolt of caffeine and milk paired with the amazing taste of warm pumpkin and spices. Mmmmm.

While these spicy concoctions are known primarily as an invention of Starbucks, there are lots of little cafes  that offer them for the same price and without the corporate tag. I most often think of Java House, the independent and student-popular coffeehouse in Iowa City where I was first introduced to them. Doing homework on a cold autumn night was always better with a big mug of pumpkin latte to warm you up.

But I'm not in Iowa City anymore, I'm in New York City, where there are probably 100 times more coffee shops. Oh, the possibilities!

After some review searching and map planning, I settled on trying a new little cafe in the West Village, whose unique gourmet espresso drinks and atmosphere were widely praised. Just a five-minute walk from the 8 avenue L train stop, it wasn't too far of a trek for me.

The place is called simply Grounded. They offer a wider variety of drinks than most other coffee shops I've been to, and they also sell lots of baked goods and sandwiches. With lots of table seating, lounge couches, artwork and light music, it actually reminds me a lot of my old favorite college haunt.

And to my delight they have the great pumpkin latte I was looking for. I won't even consider going to Starbucks now that I've had this one.

Grounded's pumpkin latte is quite strong on the spice (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg?) and pumpkin flavor, a little weaker on the espresso. But that's just fine for me. I'd rather the spices were a little strong than a little weak.

The latte also has the dark orange and light brown color that reminds you not only of the drink's wonderful ingredients but also of the wonderful Autumn season it represents. With a drink that tastes good, looks good, and makes you feel good, how can I not fall in love with it?

Unfortunately every good thing tends to have a catch, as does this one. A regular pumpkin latte costs a little over $4. As a freelance journalist/ recent college grad, I'm sad to admit that these drinks cannot become a regular indulgence for me and my tight budget.

Luckily I don't always have to go to the coffee shop to get them- I can make them at home. With strong coffee and a one-time investment in canned pumpkin and spices, I have enough supplies to make a million pumpkin lattes at home for about $15 (if my estimates are correct).

I might not get the same ambiance at home in my tiny studio, but at least I'll have the spices to keep me warm :)



Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte 

2 cups half and half or milk (I'll use soy milk)
2 tbsp. canned pumpkin
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (or 1/4 cup espresso)

1) Heat milk, pumpkin and sugar in a pan until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
2) When heated through, remove milk from burner and add vanilla and spice. Whisk until foamy or blend in a blender.
3) Add 1 cup of milk to coffee mug. Add enough coffee to fill it up.
4) You can top it off with whipped cream and/or more spices- pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves.
5) Enjoy!!!