We'll admit it - we were inspired by the oh-so-popular Pumpkin Spice Lattes of the world when we developed this beverage. The more we looked into pumpkin as an ingredient, the more realized that it's a shame that many of the products that can be found every fall don't even use real pumpkin, and have way more sugar and unnecessary muck than actual nutrition! For instance, did you know that the big coffee brand out there puts the sugar equivalent of 5 donuts in a single PSL?!
So, as we do, we made a version without the junk, but complete with all the flavor. It has real pumpkin, Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, ginger and licorice root.
As great as a healthy, clean, sugar- and calorie-free Pumpkin Spice Coffee is, this drink tastes better than most with a little added to it. It's the perfect base for a healthier, at-home version of those fancy fall drinks many of us know and love. All you need is a little milk or creamer, and honey or maple syrup, which has a faction of the daily value of sugar for men or women.
We've tested and tried this recipe various ways, and come to our favorite version below. Give it a try, and if you have a Cusa Milk Frother at home, you can make it even fancier!
Read through the steps and information below, or jump to the end for a recipe card.
1. Dissolve coffee in about 1 ounce of hot water
Why hot water? Time! It's fastest to dissolve Cusa in hot water - like, so fast that by the time you're done pouring, you don't even have to stir. You can use room temperature water or even cold water if that's all you have around, too.
2. Add 1tsp maple syrup and stir until mixed
We tried it with as little as 1/2 tsp, and it was perfect. But we know some people like more! We also tried agave nectar, sugar and honey, and all tasted great. Stevia and monk fruit will work for those who don't consume sugar!
3. Add 1/4 cup or so of hot/warmed milk and froth
Really what we recommend here is warming whatever milk you add, so it doesn't cool down the drink. You can microwave milk, or heat on the stovetop. Or, use creamer, or half and half. Nut milks work superbly! Our favorite is Oat Milk. No frothing necessary if you don't have one. This drink tastes great with or without that step.
4. Add more warmed/hot milk until glass is full
The only rule here is to add enough liquid until you've got about 8-10 ounces total. If you have a big mug, don't fill it up all the way. A standard mug is about 10 ounces. Add water if you're not a big milk or creamer person, and add more milk/creamer if you love the smooth, silky flavor of a latte.
1 comment
Lisa Hawkins
Thank you CUSA! This sounds mighty good and can’t wait to try it out soon! BTW, is agave nectar an ok substitute for the maple syrup?
Thank you CUSA! This sounds mighty good and can’t wait to try it out soon! BTW, is agave nectar an ok substitute for the maple syrup?