DIY Fall Coffee House Favorites
As I am writing this, the first day of Fall is upon us. As we embrace the arrival of fall, many coffee shops are rolling out their seasonal menus, featuring the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte. If you’re like me and enjoy these indulgent drinks, making them at home can save you time, money, and unnecessary calories or BITES. Plus, it allows you to customize your beverage to your liking!
What you’ll need
To embark on your homemade coffee adventure, you’ll need a few key items. An espresso maker is ideal, but if you’re not ready to invest, a Keurig with espresso coffee grounds on the strong brew setting can work too. Sugar-free syrups, a milk frother wand, and a blender are also handy tools for crafting these delicious drinks.
With that out of the way, let’s get into the recipes!
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso (or 4 oz strong brewed coffee)
- 6 pumps sugar-free Pumpkin Spice syrup
- 3/4 cup low-fat or non-dairy milk
- Optional: whipped cream and cinnamon for topping
Brew your coffee and heat the milk. Froth the milk with a wand. Add syrup to the coffee, then pour the frothed milk on top. Finish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Additional Thoughts
This drink is perfect on a cold day and it is super versatile. By simply changing out the syrup flavor, you can make an infinite amount of drinks. This recipe is my go-to for all seasons. Depending on the syrup, you may need more or less of it.
Chai Tea Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 bag Chai Tea
- 3/4 cup low-fat or non-dairy milk
- Cinnamon for topping
Brew the tea and heat the milk. Froth the milk, then pour the brewed tea over it. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Additional Thoughts
You can sweeten the mixture to your taste with any sweetener that you like. It is best to use actual tea bags to brew your tea as the concentrate often has added sugar, and therefore, BITES.
Indulgent Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 1 envelope Reduce Calorie Swiss Miss
- 2 tbsp Jet Puffed bits (tiny dried marshmallows)
- 2 tbsp Half and Half
- 2 tbsp sugar-free whipped cream
- 12 Lilys baking chips (chocolate chips)
Prepare the hot chocolate, then add half and half for extra creaminess. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate chips.
Additional Thoughts
This recipe is super indulgent and has all the bells and whistles. Feel free to omit toppings and mix-ins based on your taste. Some days I may just do the powder and marshmallows and others I want it topped with whipped cream.
Hot Apple Chai
Ingredients:
- 1 bag Chai Tea
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- Cinnamon for topping
Brew the tea, then mix it with apple sauce. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Additional Thoughts
You can sweeten the mixture to your taste with any sweetener that you like. It is best to use actual tea bags to brew your tea as the concentrate often has added sugar, and therefore, BITES. The original recipe calls for apple juice and chai tea concentrate, but I lightened it up by using apple sauce and real tea. It’s the perfect apple-cinnamon mixture!
Bonus Drink: Warm Apple Cinnamon Protein Drink
Heat a Premier Protein with oats in apple cinnamon flavor for a warm and comforting drink that’s also filling. A beloved fall tradition in my household doesn’t involve coffee shops; it revolves around my favorite protein drink! The Premier Protein with oats in apple cinnamon flavor is a seasonal delight. I simply pour it into a cup and heat it in the microwave for 1 minute, creating a warm, satisfying beverage that keeps me full and cozy.
These homemade alternatives not only capture the essence of fall but also allow you to enjoy your favorite seasonal flavors guilt-free. Cheers to cozy evenings and delightful sips!
