Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew is my favorite way to enjoy seasonal flavors without needing a hot drink.
It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and has just the right hint of pumpkin spice to make it feel cozy even on a warmer day.
I love making it at home because I can control the sweetness and spice level, and it’s ready to sip anytime I need a refreshing, energizing drink.
Behind the Recipe
This recipe started when I wanted to enjoy pumpkin spice but didn’t want a heavy, sugary latte. Using cold brew coffee as a base makes the drink smooth and slightly mellow, while pumpkin puree and warming spices give it seasonal charm. It quickly became my go-to mid-morning pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smooth, refreshing, and lightly spiced
- Less acidic than hot coffee
- Customizable sweetness and spice
- Quick to prepare once cold brew is ready
- Perfect for mornings, afternoons, or iced coffee lovers
- Easy to make in batches
- Kid-friendly without extra caffeine if decaf cold brew is used
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Use ripe pumpkin puree for best flavor.
- Mix pumpkin spice thoroughly to avoid clumps.
- Adjust sweetness with maple syrup, sugar, or flavored syrups.
- Chill coffee and pumpkin mixture before serving for smoothest taste.
- Shake or stir well before serving to keep ingredients combined.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Jar or bottle for shaking
- Spoon or whisk
- Glass with ice
Ingredients in This Recipe
- Cold Brew Coffee (1 cup): Smooth, slightly sweet, and less acidic than hot coffee.
- Milk or Milk Alternative (½ cup): Adds creaminess; use dairy or plant-based milk.
- Pumpkin Puree (2 tablespoons): Provides natural pumpkin flavor and slight thickness.
- Maple Syrup or Sweetener (1–2 teaspoons): Adjust to taste.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (¼ teaspoon): A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove for warm flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (¼ teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and depth.
- Ice Cubes: To keep it chilled.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use any milk alternative in place of dairy milk as listed.
- Use the listed sweetener option (maple syrup or your chosen sweetener) and adjust the amount to taste.
- If using decaf cold brew, follow the same method.
Ingredient Spotlight
Pumpkin Puree: Adds natural flavor and slight creaminess without needing syrups.
Cold Brew Coffee: Its smoothness complements pumpkin spice without bitterness.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
- Add cold brew coffee, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt to a jar or bottle. Stir or shake well until fully combined.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring gently until warm and fragrant, about 5 minutes — the vanilla should release its aroma, and the spices will meld into the brew.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine sieve into a clean container to remove the vanilla pod, pumpkin pulp, and spice particles, leaving a smooth spiced coffee.
- Let the infused cold brew cool completely in the fridge for at least 10 minutes, or until chilled.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour the cooled pumpkin spice cold brew over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top if desired, and serve immediately for a refreshing, spiced coffee experience.
Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
This beverage combines rich cold brew coffee with warm, seasonal spices and pumpkin flavor, creating a smooth, layered drink with a comforting aroma and refreshing finish. The process involves infusing the coffee with vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin, then serving it over ice for a cool, flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add cold brew coffee, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt to a jar or bottle. Stir or shake well until fully combined.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring gently until warm and fragrant, about 5 minutes — the vanilla should release its aroma, and the spices will meld into the brew.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine sieve into a clean container to remove the vanilla pod, pumpkin pulp, and spice particles, leaving a smooth spiced coffee.
- Let the infused cold brew cool completely in the fridge for at least 10 minutes, or until chilled.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour the cooled pumpkin spice cold brew over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top if desired, and serve immediately for a refreshing, spiced coffee experience.
Notes
You can adjust the level of spice or pumpkin to suit your taste. For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream before serving.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Prepare a batch in a jar and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Shake or stir well before serving to recombine any separation.
What to Serve With It
- Pumpkin Muffins
- Coffee Cake
- Maple Glazed Donuts
- Butter Croissants
- Shortbread Cookies
Creative Leftover Transformations
- Freeze leftover cold brew into ice cubes and use them in the same drink later to keep it cold without diluting.
- Store extra pumpkin-spice mixture in a jar and shake well before using.
Additional Tips
- Adjust milk ratio for creamier or lighter texture.
- Sweeten gradually to avoid overpowering pumpkin’s natural flavor.
- Add a tiny bit more of the listed vanilla extract for extra aroma.
Make It a Showstopper
Serve in a clear glass over ice and top with a small pinch of pumpkin pie spice. Stir or shake just before pouring so the pumpkin stays evenly mixed.
Variations to Try
- Sweeter version: increase the listed sweetener slightly.
- Stronger spice version: increase pumpkin pie spice slightly.
- Creamier version: increase the milk portion slightly.
- Lighter version: reduce the milk portion slightly.
FAQ’s
- Can I make it without milk? Yes, just pumpkin and cold brew work.
- Can I use hot coffee? No, cold brew gives the smoothest taste.
- Can I make it sweeter? Yes, add extra maple syrup or sugar.
- Is it kid-friendly? Skip caffeine or use decaf cold brew.
- Can I store it? Yes, in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling? No, use pure pumpkin.
- Can I make it vegan? Yes, use plant-based milk.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, mix in a larger jar.
- Can I add more spices? Yes. Add a small extra pinch of the listed pumpkin pie spice, then taste.
- Can I blend it? Yes, for extra frothy texture.
I’m Mahek Manchanda, the curious heart behind Dramatically Stirring. Before this space existed, my life revolved around kitchens that were loud, demanding, and endlessly alive. I didn’t arrive at cooking through a single dramatic moment.
