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Pumpkin spice coffee is a favorite fall drink for many people, and making a vegan iced pumpkin spice coffee at home is a perfect way to enjoy the warm, cozy flavors while keeping things cruelty-free. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a refreshing, creamy iced coffee drink with all the flavors of autumn: pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to hit the spot on a hot day or whenever you’re craving a flavorful seasonal treat.
Ingredients for Vegan Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee
The ingredients in this recipe are simple, easy to find, and can be adapted based on what you have on hand. Let’s go over the essentials:
Main Ingredients:
- Coffee: You can use brewed coffee, cold brew coffee, or even espresso depending on your preference. For a stronger flavor, cold brew is an excellent choice.
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup: The heart of this recipe. You’ll need pumpkin puree, a homemade pumpkin spice blend, and a sweetener like maple syrup to make the syrup.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Choose from a variety of vegan milks—oat milk is highly recommended due to its creamy texture, but almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk can be used as well.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a natural sweetener like stevia can be used to sweeten your drink. The syrup will also bring in a rich, autumnal sweetness.
- Ice: To create the iced version of the drink, you’ll need plenty of ice cubes to chill the coffee and give it that refreshing cold touch.
Each ingredient brings its own touch to the flavor profile, and experimenting with different brands or types of coffee, milk, or sweeteners can lead you to your perfect cup.
Pumpkin Spice Blend
The essence of vegan iced pumpkin spice coffee lies in the pumpkin spice blend. Rather than relying on store-bought mixes, making your own allows you to control the flavor profile and make it as strong or mild as you like.
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend
You can easily make your own pumpkin spice blend at home with ingredients you probably already have in your spice cabinet. Here’s how to make a simple blend:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional for extra flavor)
- A pinch of allspice or cardamom (optional, for a unique twist)
Instructions:
- Combine all of the spices in a small bowl.
- Stir them together until well-blended.
- Store the mix in an airtight container for future use.
Coffee Types for the Vegan Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee Recipe
The choice of coffee will heavily impact the overall flavor of your vegan iced pumpkin spice coffee. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:
Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smooth, less acidic coffee that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of vegan milk. It has a rich, mellow flavor that won’t overpower the pumpkin spice syrup.
Brewed Coffee
If you don’t have cold brew on hand, you can brew a pot of strong coffee and let it cool down. The stronger the coffee, the better it will stand up to the sweet pumpkin spice syrup.
Espresso
For a richer, more robust flavor, espresso shots work wonders. The concentrated nature of espresso creates a strong contrast against the sweet, creamy milk and syrup.
Choosing the Right Vegan Milk for the Vegan Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee
The vegan milk you use plays an essential role in the texture and flavor of your vegan iced pumpkin spice coffee. Let’s look at a few options:
Oat Milk
Oat milk is a favorite among many people because of its creamy texture that mimics dairy milk. It also has a slightly sweet flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices. It’s a fantastic option for a rich, smooth coffee drink.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is light, mildly nutty, and often a bit thinner than oat milk. It’s a good choice if you prefer a lighter, more subtle base for your iced coffee.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk offers a richer and slightly tropical flavor, which pairs nicely with the spices. It’s thicker than almond milk but lighter than oat milk. It’s perfect if you enjoy a more exotic twist in your drinks.
Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is creamy and slightly sweeter than almond milk, making it another great choice for iced coffee drinks. Its flavor is neutral, so it won’t compete with the spices in the coffee.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Vegan Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Making this iced coffee is quick and easy. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide for how to assemble your perfect cup.
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
- Brew your coffee of choice. If using cold brew, simply grab it from the fridge. If brewing regular coffee, use a higher coffee-to-water ratio to ensure the coffee flavor is bold and stands out against the sweetness of the pumpkin spice syrup.
- After brewing, let your coffee cool to room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator if you’re in a hurry.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- Combine the pumpkin puree: In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree. You can use canned pumpkin puree or homemade if you have it.
- Add water: Add 1/2 cup of water to the pumpkin puree. This will help thin it out so it can mix well with the coffee.
- Sweeten the syrup: Add 1 tablespoon of your chosen sweetener (maple syrup, agave, etc.). You can adjust the sweetness depending on your preference.
- Spice it up: Stir in your homemade pumpkin spice blend (or store-bought spice mix). Add a pinch of salt for extra depth of flavor.
- Simmer: Heat the mixture over low heat while stirring, allowing it to thicken and the spices to infuse. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the vegan Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee
- Prepare the glass: Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice cubes.
- Pour the coffee: Pour your cooled coffee (or cold brew) over the ice.
- Add the pumpkin spice syrup: Pour 2 tablespoons of your homemade pumpkin spice syrup into the coffee, or more if you prefer a sweeter, more intense flavor.
- Add the non-dairy milk: Add about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of your chosen non-dairy milk. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Stir and Garnish
- Stir well: Use a spoon or a straw to mix the coffee, milk, and pumpkin spice syrup together.
- Optional toppings: If you want to make the drink extra special, top it with a dollop of vegan whipped cream and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. For an extra seasonal touch, you can add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Adjust the Sweetness
You can control the sweetness of the vegan iced pumpkin spice coffee by adjusting the amount of sweetener you use in the syrup. If you like a less sweet drink, try reducing the sugar in the syrup or opt for a sugar-free sweetener.
Make It Extra Creamy
For an even creamier texture, use oat milk or add a small amount of coconut cream. This will give your coffee an indulgent, velvety finish.
Experiment with Flavors
Feel free to experiment with additional spices like clove, cardamom, or even a dash of vanilla extract to create a unique twist on the traditional pumpkin spice flavor.
Storage Tips for Leftover Pumpkin Spice Coffee
If you’ve made too much iced pumpkin spice coffee and want to save it for later, you can store it in the fridge. Here’s how:
- Store the coffee: Place any leftover iced coffee in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you may need to add fresh ice as the drink will have likely lost its chill.
- Freeze the coffee: You can freeze the coffee into ice cubes for future use. This ensures that your iced coffee stays cold without becoming watered down.
Vegan Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee: Fun Variations to Try
Vegan Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee recipe is versatile, and you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:
Pumpkin Spice Mocha
For a chocolatey twist, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or vegan chocolate syrup to your iced coffee. Stir it in well for a rich and indulgent flavor.
Spicy Pumpkin Spice
Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the syrup mixture for a spicy kick that will surprise your taste buds.
Cold Brew Float
Top your vegan iced pumpkin spice coffee with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert drink that’s perfect for fall.
Why You Should Try Making Vegan Iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee at Home
Making vegan iced pumpkin spice coffee at home has several advantages:
- Customization: You can adjust the strength, sweetness, and spice level to suit your taste.
- Cost-Effective: Avoid spending money at overpriced coffee shops. You can make a large batch for a fraction of the price.
- Healthier Option: By using non-dairy milk and natural sweeteners, you can control the ingredients and make it as healthy as you like.
