Description
Caramel Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee Magic: Sip autumn bliss! Sweet caramel, pumpkin spice, and rich coffee create your perfect refreshing treat. Get the recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Coffee & Dairy:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, I use whole milk)
- Pumpkin Spice Flavor:
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Sweeteners & Toppings:
- 1–2 tbsp caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Optional Enhancements:
- Pinch of black pepper or cayenne (for a kick)
- Coffee ice cubes
Instructions
- Brew and Chill:: My first step is always to brew a strong pot of coffee and let it chill. Honestly, I usually do this the night before so it’s perfectly cold in the morning. A good strong brew is essential for a delicious fall coffee that stands up to all those lovely flavors. If it’s too weak, everything else just overwhelms it, and that’s a sad coffee moment.
- Simmer the Spice Base:: In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and your chosen sweetener. I like to gently heat this over low heat, stirring constantly. You’ll start to smell those amazing spices release their aroma – that’s when you know you’re on the right track! Just let it simmer for a minute or two, don’t boil it, or it gets too thick. This creates that lovely, warm pumpkin spice core for our iced coffee.
- Build Your Layers:: Once the pumpkin mixture is warm and fragrant, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Now, grab your favorite tall glass. Drizzle some caramel sauce along the inside of the glass – make it pretty, make it messy, whatever feels right! I sometimes make little zig-zags, sometimes it’s just a glorious puddle. This step is all about making your drink visually appealing and extra tasty.
- Combine and Stir:: Fill your prepared glass with ice. Pour in your chilled strong coffee, then add your milk. Now, spoon that warm, fragrant pumpkin spice mixture into the glass. Give it a good stir with a spoon or a straw. Make sure everything is nicely combined. I didn’t expect how important a good stir is; otherwise, you get pockets of super sweet pumpkin at the bottom. We want every sip of this fall sipper to be balanced.
- Top with Magic:: This is where the fun really begins! If you’re using whipped cream, pile it high on top. Then, a generous drizzle of more caramel sauce over the whipped cream. A little extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top? Why not! It looks fancy, and honestly, it just smells even better. This makes your homemade drink feel like a true café treat at home.
- Sip and Savor:: Grab a straw, take a deep breath, and enjoy your homemade Caramel Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee. The first sip should be a delightful blend of rich coffee, warm spices, and sweet caramel. It’s my little autumn ritual, and I hope it becomes yours too. Seriously, take a moment, close your eyes, and just savor that fall feeling.