Top 5 alternatives to pumpkin spice lattes this autumn

As autumn rolls around, so do colder mornings and cosy evenings. This time of year makes us want to stay indoors and curl up with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Shorter days occur as the clocks go back and people start arriving to the office in cosy layers and chunky knits to keep warm.

Our regular office coffee breaks somehow become less structural as the arrival of autumn can give us a rare moment to pause and reconnect with colleagues. Nothing says autumn like the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte and we take a quick look at why and when this all happened. We’ll also give you some tasty alternatives if pumpkin isn’t your thing.

Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)

First introduced by Starbucks over twenty years ago in 2003, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, or PSL as it has affectionately become known, is a cultural icon, marking the start of autumn for many coffee lovers.

By 2015, the drink was generating over a staggering $100 million in sales annually worldwide, and it wasn’t long before it found popularity here in the UK.

According to a 2018 report, Starbucks sold over 424 million PSLs globally in that year. As its popularity increased, other coffee shops adopted the PSL and today many other chains now serve a PSL plus entirely seasonal new autumn drinks menus.

From McDonald’s and Greggs to Costa and Caffe Nero, the high street is full of autumn-inspired drinks featuring flavours like maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, hazelnut, chocolate, caramel and more.

However, as costs rise, and budgets are tightened, these high-street coffee drinks can become expensive with the average drink costing over £4. Also, as delicious as these sweet drinks can be, they tend to be loaded with fat and sugar. If you fancy making your own PSL, we’ve found a good recipe you can make at home here.

But we’ve also created some new classics you and your colleagues can easily make and enjoy together in the office. So read on to find your new favourite autumn drink.

1) Caramel Earl Grey Tea

For tea lovers looking to embrace the autumn season, a warming cup of Caramel Earl Grey offers a fantastic alternative to coffee. This drink combines the bright, citrusy notes of Earl Grey with the rich sweetness of caramel, creating a unique and comforting blend.

The bergamot flavour pairs beautifully with caramel, giving it a smooth, aromatic quality that makes it a great choice for crisp autumn lunch breaks.

The creamy, sweet flavours are ideal for anyone wanting a warm and indulgent break, with a gentler kick than coffee-based drinks. Oat and other plant-based milks work well with it but being fairly aromatic, the taste isn’t for everyone. It had mixed reviews (!) when we tried it in the office which you can see in our recipe video guide.

Discover More: 5 tastiest coffee syrups

2) Biscoff Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love the flavour of buttery, caramelised Lotus Biscoff biscuits? This simple recipe is an indulgent treat that takes a classic chocolatey autumn drink to the next level.

To make, start by preparing your hot chocolate using your office coffee machine. If your machine doesn’t have the functionality to make hot chocolate, instant powder and warm milk or boiling water will do. Next, you’ll want to crush some Biscoff biscuits and stir them into your cup.

For a smooth consistency, we recommend that you blend the hot chocolate and biscuits with a handheld mini whisk. Top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the autumnal flavours.

This drink is perfect for those chilly days when you need a little extra treat, and don’t forget to enjoy a couple of Biscoff biscuits to either dip or have on the side. View our easy recipe here.

3) Maple and Cinnamon Latte

A Maple and Cinnamon Latte provides a refreshing change from the pumpkin spice trend. Maple syrup, with its rich, caramelised taste, complements the warmth of cinnamon, creating a coffee drink that evokes the crispness of autumn.

This alternative is ideal for those who enjoy a more subtle sweetness than the PSL and it works with oat milk for a plant-based option.

It’s another easy one to create at work and doesn’t take long to make with your office coffee machine. Select latte and once poured, add between one or two teaspoons of maple syrup.

You can buy maple-flavoured coffee syrups but we prefer using the real stuff you can easily get in supermarkets or your local shop. Stir thoroughly and add cinnamon to taste.

The natural sweetness of maple syrup, combined with the complex and rich notes of coffee, will make this a firm office favourite.

If you’re not a maple syrup lover, honey will work just as well with this coffee and cinnamon drink. Honey will add a subtle, floral sweetness that also pairs well with both coffee and milk.

4) Espresso Vanilla Chai

Fancy something a little different? You should give an Espresso Vanilla Chai a go. You don’t often think of mixing tea and coffee together, but trust us, it works.

Start by brewing your chai tea bag for 3 – 4 minutes in boiling water and set to one side. Remember to leave enough space for your espresso and syrup in the cup.

Using another cup pour a shot of espresso and add one or two pumps of vanilla syrup to taste. Pour this into your chai tea and mix with a spoon.

You can either enjoy it as is, or you can opt to whisk up some milk (either dairy or plant-based) until it has a foamy texture, and pour over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of chocolate or cinnamon.

5) Nutella Mocha

For chocolate lovers, the Nutella Mocha is THE ultimate indulgent nutty and sweet treat, combining the rich, velvety sweetness of Nutella with the boldness of espresso.

The Nutella Mocha offers a modern twist on the classic mocha by using Nutella as the base. The result is a creamy and decadent drink that feels like a hug in a mug.

Simply stir Nutella into a freshly brewed espresso, add steamed milk, and top with whipped cream (optional). If you crave a stronger nuttier taste, you can add in a shot of hazelnut syrup. View our full range of syrups. 

Find out more and get in touch

Now’s the perfect time for you and your team to experiment with warm, comforting drinks that capture the essence of the season. While the Pumpkin Spice Latte remains an ever-popular choice, these alternative drinks we’ve curated for you will offer something for everyone in the office.

If you’re looking to up your office coffee game, our range of office coffee machines offers a cost-effective solution for creating barista-style experiences without the high street prices.

You can get your office coffee machine up and running for just £3 – £8 per day. Get in touch to find out more.