So I keep seeing these referenced in various media formats but I don’t recall ever seeing one on the menu where I live (Australia). Maybe they are sold under a different name? Maybe only in some places and I wasn’t paying attention? I don’t know, but I sure know I’ve never ordered one.
Am I missing out? What do these taste like? What’s the hype all about?
Also- is there a popular food/drink you aren’t against trying, that you haven’t tried yet?
Pumpkin spice products generally don’t actually contain pumpkin - they contain the spices used in pumpkin pie, usually at least cinnamon and nutmeg, but also could include things like cloves, star anise, cardamom, allspice, and ginger. These warmish spices pair really well with hot coffee beverages and cream, hence the popularity of pumpkin spice lattés. But it’s not just lattés - you can also buy pumpkin spice flavored coffee creamer to use in a regular cup of coffee.
In the States (or at least the Northeast where I’m from), pumpkin spice is sort of emblematic of the start of Fall. As the weather turns cooler we get into the spirit with things like big comfy sweaters, decorative gourds, chrysanthemums, and scented candles (apple pie and pumpkin spice scents are popular!), but spiced food is also a huge part of it: for example, gingersnaps, mulled apple cider (which uses a lot of the same spices as pumpkin spice), and of course pumpkin spice lattés.
A lot of these spices are used throughout the rest of the year because we’ve got Thanksgiving in late November (pumpkin pie is a staple for this holiday), and for Christmas there tend to be spiced cookies and cakes, plus spiced tea and mulled wine. And there are also spice-scented air fresheners and potpourri, so whether you’re at home or out shopping there’s a nice warm cozy scent.
You are tempting me to look up some pumpkin pie recipes. All that sounds delicious!
Yes, do it, you’re missing out. Pumpkin pie is delicious. But yes, Pumpkin Spiced Lattes just taste like a latte with pumpkin pie flavor.
Pumpkin pie is really a cinch to make; you should give it a go!
Fun fact, pumkin pies arent actually made with pumpkims, but a certain kind of squash. Its usually made with hubbards or butternut.
Is this true? I’ve always used the large cans of 100% pumpkin purée to make pumpkin pie - I thought most people did.
Yah. The can of “pumpkin” filling that most people use is actually a different squash and not a pumpkin (at least the one we think of when you say pumpkin). A pumpkin doesnt have a hard definition, its just a family of hard shelled squashes. Its just not that typical orange pumpkin.
Interesting, I never knew!
And if you would rather just buy one and have a CostCo nearby (I don’t know if Australia has CostCo), their bakery makes a fine pumpkin pie (at least here in the US). I recommend topping it with whip cream.
We do have some CostCos but not many. Bit of a hassle to get to them unless you happen to live nearby.
I know their food shop is ridiculously cheap and if iirc you don’t need to be a member to purchase it but I also wasn’t impressed with what I tried. Will keep in mind for the next time I’m around one of them though