News you can trust since 1817
It's a flavour that has become synonymous with autumn, but where and when did pumpkin spice originate?
From sweet coffees and biscuits to gin and chicken wings, there's many ways to enjoy pumpkin spice. Here we take a look at when the flavour first went mainstream, and the different ways you can try it this autumn.
Pumpkin spice is a combination of seasonal spices, usually ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, mixed with a pumpkin syrup or puree.
These spices date back to the 18th century and, as mixed spice, were first seen in British cook books around 1795.
The more recent trend for pumpkin spice comes from America and is tied to the Thanksgiving tradition of making pumpkin pie, which uses these spices and, of course, pumpkin.
Starbucks popularised the flavour with the launch of their pumpkin spice latte in the USA and Canada 20 years ago. Yes, 20 years ago.
The coffee is made using a combination of Starbucks Espresso Roast, pumpkin spice flavoured sauce and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
Pumpkin Spice lattes really took off in the UK a few years after the US launch and, since 2015, the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice blend has included real pumpkin.
Most high street coffee chains (excluding Costa) have their own version of the pumpkin spice latte, due to how popular the drink has become.
You can now also get iced pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice frappes, pumpkin spice cold brew and hot chocolate versions of the drink.
Some independent coffee shops also make their own pumpkin spice lattes, so check out your favourite spots to see if they're offering the trendy coffee.
The flavour is also available in a huge number of other food and drink items, usually sold from September until November.
In 2021, Pickering's launched a pumpkin spice latte gin, which was a sell out success and currently available via their website.
Last year, Bloc in Glasgow were serving up pumpkin spice chicken wings - a new savoury take on the seasonal spice.
Also in Glasgow, Tantrum Doughnuts usually have a pumpkin spice sweet treat as part of their seasonal range, and Bird and Blend have a pumpkin spice tea.
Monin and Simple Syrup both have a pumpkin spice syrup, ideal for making your own coffee or drinks at home.
If you'd rather make your own pumpkin spice latte, biscuits, cocktails or pumpkin pie at home, we've got you covered.
