Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew: Your Favorite Fall Coffee at Home

Posted on July 31, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

pumpkin spice cold brew with cinnamon and whipped cream in glasses on a white tablecloth

Few things signal the cozy arrival of fall quite like a tall glass of pumpkin spice cold brew. With the perfect balance of bold coffee, warm spices, and velvety pumpkin cream, this Starbucks-inspired copycat recipe is the ultimate way to enjoy your seasonal cravings from the comfort of home. Whether you’re curled up with a blanket or powering through your morning to-do list, this homemade pumpkin cold brew is flavorful, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make.

If you’re a fan of pumpkin coffee recipes, want to ditch the drive-thru, or are looking for a healthier alternative to your favorite fall beverage, this pumpkin spice cold brew recipe is for you. Let’s get brewing.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pumpkin Cold Brew

This cold brew is everything you love about pumpkin season in one icy, creamy, spiced glass. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

  • Budget-friendly: Skip the $7 coffee shop version.
  • Customizable: Control the sweetness, spice, and milk type.
  • Healthier: Uses natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Brew once, enjoy for days.

Pair it with your favorite fall breakfast or even a dessert like this apple cinnamon sheet cake for the ultimate seasonal treat.

What Is Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew? (Starbucks Copycat)

Pumpkin spice cold brew is a chilled coffee beverage that features smooth, strong cold brew coffee topped with a luscious, whipped pumpkin-spice cream. It’s often sweetened with vanilla syrup and flavored with a homemade pumpkin cream made from pumpkin purée, milk or cream, maple syrup, and warm fall spices.

This copycat version stays true to the classic but gives you full control over the ingredients.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew

Creating this decadent cold brew pumpkin spice latte at home is easier than it sounds. You’ll need two main components: the cold brew base and the pumpkin cream topping.

For the Cold Brew Coffee

  • 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
  • 4 cups cold, filtered water
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • Optional: 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or vanilla extract for sweetening

For the Pumpkin Cream Topping

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of sea salt

Looking for a pumpkin treat to pair with this drink? Try these pumpkin scones or a slice of vanilla pudding pumpkin bread.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Large jar or pitcher for brewing
  • Fine mesh strainer or coffee filter
  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer, milk frother, or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tall glasses for serving

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew at Home

Follow this simple process to create your own café-worthy pumpkin coffee in minutes.

Step 1: Brew the Cold Brew

  1. Add coarsely ground coffee and water to a large jar.
  2. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for 12–18 hours.
  4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
  5. Store the concentrate in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cream

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
  2. Whisk or froth until light and creamy. You can use a milk frother, immersion blender, or even a small hand mixer.

Step 3: Assemble Your Drink

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Add 3/4 cup of cold brew.
  3. Stir in your preferred sweetener.
  4. Top with a generous layer of pumpkin cream.
  5. Sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice for flair.

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Coffee Recipe

  • Use fresh pumpkin purée for the best flavor—not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Chill everything beforehand, including your glass, for the coldest result.
  • Don’t over-whip the cream. You want it pourable, not stiff.
  • Adjust sweetness to taste—maple syrup gives a rich, earthy flavor, but honey or coconut sugar work great too.

Variations to Try: Iced, Vegan, and More

  • Vegan Version: Swap the dairy for coconut cream or oat milk and use agave or maple syrup.
  • Spicier Option: Add extra cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte: Blend the pumpkin cream with cold brew for a fully integrated iced latte experience.
  • Protein Boost: Add a scoop of collagen or unflavored protein powder to the cold brew.

For more creative fall drinks, check out delicious breakfast punch or this lavender lemonade.

Healthy Pumpkin Cold Brew Swaps

Want a lighter take? Here are some great alternatives:

  • Low-fat milk instead of cream
  • Stevia or monk fruit instead of maple syrup
  • Coconut milk cream for a lower-calorie topping
  • Skip the sweetener altogether for a bold, unsweetened brew

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cold Brew Coffee

  • Using finely ground coffee: This will lead to over-extraction and bitterness.
  • Not steeping long enough: Cold brew needs at least 12 hours to develop full flavor.
  • Over-whipping the cream topping: It will become too thick to pour.
  • Using hot water: That defeats the cold brew method.

How to Store Cold Brew and Pumpkin Cream

  • Cold Brew Concentrate: Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Pumpkin Cream: Best used within 2–3 days. Whisk or froth again before using.

Want a snack that stores well too? Try these no-bake cheerio and peanut butter bars.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew

This drink pairs perfectly with sweet and cozy breakfast or dessert options like:

FAQ: Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Edition

Can I make this drink hot instead of cold?
Yes, simply warm the cold brew and top it with warm pumpkin cream.

How long does the pumpkin cream last?
It stays fresh for 2–3 days when stored in the refrigerator.

Can I use store-bought cold brew?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for best results.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Use unsweetened almond milk, heavy cream, and a keto-friendly sweetener.

Can I freeze the pumpkin cream?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may separate.

More Cozy Drink Recipes From Lyndy’s Kitchen

Final Thoughts

This pumpkin spice cold brew is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of fall in every sip. Creamy, spicy, slightly sweet, and perfectly chilled, it’s everything you crave this time of year. Plus, you can whip it up with just a few pantry ingredients in minutes.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Share it with friends, pin it for later, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more homemade coffee drinks and seasonal treats.

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Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew: Your Favorite Fall Coffee at Home


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew is the perfect balance of bold cold brew and creamy, spiced pumpkin foam. Refreshing, cozy, and customizable, it’s your new favorite fall coffee ritual.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cold Brew Base:

  • 2 cups cold brew coffee (unsweetened and strong)

For the Pumpkin Cream Topping:

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Optional Additions:

  • A splash of milk or non-dairy milk
  • Ice cubes for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the Cold Brew: Use store-bought or steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12–18 hours, then strain.
  2. Mix the Pumpkin Cream: In a blender or bowl, combine cream, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt.
  3. Froth: Blend or whisk until smooth and slightly frothy. Do not overwhip.
  4. Assemble: Fill a glass with ice, pour in cold brew, and top with pumpkin cream.
  5. Garnish: Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top and serve with a straw.

Notes

  • Use coconut or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Swap maple syrup with monk fruit or stevia to reduce sugar.
  • Don’t overwhip the cream—you want a pourable foam, not stiff peaks.
  • Let cream sit for 1 minute after blending for fluffier texture.
  • Storage: Cold brew lasts 5 days; pumpkin cream keeps for 3 days refrigerated.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 glass
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Fall Coffee Recipes, Homemade Pumpkin Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Latte

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