It took me a long time, too long, in fact, to realize that a “pumpkin spice latte” is not really supposed to taste like pumpkin. For years, I would drink a PSL when fall was kicking into full gear and wonder to myself… where is the pumpkin?

A couple of things to address here: 1) Pumpkin itself would be a disgusting addition to coffee, or any beverage really. I suppose there’s some nod to pumpkin flavor in a PSL, but 2) it’s really about the SPICE that goes into all things pumpkin during the fall. The clove and cinnamon and nutmeg and ginger.

The good news is I now know not to expect chunks of pumpkin in anything labeled “pumpkin spice,” and also making your own pumpkin spice mix at home is extremely easy!

Our spice mix is formulated for our fellow bare minimum girlies who just can’t be bothered. We’re using just four basic spices you may already have in your spice drawer to create a blend that will bring that fall flavor to any side dish, dessert or beverage. If you’d like to be more ambitious, experiment with adding cardamom and allspice, or toss in a flavor boost in the form of ultrafine sea salt.

The recipe below makes 4 teaspoons of pumpkin spice mix, which you’ll need if you want to make our new favorite seasonal cocktail: the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned. Check out both recipes below and let us know if this PSL graces your DSLs!

**These ramekins** **are from Etsy and they kind of look like oyster shells!**

The Probably This Pumpkin Spice Blend

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground clove

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger (dried, not fresh!)

Combine all spices in a small mixing bowl and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three months.

**These** **gorgeous rocks glasses** **are from Crate and Barrel, and we love the way they capture light!**

The Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

(makes 2)

2 ounces bourbon

1/4 oz Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup

2 dashes orange bitters

Cinnamon sticks for garnish

To make Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Remove from heat immediately and whisk in ½ ounce of our pumpkin spice blend. Let cool before using. Store any excess syrup in an airtight container on the counter for up to one week.
Make the Old Fashioned. In a shaking tin filled with ice, stir the bourbon, simple syrup, and orange bitters for 15 to 20 seconds. Pour into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with cinnamon sticks if desired. Serve immediately.