3 Delicious Fall Drinks to Replace Your Pumpkin Spice Latte
by The Brandt Haus on Sep 12, 2024
As soon as the leaves start to change colors and the weather gets cooler, it seems like the world rushes to get in line for their first pumpkin spice latte of the season. But before you join the crowd, have you ever stopped to consider what's really in your cup of morning brew? Spoiler alert: it's not just pumpkin and spices. Your typical PSL is loaded with refined sugar, artificial flavors and a boatload of caffeine. This trifecta is certainly enough to leave you feeling jittery, or crashing hard in the afternoon.
If you're looking for an easy to way to make mindful changes in your routine, we've got you covered. We're breaking down three delicious, cozy drinks that will give you the warm and fuzzies you're looking for without the caffeine induced anxiety, or sugar induced energy crash.
Why You Should Consider Ditching the Pumpkin Spice Latte
Let's get real—pumpkin spice lattes may taste like fall in a cup, but they're not doing you any favors. A standard PSL can pack in up to 50 grams of sugar, which is double the recommended daily limit of 25 grams of refined sugar for women. On top of the outrageous sugar content, many of these drinks are made with synthetic flavors and artificial colors. Finally, let's not forget the caffeine, which can easily leave you feeling amped up one minute and totally drained the next.
If you're craving a taste of fall, but don't want to deal with the crash afterward, check out our recommended alternatives that'll satisfy your cravings while staying mindful about the foods you're using to nourish your body.
Try Low-Sugar Apple Cider
Apple cider is already a fall staple in its own right, but most versions are loaded with added sugars. The good news is that you can easily make a low-sugar version at home that's just as tasty.
Grab some fresh apples (or unsweetened apple juice), simmer them with cinnamon sticks, cloves and a dash of nutmeg and you've got a naturally sweet cider without all of the extra sugar. If you're not feeling brave enough to wing it, try following this recipe from The Minimalist Baker.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Naturally sweet without the sugar overload
- Full of antioxidants to help boost your immune system
- Totally caffeine-free, so you can enjoy it at any time of day
Cozy, Homemade Chai Tea
Want something warm and spicy? Look no further than your classic chai tea. It's made from a mix of black tea and delicious spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The perfect blend for those cool fall mornings. Unlike a PSL, chai is much lower in sugar and caffeine. You can enjoy it on its own, or you can turn it into a chai tea latte with some steamed milk, or non-dairy alternative.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Packed with anti-inflammatory spices that are good for you
- Lower in caffeine, so it won’t leave you feeling jittery
- Easy to customize to your liking—add milk, honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon
Pumpkin Spice Latte Made at Home
Not ready to part with your PSL, but want to make a healthier, more mindful choice? Try making a homemade version! Start with brewed coffee or expresso, mix in unsweetened almond milk, real pumpkin puree (yes, actual vegetables!), and some spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Sweeten it naturally with a little bit of honey or maple syrup, and boom—you've got a delicious pumpkin spice latte without all of the junk. Here are few recipes we're going to try this fall:
Why You’ll Love It:
- Made with real pumpkin to sneak in a few extra nutrients and fiber
- Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup
- You get all the fall feels without the guilt
Fall is the best time of year to cozy up with a warm drink, but that doesn't mean you have to stick to the same old routine. We hope these fall inspired alternatives inspire you to break your old habits, and make more mindful choices that will leave you feeling good—inside and out. Whether you're in the mood for spiced apple cider, a warming chai tea, or a trusty homemade pumpkin spice latte, these drinks will help you enjoy all of the best flavors of all without the repercussions.
So go ahead, curl up with one of these in hand, and enjoy everything that fall has to offer us—guilt-free!
