Pumpkin spice has been having a moment for way too long.
Originally made famous by the beloved pumpkin pie, the flavor combination has flooded our lives in every imaginable way for nearly 20 years. The trend was first popularized with lattes but can now be found in donuts, coffee creamers, yogurts, crackers, marshmallows, cookies, cereals, and even the trash bin. That’s right. Hefty launched pumpkin spice-scented trash bags this year.
While the magical pairing of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves is undeniably joy-inducing, there are other ways to seasonally inspire warm and cozy feelings with a piping hot beverage. The next time you’re craving fall vibes, mix it up and try one of these recipes that don’t have anything to do with pumpkin spice.
Mulled Cider
A classic that shouldn’t be overlooked, mulled cider is loaded with flavor that’s simple to customize based on personal preference. The base is apple cider, essentially raw, unfiltered pressed apples. (Don’t confuse it with apple juice, which is typically highly processed with added sugars and water.)
Fall is the peak of apple season, so it should be a cinch to find a high-quality apple cider at the grocery store or your local farmers market. The mulled component refers to the infusion of citrus (typically oranges) and whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and allspice. The combination is spectacular and produces a quintessentially fall drink that’s delicious on its own — or upgraded with a splash of rum, whiskey, or bourbon.
To make mulled cider, add whole spices directly to apple cider, then simmer on the stove top to allow the flavors to infuse. A great option for any fall-time gathering, mulled cider can easily be made in big batches, and you can adjust the whole spices based on taste.
Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 25 minutes. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
Ingredients
- ½ gallon apple cider
- 1 orange, cut into ¼-inch slices with peels remaining
- 8 cloves
- 8 allspice berries
- 3 cinnamon sticks, plus additional for garnish
- 3 star anise cloves
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large saucepan. Heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and continue simmering for 25 minutes.
- Pour into mugs. Garnish with cinnamon stick and serve hot.
Chinese Five Spice Latte
If you’ve ever enjoyed a chai latte, give a Chinese five spice latte a try. This bold and flavorful rendition is bursting with flavor and will warm you up on the coldest days.
Chinese five spice is a blend of ground spices: cinnamon, clove, star anise, fennel, and Szechuan pepper. Some blended versions swap the Szechuan pepper for ginger. Popular in Chinese cooking, the combination is complex yet purposefully balanced. It’s simultaneously sweet and savory as well as warm and spicy.
The recipe below uses the iconic spice blend in a nontraditional way, and the result is a welcome change in the world of tea-based lattes. Infused with black tea, honey, and Chinese five spice, the latte is topped with warm, frothy milk just before serving.
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes. Yield: 1 12-ounce latte.
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 1 bag black tea
- ¼ teaspoon Chinese five spice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Pour boiling water into a large mug. Add honey and ground Chinese five spice. Vigorously stir to incorporate. Add tea bag, and let steep for three minutes.
- Pour milk into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly to froth.
- Pour over tea mixture and serve immediately.
Adrienne Blumthal is a formally trained pastry chef, recipe developer, and food stylist based in Chicago.
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