20 Pumpkin Drinks That Are Better Than Starbucks

There are many great things about fall – cool sweater weather, Halloween, fall snacks, and of course, the wealth of pumpkin drinks you can make.

Whether you’re into the traditional pumpkin spice latte, October-themed cocktails, or pure pumpkin nog, there’s no better time for pumpkin drinks than in the cooler months of the year.

For this list, I’ve compiled 20 of my all-time favorite pumpkin beverages. 

Some have alcohol, but most don’t. Of the ones that do, you can easily use bitters and seltzer water to make non-alcoholic versions instead.

You’ll also find all of your usual Starbucks treats on this list.

Which of these delightful pumpkin delights is your favorite?

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

I’m pretty sure there’s a law against having a list of pumpkin drinks and not putting pumpkin spice lattes on it, so I decided to make that my first entry. 

This drink has all the rich, creamy spiciness that you know and love, and it smells just as fantastic as it tastes. 

Best of all, you can save a ton of money by skipping the Starbucks line and making it at home in less than 15 minutes. 

2. Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte 

If you’re looking for a more adult version of your favorite pumpkin drink, try adding bourbon! 

For this specific recipe, you’ll add a few other things, as well, but in the end, it tastes just as amazing as always; only you’ll get to enjoy a nice buzz, as well.

3. Spiked Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate

The only thing better than hot chocolate is boozy hot chocolate with pumpkin spice, pumpkin puree, whipped cream, and caramel. 

Whether you use Kahlua or straight bourbon, this is one drink that’ll have you feeling warm, toasty, and tipsy before you ever reach the bottom of the glass. 

4. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Looking for something different to do with your leftover pumpkin pie this year?

Toss it in a blender with some milk and vanilla ice cream and turn it into a pumpkin pie milkshake!

It has all the sweet, spicy deliciousness of pumpkin pie, along with the cool creaminess of ice cream and a whipped cream topping. 

5. Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

If you want a Starbucks-worthy drink, but coffee isn’t your thing, make this pumpkin spice chai latte instead. 

You get the same excellent caffeine boost and all the spice, but you’ll enjoy the lighter, less intense base of chai tea instead of coffee.

6. Pumpkin Pie Martini

This easy-to-make martini is a must-try for all pumpkin lovers. It’s super simple to make; you can whip up four of them in about 10 minutes. 

All you’ll need is Creme de Cacao liqueur, vanilla vodka, heavy cream, pumpkin pie spice, and more spice and cinnamon sugar for “salting” the rim. 

If you want to make it a bit more decadent, add some homemade frozen whipped cream, as well.

It gives it a wonderful chill that’ll have you and your guests shivering in delight. 

7. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

This pumpkin spice twist on the traditional White Russian is so good.

It’s creamy, rich, strong, and sweet, and it smells absolutely phenomenal.

8. Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Punch

Sparkling pumpkin punch isn’t the drink for everyone, but if you love all the scents and flavors of fall, it’ll be a hit in your home.

It combines all the signature Autumn ingredients – apple cider, cinnamon, pumpkin puree, spiced rum, lemon juice, and more. 

The hardest part will be not going back for more after you’ve already had too much.

9. Pumpkin Smoothie

Cocktails and coffee drinks aren’t the only ways to experience yummy pumpkin drinks. Why not start your day with a tasty pumpkin smoothie?!

Simply dump all the ingredients – milk, pumpkin puree, ice, yogurt, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar – into a blender, and in 10 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a sweet and creamy wake-up call.

10. Pumpkin Spiced Cider

For this tasty fall treat, you’ll add pumpkin syrup, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to hot apple cider, and yes, it tastes just as spectacular as it sounds. 

It takes a little time to make in the slow cooker, but you’ll know it was worth it after the very first sip.

11. Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

This hot chocolate has a spicy, pumpkin twist, and if you’re a pumpkin fan, it’s one of the best ways you’ll ever experience hot chocolate. 

It’s pure, rich, chocolatey goodness combined with everything you love about traditional pumpkin spice drinks.

12. Pumpkin Pie Shots

Most of us don’t do shots for the taste, but with these, you actually could. 

Between the pumpkin spice liqueur, vanilla vodka, RumChata, and orange frosting and sprinkles to set the mood, these are cute, strong, and surprisingly delicious. 

13. Pumpkin Frappuccino

Okay, so this may be an unpopular opinion, but for my money, pumpkin frappuccinos are every bit as good as pumpkin spice lattes. (Yes! I said it!) 

They’re just as sweet and have the same great spices, but they’re lighter on your stomach and don’t seem to weigh you down as much.

Additionally, I feel like they have more flavor, or maybe that’s just this specific recipe. Either way, it’s incredible, and you should try them.

14. Pumpkin Spice Whipped Coffee

First of all, if you’ve never had it, whipped coffee is the bomb! Whipped coffee with pumpkin spice is even better.

If you were looking for the more bougie version of the latte, this is it. 

(And I mean that in the best way!)

15. Pumpkin Juice

We can’t talk about pumpkin drinks without paying tribute to pumpkin juice from Harry Potter. This recipe will help you make it. 

With apple cider, pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and about 5 minutes, you can whip up this fun, HP-themed drink with no trouble. 

Honestly, it has more apple flavor than pumpkin, but it’s pretty and sweet, and everyone loves it, anyway.

16. Pumpkin Nog

Eggnog has nothing on the creamy, spicy deliciousness that is pumpkin nog. 

It’s a thick, rich drink with a wonderful whipped cream and caramel sauce topping that’s more like dessert than a drink.

It goes great with pretty much anything. 

17. Pumpkin Spice Turmeric Latte

I know! I know! Another pumpkin spice latte variation. I can’t help myself.

Pumpkin spice is just something I look forward to all year, so I have to experiment with it whenever I can.

For this version of the latte, you’ll add turmeric and black pepper.

It gives it a bolder, more savory flavor that’s entirely different from the traditional version. 

If you prefer Cappuccino vs. Latte, just reduce the amount of milk and add a but of extra foam.

18. Pumpkin Pie Moscow Mule

This is simply an authentic Moscow mule with pumpkin butter and a cinnamon stick thrown in for good measure.

You’ll also want to use vanilla vodka to make it just a hint sweeter. 

Everything else pretty much tastes the same as the real deal. 

19. Pumpkin Old-Fashioned

The pumpkin version of the old-fashioned is another fall-themed twist on a classic cocktail that everyone loves. 

You can pull it together in 5 minutes or less with bourbon, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, black walnut bitters, and a cinnamon stick, orange peel, and bourbon cherry for garnishes. 

It has the same sweet, smoky taste like an old-fashioned, but it’ll fit better with your fall get-togethers.

20. Pumpkin Apple Shandy

I love this beautiful orange drink not just because it looks and tastes fantastic, but because it’s so easy to make.

It literally requires two ingredients – pumpkin beer and apple cider.

You can add a couple of ounces of bourbon if you want to give it a kick, but even without it, it tastes superb.

If there was one drink that pretty much-defined fall (other than spiced apple cider), I think it would be this one.