Fall (aka “pumpkin spice season”) is upon us, and with the chill in the air and the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves wafting through every bakery, cafe, and Bath and Body Works, you might be in the mood for a warm, spiced drink. Although it can be hard to find caffeine-free and coffee-free pumpkin-y/spicy drinks these days, we’ve got you covered. Third Hour has searched far and wide for the best fall drinks (that are still in line with the WoW) so you can really savor the season. And if the weather outside is *already* frightful, check out the links to the copycat recipes and make these drinks in the comfort of your own home!
Pumpkin Spice Steamer
Also know as a “Pumpkin Spice Creme” at your local Starbucks, this delicious fall drink is the caffeine-free version of the ever popular Pumpkin Spice Latte. Laced with flavors of pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove, and topped with whipped cream, this steamer is oozing with autumn vibes. Too lazy to go to the local cafe? Here’s a copycat recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
The darker, but still coffee-free, cousin to the Pumpkin Spice Steamer is, of course, hot chocolate! Give this recipe a whirl if it’s a full-on pajama day and you don’t even want to think about leaving the house. (Disclaimer: this drink does contain a small amount of caffeine and, therefore, is coffee-free, but not totally caffeine-free.)
Vanilla Steamer
Like the Pumpkin Spice Steamer, this drink is concocted with steamed milk and a dash of vanilla. If you are feeling daring, sprinkle some cinnamon on top for that fall flavor. Can’t do dairy? Just ask to replace the cow’s milk with almond or soy milk. Here’s a great homemade vanilla steamer recipe.
Maple Pecan Steamer
Although maple syrup isn’t naturally produced in the trees until February/March, we somehow equate this delicious sweetener with autumn and the turning of the leaves. And since we have access to this syrup all year round, why not use it to create an amazing fall drink? Again, this concoction is created with a base of steamed milk and goes by the name of a “Maple Pecan Creme” at Starbucks. This diy recipe is for a Maple Pecan Latte, but just omit the espresso and you’ve got a heavenly (no pun intended) beverage.
Caramel Apple Spiced Cider
What do you get when you combine steamed apple juice or cider, cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and caramel sauce? A perfect warm drink to sip on while you watch the falling leaves, that’s what! Here’s a recipe for you to try at home if you don’t need that fancy Starbucks cup to go along with it.
There you have it—a delicious assortment of drinks to fulfill all of your pumpkin spice fantasies and more! Do you have a favorite coffee-free, caffeine-free fall beverage we didn’t include? Share in the comments below!
