Looking outside my window, the trees are already covered with a layer of snow and Winter is here. I want to stay inside with a heavy blanket and drink warm beverages. Pumpkin Spice may typically be an Autumnal beverage, but when it is combined with chocolate and coffee, then it becomes the perfect mocha Winter option.  Check below to see which new combinations of spice, coffee, and dairy works best for you!  Time to get cozy…

 

 

Pumpkin Spice Mocha…  How it Began

My experimentation with Pumpkin Spice Mochas began with my limited resources, as I was busy prepping Halloween costumes and recovering from my shoulder surgery. (More on my recent surgeries, healing, and ortho tips & tricks to come!)

I started with the cocoa, coffee, and cream I had on hand and things progressed from there.  Many people enjoy whipped cream or foam from a can, but I am not one of those people so you will not see it here, nor in any of my recipes.  Yes, it makes a prettier picture but that is not the to how I like it.  Let’s stay true to ourselves and avoid the posy lean…

 

 

       

 

The Ultimate Mug for Your Mocha

And if we are being honest and true – the wide, open, cute, white mug is used for my children’s cocoa so they may fish marshmallows out.  Above, this is my favorite mug… See that I have 3 of them in various states of wear, and another one or two new ones in waiting.  I LOVE MY CONTIGO MUGS!!!   I think I have been drinking out of these for the last 8-1o years?

 

 

The Spice House

 

Pumpkin Spice Options

You can add your “pumpkin spice” in many ways to your warm drink. Traditionally, you can use straight-up pumpkin spice mix, but I admit it leaves a bit of graininess in the last sip.

Another way to add those warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove is to find it in a mix.  I used two different ones – the Spice House Mexican Spiced Hot Cocoa and the Good & Gather Pumpkin Spice Cocoa.  If you have only a simple hot chocolate packet in your pantry, using one of those with spices + coffee + cream = deliciousness!  Play around with your choices…

 

 

 

Creamy Goodness

So if I am going to have coffee, I want it creamy.  The easiest way to get there is with heavy whipping cream (HWC).  No whipping, just dumping it in for perfect mouth-feel of cream.  Yet another way to add the seasonal flavor, is to simply add a flavored cream.  I tried the Chobani Oat Pumpkin Spice creamer. This was more sweet than creamy, but added great pumpkin flavor.

But, sometimes there is too much of a good thing.  I would not add more to the Chobani listed above, and for the cocoa mixed, they are better suited to be mixed with milk in my humble opinion.  Therefore, whole organic milk heated is a great option, but will definitely give you a higher calorie count… Half hot water, half milk?  If you don’t care, go ahead and enjoy your special cup!  It is up to you!

 

Coffees on the Quick

This is not a drink being made by a barista in a coffee shop, but rather by you, in your jammers, on a lazy Sunday morning.  If you have a pot of your favorite joe brewed, fabulous!  One step done; use that for your pumpkin spice mocha.  However, if you are the only person having a toasty drink, here are some good choices.

Instant coffee by Startbucks is a solid choice. Instant espresso by Medaglia D’Oro I use for my chocolate cake secret ingredient (shhhh!), and is perfect in this cup.  If you are looking for a great economical option, try this instant coffee from Aldi’s, the Beaumont Classic Roast.

 

 

 

 

So Which Pumpkin Spice Mocha is Best?

This question can only be answered by you, your kitchen, budget, time, and energy level.  I can honestly say that I made this drink in about twenty combinations and all have been cozy and lovely.  Try a few options – there are 48 options with the listed categories above: 4 types of coffee (brewed, instant, Starbucks,  Medaglia D’Oro); 4 cocoa types (Spice House Mexican or regular, Good & Gather, or any other cocoa you have at home); and 3 creamy types (milk of your choosing, heavy whipping cream, or Chobani Oat PS).  And you could even kick it up a notch with something different and amazing that you love to spice your coffee and cocoa with already…  Drop me a line and let me know what you use!

 

 

* Disclosure: Recommended products are KLRestored home-tested and/or I’d-Buy-That approved.  This post contains affiliate links; we may earn a small commission.  Thank you for support!

 

Edits on 01/10/2023 for updated advertising.