It's autumn and that means it's pumpkin time! Since I'm on this frappuccino kick, I decided to try to make a frappuccino using actual pumpkin! My original goal was to do Pumpkin Spice, but I think I'll save that for later.

This recipe was pretty tricky for me to get right. I have never made it before today and, I will admit, I'm not the biggest pumpkin fan. Luckily, mikeasaurus and Paige Russell helped me out by being my taste testers!

Step 1: Ingredients

This recipe is a single serving and makes about 16oz (Grande size from Starbucks).

Ingredients:

2c Ice
1/2c Milk - or Half & Half or whipping cream
1/4c coffee
1/2c Pumpkin Puree
1-2tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice - I started with 1 1/2tsp and ended up sprinkling in a little more later
8 tbsp Simple syrup - This seems like a lot but it's actually not much more sugary-ness that I put in my other frappes, and it really feels like you need it to work with the pumpkin and spice - I would possibly consider adding more, but start with less, you can always add more but you can't take it back
Pinch of Xantham Gum (optional)
Pinch of Salt
Whipped topping
Top with Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon - I used cinnamon

Caffeine-Free Version:

Replace coffee with more milk.

Pumpkin Pie Filling

If your pumpkin puree has spices in it (check the label) you probably don't need the pumpkin spice added in unless you like the extra flavor.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

As you can see from the label, pumpkin pie spice (link to an online recipe) is just a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and usually some allspice. You can mix it up yourself if you don't want to buy it but remember it's not a 1:1:1:1 ratio. There is mostly cinnamon and very little allspice in it.

Torani Alternative - [I have not tried these, but based on my prior experience using the syrups, I would think these would work nicely.]

If you don't want to use pumpkin puree, you can also substitute out the puree and pumpkin spice and add instead:

3tbsp Pumpkin Pie Syrup + 3tbsp Simple Syrup + Simple Syrup to taste
3tbsp Pumpkin Spice Syrup + 3tbsp Simple Syrup + Simple Syrup to taste
2tbsp Pumpkin Pie Syrup + 2tbsp Pumpkin Spice Syrup or Cinnamon Syrup + 2tbsp Simple Syrup

Utensils:

Blender - I use a Magic Bullet at home, it's great for making individual drinks
Ice cube trays - small ice cubes make for even easier blending
Measuring cups and spoons
Cups for serving or Mason Jars - This filled 2 1/2 pint (8oz) mason jars, which matches my 16oz estimate above
Reusable Straws or Orange Striped Paper Straws

Step 2: Mix and Blend

Blend it all up! I actually mixed it, tasted it, and ended up adding in more pumpkin, spice, and simple syrup than I originally thought I'd want to use.

So, at this point, taste it and see if you want it sweeter or spicier or pumpkin-y-er :)

Step 3: Decorate and Serve

I topped mine with whipped topping, cinnamon, and used orange striped paper straws. And I thought all my frappuccino pictures were looking a little similar, so I went crazy and put mine in mason jars.