Pumpkin spice, originally known as pumpkin pie spice, contains ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and sometimes allspice. It is similar to the British and Commonwealth mixed spice. It is used in all kinds of edible products and drinks especially during the fall and winter months. It is a common ingredient in pumpkin pie recipes.
If you would like to make your own pumpkin spice, Wikipedia offers a recipe:
“18 parts ground cinnamon
4 parts ground nutmeg
4 parts ground ginger
3 parts ground cloves
3 parts ground allspice”
As far back as 1796, a similar pumpkin spice appeared for a ‘pompkin’ pie recipe in an American cookbook by Amelia Simmons entitled American Cookery. Pumpkin pie spice is readily available today over the counter and is offered by several brand name companies.
During the chilly months of autumn, pumpkin spice is creatively offered in a plethora of drinks: pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice hot chocolate, and pumpkin spice coffee shakes. This spice is also offered in alcoholic beverages such as Moscow Mule, Pumpkin Apple Sangria, and pumpkin pie shots, as well as martinis. Numerous recipes are available on the Internet.
If your out and about, Starbucks is offering their Pumpkin Spice Latte, “hot, iced, or blended”, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spices. Espresso and steamed milk are flavored with a tasty spice mix of pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This is Starbuck’s seventeenth year to offer this very popular drink.
This versatile spice can add some pizazz to your holiday celebrations. You are only limited by your own imagination and creativity.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin_pie_spice
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/pumpkin-drinks/
https://www.foodandwine.com/news/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte-official-release-date-2020
