I Blind Taste-Tested a Homemade PSL vs. Starbucks PSL — and the Winner Didn't Surprise Me at All

When the crisp autumn air rolls in, coffee lovers everywhere flock to their local cafes for the ultimate seasonal treat: the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). But with prices creeping up—costing around £5.70 ($7.52) for a single cup—an ex-Starbucks barista decided to put her skills to the test to see if a homemade version could rival the iconic original.

The Coffee Lab Experiment

As part of Tom's Guide's ongoing 'The Coffee Lab' series, former Starbucks supervisor Erin Bashford set out to answer a burning question: Can an experienced barista brew a better or equally satisfying PSL at home for a fraction of the cost?

Equipped with a top-tier espresso machine (the KitchenAid KF3) and a bottle of Monin Pumpkin Spice Syrup bought on Amazon, she crafted a homemade version using freshly pulled espresso, perfectly textured milk, and two teaspoons of pumpkin syrup, skipping the whipped cream.

The Blind Taste Test Results

When subjected to a blind taste test, identifying the Starbucks original was remarkably easy. While the homemade version was undeniably sweet, warm, and cozy, it leaned heavily into a cinnamon-forward flavor profile rather than the rich, earthy pumpkin notes found in the commercial favorite.

The Starbucks PSL, on the other hand, delivered that unmistakable 'fall in a cup' sensation. Thanks to its condensed-milk-based sauce, the texture was silky-smooth and luxurious, providing a much richer mouthfeel that the homemade syrup struggled to completely replicate on the first try.

Cost vs. Quality: Is DIY Worth It?

While making a PSL at home requires an upfront investment in a quality coffee maker, the long-term savings are substantial compared to paying nearly £6 per cup at Starbucks (or almost £15 when factoring in delivery fees). However, if you are chasing that exact, decadent flavor profile that has made the Starbucks PSL a cultural phenomenon, achieving a true 1:1 copycat requires a bit more experimentation with the syrup recipe.