While “skipping the Starbucks” is often touted as a way to save money, you can still enjoy this fall flavor without blowing your budget. Here’s how to save money on pumpkin spice lattes all autumn long.
1. Join Starbucks Rewards
Join Starbucks Rewards to start getting free drinks — including PSLs.
Starting out at the green level, you'll earn two stars for every $1 spent and automatically receive free in-store refills on brewed coffee and tea.
If you earn 300 stars in 12 months, you'll reach gold level, which will earn you additional benefits — including monthly double-star days on purchases and a free beverage or food item for every 125 stars you earn. That means you’ll earn one free item after every $62.50 you spend — or about 26 venti coffees.
While that may seem like a good chunk of change to spend to get a reward, remember that it’s pretty easy to rack up a bill at Starbucks without even realizing it. That extra shot of espresso, added flavor and morning bagel all come at a cost.
Thankfully, the rewards program provides a bit of relief — the more stars you earn, the more perks you get.
And if you just can’t quit Starbucks, these Starbucks hacks can save you money on your habit.
2. Buy Discounted Starbucks Gift Cards
Use Raise, Gift Card Granny and other discounted gift card sites to stretch your coffee dollars further. Just buy a gift card for less than its face value, and you'll get more for your money at Starbucks.
As of this writing, you can save as much as 13% by buying a gift card on one of these sites, but keep an eye out for bigger discounts.
3. Join My Panera
Starbucks isn't the only chain offering up a pumpkin spice latte. Panera Bread stores offer a similar concoction each fall.
To save on its version of the PSL, join the My Panera program for discounts and freebies.
4. Celebrate Your Fall Birthday
If you're a member of Starbucks Rewards, you'll enjoy a free drink on your birthday. Why not make it a pumpkin spice latte?
Dunkin Donuts also offers free birthday drinks through its DD Perks Rewards program and has an extensive pumpkin spice menu.
Many other cafes also offer free birthday drinks, so if you find yourself at a coffee shop with pumpkiny concoctions on your birthday, be sure to ask!
5. Make a DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte
Indulge in a pumpkin spice latte any time you like with this great do-it-yourself recipe from Farmgirl Gourmet. This recipe makes two 10-ounce lattes, so you can even share one with a friend.
You'll need:
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons canned (or homemade) pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup strong coffee or espresso
- whipped cream
Directions:
Stir the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice together in a pan over medium-high heat. Bring it almost to a boil, but avoid boiling (that will make it too thick). Stir constantly, and it should start to froth in about a minute.
Pour the concoction into two mugs, then slowly add the strong coffee or espresso, pouring it in by the edge of the cup so that the milk stays frothy. Add whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice on top, and indulge in your homemade creation.
6. Make DIY Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
This simple recipe from Delish requires just five ingredients and produces 1 3/4 cups of pumpkin spice creamer to add to your coffee.
You'll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
Directions:
Whisk together the heavy cream or half-and-half, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice in a small pan over medium heat. Add a cinnamon stick or two and turn the heat up a bit until it boils, whisking occasionally.
After a minute, take it off the heat and let it cool for about five minutes before you add it to your coffee.
According to Delish, the leftover creamer will keep in your refrigerator for a week, but be sure to give it a good shake before using.
And if you’re standing in line for your first PSL right now, take a few minutes to check out the drink’s Twitter account.
Kristen Pope is a freelance writer and editor in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
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