It’s that time of year again, the time when the leaves change and the pumpkins emerge. 

With the leaves and the pumpkins come the seasonal drinks. The pumpkin spice latte is probably the most popular of these beverages. However, going to Starbucks to get one regularly can be pricey. 

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative you can make at home, here is a recipe. 

For this recipe, you will need: two cups of milk, either whole, two percent or skim, three tablespoons of pumpkin puree (or to taste), one tablespoon of light brown sugar, packed, two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, one half teaspoon of pumpkin-pie spice and half a cup of  hot brewed strong coffee. 

If you want you can add sugar to taste, whipped cream and either nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. 

You can make this either on the stove or in the microwave. If you are doing this on the stove,  whisk the milk, pumpkin puree and brown sugar together in a saucepan. Then, cook it on a medium heat. Stir it frequently until it becomes steamy and hot. Do not allow it to come to a boil. 

Then, take it off the heat and whisk in the pumpkin pie spice and the vanilla extract. Next, whisk in the coffee until it becomes frothy. Split the drink between two mugs. Taste it and adjust the level of sweetness to your liking. Lastly, add the whipped cream and nutmeg or cinnamon on top if you want. 

If you are using the microwave to make this, pour the milk, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract into a microwave safe bowl. Put it in the microwave for about one minute to a minute and a half (or until the milk rises and becomes frothy.) 

Microwave times may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage. Pour it into a mug, add the coffee, garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle on nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon if you’d like. 

Add sugar to taste. If you like a sweeter coffee, you can stir in more sugar after you’ve heated the milk mixture. If you want a stronger pumpkin flavor, you can add more pumpkin puree.

This recipe is a cheaper alternative to the Starbucks version, and with a bit of practice and perfecting, it may taste similar if not better. Either way, it is bound to get you in the fall spirit.