Pumpkin spice is a culinary blend that has coffee drinkers and donut snackers alike turning to the warm zest as the days grow brisk. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice combine to create what we know as fall’s favorite flavor.
Pumpkin spice was introduced in 1934 by McCormick as a way to capture the essence of the season into a convenient, shakeable blend. It has since been used in desserts and dishes of all kinds, from pies and cookies to even dessert cocktails. The flavor came to the forefront in 2003, when the pumpkin spice latte (a mix of espresso, pumpkin spice sauce, and steamed milk) debuted at Starbucks.
So what is the appeal behind this famous flavor? Besides its aromatic scent that brings us back to holiday memories, it has some great health benefits. Cinnamon, which is the foundation of a pumpkin spice blend, is packed with antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory qualities. It’s shown that the ingredient is associated with lowering blood pressure and triglycerides.
Whether you’re sipping on a pumpkin spice-flavored beverage or trying it in a new culinary creation, the savory flavor will surely have you feeling transported back to your favorite fall memories.
Throughout Westchester, chefs and mixologists alike incorporate this spice blend into their fall menus. Try one (or honestly, all) of these pumpkin-spiced delights this fall, as their seasons are nearing their end.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini from Sidedoor: Speakeasy Bar & Distillery
375 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford
Looking for bold and smooth? This blend of Current Spirits vodka and spiced whiskey with cold brew coffee and chocolate liqueur packs flavors of fall in every sip. Sidedoor, a speakeasy-style bar and distillery in Elmsford, finishes this martini with a dash of pumpkin spice seasoning atop the drink’s foam.
View this post on Instagram
Roasted Spiced Pumpkin Ravioli from Trotta’s House of Pasta
790 Commerce St, Thornwood; 914.769.8977
Simmer your way into a savory home-cooked meal with roasted spiced pumpkin ravioli from Trotta’s House of Pasta. This could be paired with a butter-sage sauce to make for a delightful dinner, or a classic tomato to level out some of the spice.
View this post on Instagram
Classic Pumpkin Pie from Noble Pies
38 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.305.3174
How could we leave out fall’s beloved pumpkin pie? Get your fix of scratch-made baked treats at Noble Pies in Tarrytown, which boasts a pie that they say is heavy on pumpkin and light on spice. Thanksgiving preorders are filling fast, so be sure to get on the list soon to round out your holiday desserts.
View this post on Instagram
Iced Pumpkin Spice Boba Tea from Pick Up Bubble Tea
18 South Moger Ave, Mount Kisco; 914.218.3237
Move over, iced lattes. Iced boba tea is a delightful, sweet treat for fall—and Pick Up Bubble Tea in Mount Kisco is serving up its own version of pumpkin spice. The menu’s pumpkin spice boba tea comes with a pumpkin spice tea and traditional boba, which is tapioca-flavored. The tiny, gelatinous bubbles pop in your mouth as you drink them up, making for a unique sipping experience.
View this post on Instagram
Pumpkin Spice Blondie Ice Cream from Bona Bona Ice Cream
10 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; 914.481.5712
Break out your sweater, because ice cream eating season is never really over. What better way to commemorate autumn than with some pumpkin spice ice cream? Crunchy baked blondie is sprinkled throughout this tasty frozen dessert, and you can even get some toasted marshmallow on top in traditional Bona Bona fashion. The shop also has a vegan option for pumpkin lovers: vegan pumpkin cookies and cream.
View this post on Instagram
Related: 5 Fall Beers That Don’t Feature Pumpkin Around Westchester
