Pro Coffee Tips + Recipes From Nespresso Coffee Ambassador Julien Carbone

With fall in full swing, cozying up with the perfect cup of coffee is more than just a seasonal pastime—it’s a ritual. As at-home barista setups become increasingly popular, everyone’s looking to recreate Starbucks-level seasonal beverages without leaving their kitchens. Enter Nespresso’s Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule, a fan-favourite that’s back to make this fall even more delicious and quintessentially cozy. We sat down with Nespresso Coffee Expert and Ambassador Julien Carbone to uncover how to refresh this seasonal staple throughout the fall and winter with new recipes, along with fun dessert and cocktail twists that bring all the warmth and flavour of autumn right into your home. —Christina Armanious

The Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule stands out for its perfect balance of sweet pumpkin flavour and rich, spicy notes. While it delivers a cake-like sweetness, what truly sets it apart from other seasonal coffee options is Nespresso’s dedication to uncompromised quality. Julien explains that Nespresso uses natural sources to infuse the coffee with pumpkin spice, avoiding the added sugars, syrups, and allergens often found in pre-flavoured drinks. This makes it an ideal foundation for elevating your coffee experience at home.

New At-Home Coffee Recipes Using the Pumpkin Spice Cake Capsule

According to Julien, when crafting new recipes, Nespresso’s golden rule is: coffee is the star. He explains that while you can enhance a drink with complementary ingredients, the coffee’s essence must always shine through. To cater to diverse preferences, Nespresso also ensures that every recipe includes both hot and iced options; Julien notes that many people enjoy cold coffee, even during the winter months.

Here are two simple, barista-style recipes from Julien that will make you rethink splurging on seasonal café drinks!

Pumpkin Dream Latte (Hot)

Ingredients:

• Virtuo Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule (230ml)
• Pumpkin spice syrup (20ml, customizable based on taste)
• Oat milk (120ml, recommended by Julien, but any milk will do)
• Ground allspice (or cinnamon as a substitute)

Directions:

1. Add 20ml of pumpkin spice syrup to your cup
2. Froth 120ml of oat milk using Nespresso’s Aeroccino 4 Milk Frother and pour it over the syrup
3. Brew the Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule on top of the milk
4. Top your drink with a dash of ground allspice or another favourite spice

Iced Pumpkin White Chocolate Cold Foam (Cold)

Ingredients:

• Virtuo Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule (230ml)
• White chocolate syrup (20ml)
• Oat milk (80ml)
• Ice cubes (recommended: 8 ice cubes using the Barista Ice Cube Tray, or for a pro touch, try making coffee ice cubes!)

Directions:

1. Add 20ml of white chocolate syrup to your cup
2. Add ice cubes
3. Prepare cold foam with 80ml of oat milk using the Aeroccino frother and pour it over the ice and syrup
4. Brew the Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule on top of the milk
5. Garnish with ground allspice or a similar spice

Beyond Coffee: Desserts and Cocktails with the Pumpkin Spice Cake Capsule

The versatility of the Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule extends beyond drinks. Julien encourages experimentation, suggesting you can even use coffee grounds as a topping for desserts or cocktails. Here are a couple of unique ways to incorporate the capsule into your fall treats. 

Dessert Ideas

1. Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu: Soak layers of sponge cake in the Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule to infuse it with flavour, creating a seasonal twist on the classic Italian dessert.
2. Pumpkin Spice Affogato: Pour a double shot of the Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously decadent dessert.

As a tip, if you have a Virtuo machine, you can use the Expert Mode by clicking the coffee button twice to concentrate any full size capsule into a double shot of espresso, enhancing versatility for your recipes.

Cocktail Ideas

1. Pumpkin Spritz: This cocktail offers a twist on the classic Aperol Spritz, using less Aperol, along with prosecco and sparkling water. Top it off with a shaken double espresso shot of the Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule and garnish with a torched orange slice for a fancy presentation.
2. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Negroni or Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini: Both cocktails can be elevated by using the Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule, adding a rich flavour profile that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Coffee is a deeply personal experience. As Julien Carbone points out, it’s often the first thing on our minds and what we instinctively reach for each morning—the sound of the machine brewing, the rich aroma filling the air, waking your senses before you’ve even checked your phone or greeted anyone. There’s something special about refining a daily ritual that plays such an important role in our lives. Julien encourages you to embrace that process of discovery. With Nespresso’s commitment to top-quality coffee sourcing, you can confidently explore new recipes and get creative with personal touches, knowing you’re starting with the best foundation!

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