(Photo from Bottletree Bakery)
- Nothing can beat enjoying a good cup of coffee with friends in a coffee shop, and there are many locally-owned coffee shops around Mississippi where you can get your fall brew fix.
After a long summer of oppressive heat, the promise of cooler fall days ahead gives hope to many. Labor Day, often considered the harbinger of fall, has passed. While the “feels like” temps are still hovering around the three-digit mark, there’s no doubt they are on a slow downward trend.
One true sign that fall is on the way is all things pumpkin spice. It started with Starbucks many years ago, when they rolled out their wildly popular pumpkin spice latte. The drink took the country by storm, and soon everywhere you turned, something with pumpkin spice flavoring was offered.
Other coffee shops jumped on the pumpkin spice bandwagon, making their own riff on the modern-day classic. Around the state, numerous coffee shops offer fall drinks, from coffees to chais to teas. Offering the perfect blend of charm, warmth, and seasonal flavors, Mississippi has some of the coziest coffee spots in the South where you can sip your way through the season.
Starting with Bottletree Bakery in Oxford, it’s easy to see why people return time and again. Located just off the Square, this cozy, quaint shop is filled with the aroma of delicious baked goods. Pair a pumpkin-spiced coffee with a warm-from-the-oven cinnamon roll for a perfect treat any time of day.
Folks on the Mississippi Gulf Coast also love pumpkin spice, and many get their fix at The Grind Coffee and Nosh in Biloxi – a relaxing seaside café that offers breathtaking views of the Gulf, making it a perfect stop for fall coffee lovers.
As the temperatures drop, a selection of seasonal drinks is offered, guaranteed to keep you toasty. An added bonus is their bakery treats, which add a sweet touch to your visit. Be sure to try their Maple Leaf Latte, the perfect sipper on a cool fall morning.
The Bean in Jackson has become a gathering place in Fondren, filled with students, business people, and residents in the area. They are known for their excellent coffee and talented baristas and their seasonal menu is a highlight, with pumpkin-flavored drinks and spiced lattes that scream fall. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a good book or catch up with friends as the weather cools down. If the weather is still warm, but you want a pumpkin spice fix, try their Pumpkin Cold Brew.
Nothing can beat enjoying a good cup of coffee with friends in a coffee shop, and there are many other locally-owned coffee shops around the state where you can get your fall brew fix. But if you want to stay inside in your cozy pajamas and sip a pumpkin latte, you can make your own.
If you love lattes and this quintessential fall flavor that has become all the rage, this recipe is for you! Natasha Haynes with the Mississippi State University Extension Service shares this recipe for a make-at-home pumpkin spice latte that is as nutritious as it is delicious.
RECIPE: Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons pure pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg), plus more for sprinkling
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon whipped cream
Instructions:
Combine the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla in a medium microwavable safe bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and vent with a small hole.
Microwave until the milk is hot, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk vigorously until the milk mixture is foamy, about 30 seconds. Pour the coffee in a large mug and add the foamed milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Susan Marquez
