I’m a self-confessed coffee addict (we’re talking 4-5, mainly black cups a day). And while it might seem odd for someone who so relishes the taste of barista-crafted coffee, I also love a pumpkin spice latte (PSL) – à la Starbucks style. 

So, when an email with news of Nespresso’s Pumpkin Spice Cake capsules landed in my inbox, I did as any pumpkin spice lover would do and immediately ran out to pick up as many sleeves of the capsules as humanly possible.

Since trying my first PSL stateside, I’ve often felt envious of those North Americans who love to flout the glorious fall (AKA autumn for the rest of us) favourite on social media. That is, until now. 

Leaping out of bed this morning, I impatiently waited for my machine to warm up before dropping in the aptly coloured orange pod. Almost immediately, the extraction process delivered a beautifully warming aroma of a freshly baked spiced cake to this overeager amateur barista. The addition of steamed almond milk over the espresso sealed the PSL deal. 

Made from 100 percent Arabica from Brazil and Columbia, the limited-edition capsules, available in Australia for the first time, combine spicy notes of cinnamon, cardamom and cloves with a sweet pumpkin flavour, inspired by a classic pumpkin spice cake. 

But is it the same as a PSL you’ll find at America’s largest coffee chain? 

In short, yes and no. 

Admittedly, my latte art needs some work, but I’d argue that these capsules are the closest we Aussies are likely to get to that heavenly mix of pumpkin spice without leaving the house. And, while it’s not mentioned on the box, I’d be willing to bet that those of us heading into spring and summer could use them to create a killer iced PSL, too.

BRB, I’m off to make my second PSL for the day.  

Pumpkin Spice Cake capsules are available in both original ($10 for a sleeve of 10 capsules) or Vertuo ($12 for a sleeve of 10 capsules) via Nespresso boutiques or nespresso.com/au