Sadly, as a former Starbucks barista, I know that the pumpkin spice latte is little more than pumpkin-flavored condensed milk syrup, loads of milk, espresso, and VERY sugary whipped cream (they do use heavy whipping cream, however).

Now, I've had some success with flavoring my coffee by mixing about a tsp of cardamon and cinnamon in my coffee grounds prior to brewing. You could probably do the same with a pumpkin spice mix in the grounds. Then, it's just warmed/steamed milk/cream (you can froth it on the stove, too!) and a dash of pumpkin spice mix or cinnamon for garnish.

There's an intriguing Pumpkin Whipped Cream recipe over at Sandra's Easy Cooking blog that could bring a more realistic pumpkin-topping to your concoction. Caution: I've never tried it. But, it appears simple enough!

Can you tell that I'm a seasoned coffee-slinger? THIS IS WHAT I DO.

You should look for a good pumpkin-spice tea. I use this one. I usually drink it with stevia and a tiny tiny amount of honey, but you could add heavy cream too.

Most Paleo pumpkin spice latte that I have come across: http://coastalcavegirl.com/2011/08/29/pumpkin-spice-latte/

OR You could adjust this recipe: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/09/08/pumpkin-spice-latte-for-one/

I don't think there is an easy way to get the pumpkin taste in there without pumpkin.

You could buy a sugar free pumpkin syrup: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=sugar+free+pumpkin+syrup&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&safe=strict&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=1940242046708053975&sa=X&ei=_yJqTqW5NuGJ0QGH7pTtBA&ved=0CE8Q8wIwAQ

It's not really "Paleo" but it is sugar free and if it's a once in awhile treat, then just go for it.

OR bite the bullet, call it 80/20, get the real thing and enjoy every last sip.

Have you tried making it hot without making it gross? Try a real dessert instead. Real cooked and mashed pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, stevia, dash of cream or coconut milk, eat like a pudding. It tastes better if you eat it instead of drink it. If you are used to lower carb, it is sweet enough without the stevia.

I would just make my own pumpkin pie spice blend out of nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, clove and bit of ginger. Add a dash to your brewed coffee along with a dollop of heavy cream :)

When I brew espresso, I'll add spices directly to the grounds (cardamom & cinnamon) and it's flavored as it comes out. I think I'll try using some pumpkin pie spice when the weather starts cooling down here in FL.

I had the same hankering. So I got one. And it was delicious. I say go for it (unless you're on a Whole30 or something)!

This morning I made hot pumpkin spiced lattes that my husband and I thought were fantastic.

This recipe serves 2

6oz Heavy cream (or you may be able to use coconut milk, I haven't tried it that way yet) 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 6 Tablespoons pumpkin puree 2 Tablespoons Coconut Palm Sugar 4-6oz whatever black coffee you like

Blend all of the ingredients listed except for the coffee. Split into 2 mugs then pour the hot coffee to the top of your mug, stir.

This was terrific I thought and very low sugar using the coconut palm

Ok, so I think there are two ways you could go about this. One is to infuse the milk. Combine milk, pumpkin, spices - pumpkin pie spice will give you the whole deal, whatever you're using for a sugar (coconut sugar in general is really good). Bring to a simmer on the stove, pull off and let it steep, then filter through a buttercloth. Add to espresso. The second would be to do all of this heated slowly on the stove, milk will totally blow up if you're not careful, then blend in your blender or with an immersion blender until it's all foamy and add espresso to that in a mug.

It'll probably be a little thick due to the pumpkin so maybe along the lines of an eggnog? But should still be tasty.

I used to work at starbucks as a barista. And I LOVE starbucks hot chocolate with pumpkin spice mixed in. Its sooo good. A grande late is 2 shots of espresso, 4 pumps of pumpkin spice syrup and 2% milk Anyway. Here's what I would recommend:
-heavy cream or coconut cream (heat it on your stove, or steam the heavy cream if you have that option)
-pumpkin spice flavored coffee (grind fine for espresso and make your shot of espresso with it)
-nutmeg and cinnamon

my paleo pumpkin spice hot chocolate recipe:
-heavy cream or coconut cream
-a couple squares of Chocolove XOXO 77% dark chocolate
-nutmeg and cinnamon from Penzey's spices.
It's missing the pumpkin, but the nutmeg and cinnamon still make it taste close enough. Plus its not worth the sugar spike to get the real thing.

I tried and tried to come up with a decent recipe, and I finally got one that tastes great, though I'll admit it's still not "quite" the same without real milk or more sugar. It tastes yummy, just not exactly the same as the Starbucks ones.

http://mypaleocrockpot.blogspot.com/2011/09/paleo-pumpkin-spiced-lattes.html

I know you all are paleo and probably don't eat oats but I just make a pumpkin pie oatmeal. oats, puree pumpkin, vanilla, sweetener of choice, and vanilla protein powder.
Though at least once or twice a year I just splurge for the sbux