Fall is in the air, and what better way to embrace the crisp weather than with a delicious and warming Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte? This delightful beverage combines the comforting spices of chai with the rich flavors of pumpkin, all while keeping things light at just 90 calories per serving (if you use unsweetened almond milk, and omit the optional whipped cream).
Perfect for those chilly autumn mornings or relaxing evenings, this pumpkin chai latte can also be made in large batches to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how you can make your own:
Ingredients
- 1 tea spoon or tea bag of Mardi Gras Indian Spiced Chai (or caffeine-free I Got the Baby rooibos chai blend)
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 2 tbsp real pumpkin purée
- 1 tbsp real maple syrup or honey
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (or ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, dash of nutmeg, dash of cloves)
- Tiny dash salt ½ teaspoon arrowroot starch or cornstarch (optional, makes the latte super creamy)
- Optional garnishes: 1 cinnamon stick or star of anise, whipped cream of your choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea:
- Bring ½ cup of water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan.
- Remove from heat, add the tea (or tea bag), and let it steep for 4 minutes.
- Filter out the tea leaves or squeeze the tea bag against the side of the pan with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid. Then, discard the tea leaves or bag.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- Add your choice of milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice blend, and a dash of salt to the pan.
- If using, whisk in the arrowroot starch or cornstarch to make your latte super creamy.
- Blend:
- Pour the mixture into a blender and blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. (An immersion blender can be used, but a stand blender tends to provide better results.)
- Rewarm:
- Transfer the mixture back to your saucepan and gently rewarm.
- Serve:
- Pour the latte into a mug.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, top with whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick or star of anise.
Whether you’re wrapping up in a blanket with a book or looking for a tasty prelude to a fall adventure, this Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy this seasonal treat and the essence of fall in every sip!