It’s that time of year… when the long awaited and highly coveted Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is offered to the masses. Somehow, it’s more than just a drink. It signals the approaching season of crisp mornings and cozy sweaters. I’ve been so excited for the cooler weather to come, that I switched out my warm weather clothes for cool weather clothing last month! I’ve been walking around ‘Hotlanta’ in long sleeve shirts and pants. Yeah, I’m that girl.
In keeping with my absurd logic concerning weather vs. geographical location – I decided to make a Pumpkin Chai Latte. It has the traditional flavors you love with the obvious addition of Chai to give it that extra umph of warm spices – a fabulous combination! Masala chai, meaning ‘mixed-spiced tea’, and sometimes known as just ‘chai’, is a black tea infused with spices like green cardamon pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, ground ginger, and traditionally served with buffalo milk – it’s warm, creamy, and wonderfully aromatic.
Aside from the tastes and smells of Autumn in a cup, this is great for those of us who are budget conscience. How much does one of these drinks cost these days at a coffee shop? Too much! Save your money and make your own!
- 3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ chai latte concentrate*
- whipped cream, for topping
- freshly ground nutmeg, for garnish
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Stir constantly, until fragrant. Approximately 2 minutes.
- Add the sugar and stir constantly until the mixture becomes dark and slightly thickened.
- Add the pure vanilla extract, milk, and chai. Whisk frequently until piping hot - careful not to let the milk boil over.
- Using an immersion blender or traditional blender, process the mixture until frothy.
- Divide among two mugs and add the the whipped cream and sprinkle with freshly ground nutmeg. Serve and Enjoy!
* Adapted from The Kitchn.
This is so much better then overpriced Starbucks pumpkin latte AND you don’t have to stand in line for it AND you can have it any time of the year! YAY!!!! I’ll admit, I’ve never had the Starbucks’ one but I’m pinning your recipe so I can make it soon 🙂
This pumpkin latter sounds delicious, I never thought of combining tea and coffee in one drink. Will be trying this very soon!!
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
I am so in the mood for this! Can it be done without the actual pumpkin? I picked one a few days ago but it isn’t quite ready yet.
Yes, the recipe actually calls for canned pumpkin puree so you can make it anytime you like and it’s super easy! I hope you enjoy!
What a delicious take on a chai latte.. loving the pumpkin flavour! Definitely need to recreate the recipe as it is perfect for the weather here in Australia right now.
Thanks Thalia! I do hope you try – it’s quick, easy, and oh so yummy! 🙂
This is why I’m so glad I found your blog. It’s so creative and something I never in a million years would have thought to make or find (and no way could I have created it). I’m constantly amazed at how broad your repertoire is!
Reading your comments always make me smile 🙂 Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.