Pumpkin Chai Latte

The holiday season just would not be the same without the over usage of all things "flavored." Autumn and spice and everything nice is everywhere. Just when you think your absolutely tired of it, you think you can not take any more... you make some flavored coffee. Not in the chemically modified sense but good home brewed coffee with natural flavoring from your own kitchen. Made with love, not with preservatives. Best yet it doesn't cost a whopping $5 a cup. This my friends, is the greatest thing you will put in your mouth. (Go ahead, run off to make it. You know I'm right!)

Another pumpkin coffee? What gives??? Well my friends, what sets this apart is the coffee. You can use chai tea instead of coffee however, I recently came across the idea of scenting your morning cup of Joe. You do this by simply placing some spice into the ground coffee and VOILA! Flavored aromatic coffee sans the artificial flavorings. A few dollops of pumpkin puree, some chai spice and you have heaven in a cup. Toddler pee tragedies, hungry lump of a man whining about starving "to death" and of course the usual antics with the oldest... I'm chill and its all good. So what if I have to lock myself in the bathroom for a hot second of silence? This is the coffee that makes my world stand still. (for at least 2 minutes) It's the gravy baby! 

Pumpkin Chai Latte

Scented coffee with foamy warm milk, pumpkin and a variety of spices. Heaven in a cup, perfect hot, cold or anywhere in between. Introduced via Small Measure, recipe originated at The Kitchn. As Ashley said, Your (totally) Welcome! Enjoy

Scented Coffee: (For one 10-12 cup pot of brewed coffee)

Place 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the filter with the coffee. Brew as usual. This is great without any add-ins, a spicy flavorful cup of coffee every day without the additives. For latte's I added 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso to each 8-10 ounce portion. Make it as strong as you would like it. Keep in mind the intensity will be diluted with milk, and you do not want to over power the pumpkin. Once you have your coffee, chai tea (strong brewed) or espresso prepare the lattes. 

Pumpkin Chai Lattes (Per Cup)

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon raw sugar (or regular) 

1-2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (homemade or tinned)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 - 1 cup strong coffee 

1/4 teaspoon chai spice and/or pumpkin pie spice

whipped cream (or ice cream, vanilla or pumpkin)

In a sauce pan (or microwave safe cup) heat milk, spice and sugar until warm and bubbly and the sugar is dissolved. Whisk with a fork or whisk until foamy and light. (you can absolutely use an immersion blender, cappuccino foam attachment  or regular blender to make the ultimate frothy foam however, if you haven't realized this yet...I'm quite lazy and prefer not to dirty more dishes than necessary) Combine with pumpkin and vanilla. Pour desired amount of milk and pumpkin mixture into hot scented coffee. Garnish with whipped cream, ice cream (or both) and sprinkle with spice to garnish. 

You may also Like-

Pumpkin Chai Mini Muffins

Pumpkin Pound Cake

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake

Sourdough Pumpkin Pancakes