Description
A cozy and creamy Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte blending traditional chai spices with pumpkin, steamed milk, and a hint of bourbon, rum, or whiskey. Perfect for warming up chilly fall evenings, this drink combines rich flavors and a smooth texture to create an inviting spiced beverage with a festive kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 2 black tea bags
- 1 cup hot water
Pumpkin Spice Mixture
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water (for heating)
Milk and Spirit
- 1 cup milk or milk alternative (oat, almond, coconut)
- 1 to 2 ounces bourbon, spiced rum, or whiskey (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew the chai tea Start by steeping two black tea bags in 1 cup of hot water for 5 to 7 minutes to extract a rich, flavorful base for your latte.
- Step 2: Prepare the pumpkin spice mixture In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg), brown sugar, and a splash of water. Heat gently while stirring until warm and fragrant, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Step 3: Combine tea and pumpkin mixture Pour the brewed tea into the saucepan with the pumpkin spice mixture. Stir thoroughly to integrate all the flavors into a harmonious spiced blend.
- Step 4: Add milk and spirit Heat the milk separately until steaming but not boiling. Whisk the steamed milk into the spiced tea mixture, then stir in your chosen spirit, such as bourbon or spiced rum, to add the signature spiked flavor.
- Step 5: Finish with vanilla and serve Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth and subtle sweetness, stir once more, then pour into mugs and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh whole spices ground at home for the most vibrant chai flavor.
- Warm milk gently instead of boiling to keep it creamy and smooth.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste by tasting before adding the sweetener.
- Experiment with different spirits like bourbon, spiced rum, or whiskey for your preferred flavor.
- Use a whisk or frother to create a light froth on top for extra texture.
- Dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk work well for a vegan version.
- Store leftover pumpkin chai mixture refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- You can freeze the pumpkin chai base (without milk or alcohol) in ice cube trays for future use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pumpkin chai latte, spiked chai, pumpkin spice latte, autumn drinks, cozy beverages, bourbon chai latte, spiced rum latte