Description
A cozy and indulgent Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte that combines the warm spices of chai tea with rich pumpkin puree and a splash of whiskey. Perfect for autumn or any time you want a comforting, boozy twist on a classic latte.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea and Alcohol
- 2 black tea bags
- 2 oz. whiskey
Pumpkin Chai Milk Mixture
- 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. whole milk
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, plus more for serving
Topping
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions
- Brew the tea and add whiskey: Place each tea bag in separate mugs. Boil at least 10 oz. (1 1/4 cups) of water and pour 1/4 cup of boiling water into each mug. Let steep for 5 minutes, then remove tea bags and add 1 oz. whiskey to each mug.
- Mix pumpkin chai milk: In a measuring cup or bowl with a spout, whisk together whole milk, pumpkin puree, pure maple syrup, ground cardamom, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well combined.
- Heat the pumpkin milk mixture: Transfer the pumpkin milk mixture to a medium heatproof bowl and microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture reaches 140°F, about 2 minutes total.
- Froth the pumpkin milk: Pour the warm pumpkin milk mixture into a frothing pitcher in batches. Insert the frother about three-quarters of the way down and froth until the mixture is foamy and thick.
- Assemble the latte: Pour the frothed pumpkin milk into each mug containing the tea and whiskey, spooning any remaining foam on top. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice and garnish with whipped cream.
- Alternative steaming method (optional): For steaming instead of microwaving, pour the pumpkin milk mixture into the frothing pitcher, tilt slightly, and insert the steam wand just below the milk surface. Open the steam valve to heat the milk and create small foamy bubbles until the pitcher is hot to the touch, about 20 to 30 seconds. Then pour into the mug and garnish as above.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of whiskey to taste or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use whole milk for best frothing results; alternatives may not froth as well.
- Microwaving to 140°F ensures the milk is warm but not scalded.
- Adding whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top enhances flavor and presentation.
- Freshly brewed strong black tea is essential to balance the sweetness.
- The recipe serves two lattes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte (about 8 oz.)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
