Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

• servings: 2 servings
• active time: 5 minutes
• total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups water

2 chai tea bags or 2.5 teaspoons loose leaf chai (1 more if you like it strong)

1 cup milk of choice (oat, almond, dairy — your pick)

2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

2–3 teaspoons maple syrup or brown sugar (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: extra cinnamon or whipped topping for garnish

Directions

Bring the water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan, then add the chai tea bags or loose chai. Let it steep for 5 minutes to extract all the warming flavors of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

Once steeped, remove the tea bags or strain the leaves, and pour the brewed chai into a larger saucepan or milk frother if you're using one.

To that warm tea, add your milk, pumpkin puree, sweetener, pumpkin spice, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring constantly, until hot and steamy but not boiling.

You can also use a handheld frother to mix and froth it all in one step if you’re feeling fancy.

Pour into mugs, top with a swirl of whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon if desired, and enjoy while warm. This recipe makes two servings — or one really big cozy mug for those extra-long days.