Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

⁠Pumpkin and fragrant chai spices come together in this cozy autumn latte, balanced with creamy milk, maple, and vanilla. Enjoy it as a warm tea latte or add espresso for a festive fall drink. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠INGREDIENTS ⁠3 cups water ⁠4 chai tea bags ⁠1/2 cup pumpkin purée ⁠1/4 cup maple syrup ⁠1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⁠1 teaspoon cinnamon ⁠1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⁠1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom ⁠1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⁠1/8 teaspoon ground cloves ⁠1 pinch salt ⁠2 cups 2% milk ⁠cinnamon, for garnish ⁠star anise, for garnish ⁠whipped cream, for garnish ⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring water to a simmer.

2. Add chai tea bags and steep for 5–7 minutes.

3. Remove the tea bags and keep the chai warm.

4. Combine pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a saucepan.

5. Warm over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until smooth and fragrant.

6. Slowly whisk in the milk. Heat until steaming but do not boil.

7. Divide the hot chai evenly among four 12-ounce mugs.

8. Add the pumpkin-milk mixture to each mug and stir.

9. Dust lightly with cinnamon and garnish with star anise or whipped cream, if desired. ⁠

⁠NOTES

1. For a particularly smooth drink, blend the pumpkin-milk mixture briefly with an immersion blender before combining it with the chai.

2. For a dirty chai version, add a shot of espresso to each mug immediately before serving so the coffee flavor stays distinct.

3. ⁠Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used.