Pumpkin Chai Latte: Autumn in a Cup (Hot or Iced)

I love a cozy coffeeshop in autumn, but sometimes I want my pumpkin spice latte in my pajamas at home under fairy lights... and without artificial pumpkin syrup. This is the real thing—warming spices, actual pumpkin, and a chai base that's been comforting people for centuries.

You can make this hot when the mornings are cold and you need something to wrap your hands around. Or iced when you want autumn vibes but it's still 75 degrees outside.

Either way, it's magic.

What You Need:

• 1 cup oat milk

• 1 Lotus chai tea bag (or any quality chai blend)

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling—check the label)

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom

• Pinch of nutmeg

• 1-2 teaspoons honey (to taste)

• Optional: a tiny pinch of black pepper (sounds weird, tastes amazing)

For Hot Version:

1. Heat oat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat (don't boil it)

2. Add pumpkin puree and whisk until smooth

3. Add cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper if using

4. Steep chai tea bag directly in the warming milk mixture for 3-4 minutes

5. Remove tea bag, add honey, whisk well

6. Pour into your favorite mug

7. Optional: froth the top with a milk frother or whisk vigorously for 30 seconds

For Iced Version:

1. Make hot version first (it blends better hot—trust me on this)

2. Let it cool to room temperature

3. Pour over ice

4. Add extra oat milk if needed

5. Stir and enjoy

Why These Spices:

Cinnamon: Warming, grounding, helps regulate blood sugar. It's been used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years.

Cardamom: The queen of spices. Aids digestion, freshens breath, and has a subtle floral note that makes everything feel a little more luxurious.

Nutmeg: Calming to the nervous system in small amounts. Just a pinch—too much and it overpowers everything else.

Black Pepper: Increases the bioavailability of other spices (meaning your body actually absorbs their benefits). Plus it adds a subtle warmth.

The Pumpkin Piece: Real pumpkin puree adds fiber, vitamin A, and a creamy texture you can't get from syrups. Make sure you're buying plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling (which has sugar and spices already added).

Make It Your Own:

• Add a shot of espresso for a dirty chai situation

• Use maple syrup instead of honey

• Top with coconut whipped cream

• Add a dash of vanilla extract

• Make it extra spicy with more cardamom

Where to Source:

• Lotus chai from most grocery stores or online

• Organic pumpkin puree in the baking aisle

• Quality spices from your co-op bulk section or Frontier Co-op

This isn't just a drink. It's a ritual. It's permission to slow down on a busy morning. It's autumn magic in a mug, whether you're making it in September or February when you just need to remember what cozy feels like.