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Creamy Dirty Chai Latte Recipe with Easy Pumpkin Foam Topping

creamy dirty chai latte - featured image

A cozy, soul-soothing latte combining strong chai tea, espresso, and a light, airy pumpkin foam topping for a perfect fall-inspired drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup brewed strong chai tea (loose leaf or bagged)
  • 1 double shot espresso (about 2 ounces / 60 ml)
  • 1 cup whole milk or milk alternative (almond, oat, or soy)
  • 12 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • ¼ cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • ½ cup milk or milk alternative, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves or allspice (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup or sweetener of choice

Instructions

  1. Brew 1 cup (240 ml) of strong chai tea using your preferred method and set aside.
  2. Pull a double shot of espresso (approximately 2 ounces / 60 ml). If no espresso machine, brew strong coffee concentrate using moka pot or Aeropress.
  3. Warm 1 cup (240 ml) of milk or milk alternative in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling (about 150°F / 65°C). Remove from heat.
  4. Combine pumpkin puree, warmed milk (½ cup / 120 ml), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and simple syrup in a tall container. Use a handheld frother or immersion blender to whip until light, frothy, and creamy (about 30-45 seconds).
  5. In a serving mug, pour brewed chai tea and espresso together. Stir in maple syrup or honey if using.
  6. Slowly pour the remaining warm milk into the chai-espresso mixture, stirring gently to combine.
  7. Spoon the pumpkin foam generously over the latte.
  8. Optionally, garnish with a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top.

Notes

For dairy-free, use oat or almond milk throughout. Use freshly ground spices for best flavor. Chill pumpkin puree slightly if foam is too thin. Warm milk to about 150°F for best frothing. Re-whisk pumpkin foam if made ahead. Adjust sweetness after tasting latte base.

Nutrition

Keywords: dirty chai latte, pumpkin foam, pumpkin spice latte, chai tea, espresso, fall drink, cozy beverage, pumpkin puree, homemade latte