When I think of fall’s approach, a warm (or cold) cup of chai tea comes to my mind. While I do love coffee, something about the blend of spices making my taste buds dance makes me opt for chai tea when the option presents itself. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of Starbucks or Caribou, and their chai options are quite disappointing. I am, however, a big fan of a spicy, cinnamony chai, and neither coffee shop ever satisfies my chai craving.

Last fall, I got really into making my own chai lattes at home with Blue Lotus Chai powder that I found at a local co-op. All winter, I worked to perfect my spice, tea, water, sweetener, and milk ratios until I hit the sweet spot. This fall, I wanted to challenge myself to recreate the popular Starbucks chai with pumpkin cold foam. Follow the recipe below to enjoy my personal recreation:

For the Chai:

• One to two scoops of Blue Lotus Chai powder
• One tablespoon of hot water
• One to two cups of milk of choice warmed (I like almond or oat but anything works)
• Sweetener of choice (I like to use agave nectar)
• Dash of cinnamon
• Dash of pumpkin pie spice
• Dash of nutmeg

For the Pumpkin Cold Foam:

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1-3 spoonfuls of Pumpkin puree
• Dash of cinnamon
• Dash of pumpkin pie spice
• Dash of nutmeg

Directions:

• Add the chai powder scoops to a cup with the hot water and stir until it is dissolved
• Heat up milk of choice and pour until cup is a little over ¾ full 
• Mix in desired amount of sweetener and cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg until they are dissolved and add in ice cubes if you want the drink to be iced
• Add all of the pumpkin cold foam ingredients into either a separate bowl or into a french press
• If using a french press, froth the mixture by pushing the press up and down until it reaches desired consistency. If using a separate bowl, use a frothing wand or hand mixer until it reaches the desired consistency
• Pour desired amount of pumpkin cold foam on top of chai and top with more nutmeg, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice

Personally, I prefer just a regular chai latte. Though, I thought that this drink was still pretty solid. I’m not the biggest fan of milk and the flavor was slightly overpowering from heavy whipping cream. I’m sure that there’s a dairy free substitute for it which most likely would have made me enjoy it a little more (something to try next time, clearly). But, if you desire a slightly spicy, pumpkin-y, sweater weather-y drink, I recommend you try this one!