Dirty Pumpkin Chai Latte
If the Pumpkin Spice Latte had a bolder, moodier cousin, it would be the Dirty Pumpkin Chai Latte. This version layers spiced chai, rich espresso, and homemade pumpkin spice maple syrup, all topped with frothed whole milk. It’s warming, a little indulgent, and tastes like wrapping yourself in a knit blanket.
✨ What You’ll Need (Serves 1)
1 cup whole milk (or milk of choice), frothed
1–2 tsp instant chai powder (adjust to taste)
1 shot (1 oz) freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
1–2 tbsp pumpkin spice maple syrup [see recipe]
Optional: whipped cream, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice dusting
☕ How To Make It
Make the chai base: In a mug, stir together instant chai powder with a splash of hot water to dissolve.
Add espresso: Pour in the shot of espresso (this is the “dirty” part).
Sweeten: Stir in pumpkin spice maple syrup. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Froth & pour: Froth whole milk until silky and foamy, then slowly pour over the chai-espresso mixture.
Garnish: Top with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon if you want to go all out.
✨ Host Tip: For a crowd, multiply the recipe and keep the chai + pumpkin syrup base warm in a pot. Guests can add their own shot of espresso and top with frothed milk for a DIY latte bar.