Pumpkin Spice Coffee Drinks That Are Not Unhealthy

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I think I had my first cup of coffee when I was sixteen or maybe seventeen. By college I needed caffeine so my daily coffee habit increased

I remember my mom drinking instant coffee which seems crazy since I know she didn’t see my grandparents drinking instant. In fact my grandparents made coffee that could put hair on your chest.

These days I prefer a medium-dark roast with a non-dairy creamer and a pinch of coconut sugar. I have a basic drip coffee maker. I never really like anything made from a capsule or pod.

A few years ago, I had a few holiday inspired specialty coffees but quickly stopped when I realized the calorie content. I have absolutely no issue with the pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha lattes that people consume these days. However, I find myself wishing my clients would drink a bit less of them.

I sprinkle cardamom over my coffee when I want something a bit festive. Another option I love is a teaspoon of maple syrup and a pinch of actual pumpkin spice, a spice mixture easily found in any supermarket spice aisle. Below are two options I love, especially when I need to brighten my day.

Ginger Cardamom Coffee Latte (Healthier Holiday Sip)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed strong coffee or 1–2 shots espresso

• ½ cup steamed milk (dairy or oat/almond)

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon cardamom

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or a few drops of stevia

Directions:

1. Stir spices and vanilla into hot coffee.

2. Add steamed milk and whisk or froth.

3. Sweeten lightly, if desired.

Healthy Homemade Dirty Chai Latte Recipe 

This recipe is low in calories and sugar, providing a rich, spiced flavor. 

Ingredients: 

• 1-2 shots of espresso or 1/4 cup strong-brewed coffee/cold brew

• 1/2 cup water

• 3 chai tea bags (for strong flavor)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond or cashew milk (or milk of choice)

• 1-2 tbsp low-calorie sweetener (e.g., sugar-free vanilla syrup, stevia, or maple syrup to taste)

• Optional: Pinch of ground cinnamon, ginger, or cloves for extra spice

• Ice (if making it iced) 

Instructions: 

1. Prep the chai: Bring the water to a near boil, then steep the three chai tea bags for at least 5 minutes to create a strong concentrate. Remove the tea bags.

2. Brew coffee: Brew your espresso or strong coffee.

3. Combine ingredients: In a mug or glass, combine the chai tea concentrate, milk, and sweetener of choice. Add ice if making an iced latte.

4. Add coffee: Pour the espresso or strong coffee into the mixture and stir well.

5. Froth (optional): Froth some extra milk separately with a handheld frother to create a foamy top, and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. 

Healthier Ordering at a Coffee Shop 

When ordering a healthy dirty chai latte from a coffee shop, you can request specific modifications to reduce the sugar and calories: 

• Specify you want it made with chai tea bags, not the sugary chai concentrate/syrup. Beware, most coffee chains use concentrate!

• Ask for unsweetened non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk.

• Request fewer pumps of the flavored syrup (e.g., 1-2 pumps instead of the standard 4-5) or ask for sugar-free syrup.

• Ask for a single shot of espresso to keep the caffeine level in check.