Think You'll Miss Fall Drinks? Think Again

When your drink choices are narrowed to water, flavored water, or nut milks (and if you’re following the wonderfully healing BNT Level Program, you know exactly what that means), the fall season can feel a little bittersweet.

Everywhere you look, menus are bursting with cozy additions: pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, salted caramel, warm cider, whipped cream, roasted nuts, and gingerbread. Many of these show up as sugary, caffeine-spiked drinks. Tempting, yes, but costly when it comes to true healing.

I would love to believe that just one of the latest fall concoctions from the local barista would be harmless, but the short-lived comfort is never worth the repercussions. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Welcome to the Cafe-less Pumpkin Latte — a steamer-style drink that is adult-worthy, delicious, and healing-friendly. I’ve tried the word “steamer,” but it can sound like plain warm milk. Most moms who have frequented coffee stands with their kiddos know steamers are for kids.
 

Vanilla Nut Pumpkin Latte (Caffeine Free)

Traditional latte feel, without the cafe or the caffeine.

Ingredients

• 15 oz boiling water
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
• 1 teaspoon carob powder (unsweetened)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla creamer pod (unsweetened, no added sweeteners)
• 2 dashes ground nutmeg (this is the “nut” in the title; omit if you prefer; no cinnamon)

Materials

• 16 oz mug
• Frother (hand-pumped gives great foam; try Rok Frother or Norpro Glass Frother)
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Boil the water. Pour 12 oz into your mug to leave room for the frothed mixture.
2. Stir in the pumpkin purée. Stir in the carob powder. Set the mug aside.
3. In your frother, combine the remaining 3 oz hot water with the vanilla creamer. Froth until the foam reaches your desired height.
4. Pour the frothed mixture over the pumpkin base in the mug.
5. Top with ground nutmeg. Sip and enjoy.