Photo Credit: Small Kitchen College
Think ahead 2 weeks. You'll finally be out of the abyss of finals and all-nighters at the library, and home sweet home for Christmas! When we're in our mother's kitchen, we're not drinking that boring vodka soda or grabbing a quick chaser from the vending machine to pregame. You've got full range of your kitchen, so let's use it.
You know it's the holiday season when Starbucks unveils their red holiday cups and pumpkin lattes. Instead of running out to the nearest coffee shop, let's make this pick-me-up ourselves. Seasonal, festive, delicious, and easily spike-able for a pre-bar drink with your high school friends, this latte needs just a few ingredients that your parents probably already have on hand for the holidays.
**Recipe**
Pumpkin LatteServes 1
Ingredients1 cup milk2 tablespoons pumpkin puree1 heaping tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon1 pinch each of ground nutmeg, cloves, and ginger½ cup strong coffee, or 1 shot of espresso1.5 ounces of spiced rum or coffee liquorWhipped cream, sweetened to taste
Combine milk, pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and spices in a small saucepan and heat until warm, about 3 minutes. You can also use your microwave to do this if you don't have access to a full kitchen.
Meanwhile, brew ½ cup strong coffee or 1 shot of espresso.
When pumpkin milk is warmed, either blend in blender or whisk in saucepan until frothy. Pour over coffee or espresso. Add alcohol, if desired.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
— Lucy Dana for Small Kitchen College
Lucy Dana is a junior at Duke University, currently spending the semester in Cape Town, South Africa where she is trying to muster up the courage to conquer the world's highest bungee jump. Read More...