This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe Is the Perfect Answer to a Chilly Fall Day

Ayurveda views life as a dynamic, ever-shifting journey and recognizes that our individual state of balance is constantly influenced by our environment. As we navigate the landscapes and seasons of our lives, it’s natural for our physical and mental state of being to fluctuate alongside the outer changes.

One great example of this is when the seasons shift from summer to fall and the qualities of vata are heightened in our external environment. Vata season is the time of year, for many of us in the northern hemisphere, when the days get shorter, darker, and colder. They may also be windy, irregular (one day warm, the next cold), and dry in nature, all elements of vata dosha.

Because like increases like, these elements have the tendency to aggravate vata in the body and mind. As the autumn winds blow in, you may notice things like dry skin, restless thoughts, increased feelings of anxiousness, and chilly hands and feet.

For those of you with a lot of vata in your constitutions, you may be nodding your head in agreement as you snug your blanket tighter around your shoulders. Even if vata is not your dominant dosha, this is a time of year when you may get a sneak peek into the typical vata experience and benefit from vata-reducing practices.

If this rings true to your experience and you are feeling the fluttery, mobile qualities of fall, let it be a simple reminder to refocus your attention on the vata-balancing diet and lifestyle routines that help you feel more grounded.

Ready to get started? Put on your coziest sweatpants and enjoy sipping this delicious pumpkin spice latte as you watch the autumn leaves fall peacefully from the trees.

Vata-Balancing Pumpkin Spice Latte

Coming back to the basic Ayurvedic principle that like increases like and opposites balance, the best thing to balance light, dry, cool vata dosha are things with qualities that are heavy, warm, moist, and nourishing.

This latte is made with an irresistible combination of vata-pacifying ingredients like almond milk, coconut butter, and pumpkin, and naturally sweetened with dates. Ashwagandha, a renowned herbal adaptogen, gives an extra nourishing and grounding quality, while the addition of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg help to kindle the digestive fire.

The result is a rich, creamy, and satisfying fall beverage with a touch of spiciness to boost digestion—just the thing to calm your nervous system and warm your soul.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon coconut butter
• 1 date, pitted and soaked
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ashwagandha powder

Directions:

In a small pot, set over low heat, warm the almond milk until just barely simmering. Remove from the heat and transfer to the container of a highspeed blender. Add the remaining ingredients and blend on high until completely smooth. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy! 

Tip: If you have not worked with coconut butter before, it starts out completely solid and stubborn. You will want to warm the jar to soften the butter before you get the rest of your ingredients ready, otherwise your warm milk will get cold and you’ll have to start all over again.