Superdrinks: Pumpkin Bliss ft Taiao and Damien Burgess

Just like the previous ones, the fourth episode of Superdrinks in collaboration with Taiao explores a new way to enjoy coffee, with unusual ingredients and pairings that provide benefits to our health too.

For many coffee and hot drinks lovers, autumn is “the Pumpkin Spice Latte season”. Originally invented in the USA, this drink soon became a seasonal icon in many other places in the world, combining the sweetness of pumpkin with a unique mix of spices, creamy hot milk and an intense coffee flavor.

This is why it is so loved: it’s a comfort food that warms us up, and that can make us think of a cozy day of fall, with the leaves changing colors, the sky that becomes orange, red and pink, the new beginnings, the calm, the introspection. It makes some of us “feeling at home”. 

But pumpkin is, inevitably, linked to Halloween too, the spookiest time of the year.

So, starting from here, we have created our special version: the Pumpkin Bliss. 

Pumpkin and activated charcoal: two superfoods

Pumpkin is more than a seasonal symbol: it is rich in betacarotene, which has antioxidant properties and contains vitamin C, potassium and fibers. Its low calories content and naturally sweet flavor make it a versatile ingredient that pairs naturally with warm spices and bold flavors. We have integrated it into our recipe with the Pumpkin Spice powder by Taiao.

Activated charcoal is the other key ingredient in this recipe, that we used for a foam to top the drink. Traditionally known for its medicinal uses, it is also appreciated for its visual impact on contemporary food and drink creations. In powder form, as in Taiao’s Black Charcoal powder, it can be used mixed with milk in a siphon to create a light, compact foam that settles on the surface of the drink like a dark cloud.

The coffee that makes the difference

The spicy notes of Pumpkin Spice pair well with a rich espresso, whose intensity complements the notes of pumpkin and spices without overpowering them. The result is a balance between the coffee’s aromatic character and the creaminess of the drink.

The recipe

In collaboration with Taiao

1. Chop a pumpkin and finely slice it to make chips, then spray a bit of olive oil and pop them in the oven at 200° C / 390° F until they become crispy.
2. In the meantime, add the Taiao Pumpkin Spice powder in a cup with almond milk, stir to get rid of lumps, then heat it.
3. Brew an espresso and let it rest for a few seconds.
4. In a whipper, mix the Taiao Black Charcoal powder with soy milk to make a foamy black mousse.
5. Pour the spiced milk in a tall glass, add the espresso and dispense the charcoal foam on top, as a floating black cloud.
6. Garnish with crumbled spice cookies and crushed pumpkin chips on top.

Flavorful, lactose-free and rich in vitamins, with interesting textures ready to be tasted, could it be a good alternative to the original Pumpkin Spice Latte? Try it out and let us know!