Protein-Packed Pumpkin Spice Latte

In case you don't know, Starbucks is introducing their Fall favourites early this year. Namely, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. 
Before going vegan, this would have been like an early Christmas for me. I get giddy at the thought of Autumn flavours because it's my favourite season, and the smells and tastes of all things pumpkin make my tummy smile...
Unfortunately, they use condensed milk in their pumpkin spice latte syrup, so I can no longer enjoy this beverage while staring out at the crisp foliage turning to a bright collage of crimson and orange.
So what is a girl to do? Make her own, that's what.

This is a favourite of mine because it tastes exactly like what a pumpkin spice latte should taste like (minus the questionable orange colouring...)

Here's my (protein-packed) pumpkin spice latte! This particular one is cold, because I like it that way at the end of the summer... But you can heat up the milk to make it a hot one!

Protein-Packed Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use Sun Warrior for this - it gives a creamy flavour and texture - the protein powder is also optional, and you can make this without if you want!)
• 1-2 tsp cinnamon (I heavy up on this because I love cinnamon, but you may want less)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground nutmeg (pre-ground is fine)
• 2 shots of espresso (I still use the Starbucks espresso because, well, it's good!)
• Optional: 1/4 tsp of powdered ginger and 1/8 tsp of ground cloves. I don't always add this, and I didn't this time around, but it does make a nice little "something extra" in the flavour. 

Method: 

• If making cold, just mix all ingredients together in a blender or protein shaker cup, and then serve over ice! 
• If making hot, mix all ingredients except the espresso in a sauce pan and warm until your preferred drinking temperature is reached (alternatively, if you have an espresso machine at home - you can just steam your almond milk - and froth it - and then pour 3/4 of it into a mug. Then, mix the spices and protein powder with the espresso and other 1/4 of the heated almond milk, stir until combined, and then pour into your mug of frothy goodness...)

mmm...