Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned and Pumpkin Spice Dip

Halloween is not just for the kids – elevate your Halloween celebration with these two must-haves: a Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned and Pumpkin Spice Dip!  First off, we think the Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is the PERFECT pre-trick-or-treating drink – thanks to a little caffeine boost from the chai!  If you want to skip the bourbon, no problem – a non-alcoholic whiskey makes it a wonderful mocktail.  The chai will give you some energy to go take the kids on a trick-or-treating spree, while the bourbon will warm you up on a chilly fall night.  It’s a win-win!

As for the Pumpkin Spice Dip, this one will be a crowd-pleaser for sure.  It’s sweet (thanks to marshmallow creme) but features the warm flavors of fall (thanks to pumpkin puree and Member’s Mark™ Pumpkin Spice Seasoning.

Here’s some tips top make it a truly spooktacular Halloween!

The Pumpkin Spice Dip needs to be made with pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling.

While the cans look similar on the grocery store shelves, they are definitely not the same product.  Don’t confuse them! Pumpkin Puree:  Made from pure cooked pumpkin with no added ingredients (no sugar, spices, or flavorings).  Pumpkin Pie Filling: Pre-mixed with sugar, spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), and sometimes other flavorings.

Wondering what to serve with the Pumpkin Spice Dip?  The options are endless!

• • Fresh Fruits:
    • Apple slices
    • Pear slices
    • Grapes
    • Banana slices
  • Cookies:
    • Gingersnaps
    • Graham crackers
    • Vanilla wafers
    • Snickerdoodles
  • Breads:
    • Cinnamon-sugar pita chips
    • Soft pretzels
    • Pumpkin bread
    • Mini cinnamon rolls or cinnamon bread sticks
  • Crackers:
    • Ritz crackers
    • Cinnamon-flavored graham crackers
  • Vegetables (for a less sweet option):
    • Carrot sticks
    • Celery sticks

Not sure exactly what chai is?

Chai (also known as Masala Chai) is a spiced tea beverage that originated in India and is popular in many parts of the world. The word “chai” simply means “tea” in many languages, but in the context of the drink, it typically refers to a blend of black tea brewed with aromatic spices and herbs.

Lastly, here’s a few non-alcoholic whiskey options for you if you’re making a mocktail!

• Lyre’s American Malt: A well-known brand that offers a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative with a smoky and oaky flavor.
• Spiritless Kentucky 74: A bourbon-style non-alcoholic whiskey alternative.
• Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey: Another popular choice for whiskey lovers seeking a zero-alcohol option.

Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned and Pumpkin Spice Dip

Cheers to Halloween! For a spooktacular Halloween party, you NEED to serve this Pumpkin Spice Dip and Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned Mocktail (or cocktail). Member's Mark™ Pumpkin Spice Seasoning adds fall flavor to this versatile dip, while Spice Islands® Cinnamon Sticks add coziness taste to this ghouslish post-trick-or-treat drink!

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Ingredients

  

For the Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned

• 1 cup Water
• 4 Chai tea bags
• 2 Spice Islands® Cinnamon Sticks
• ⅓ cup Member's Mark™ Organic 100% Pure Maple Syrup 
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 2 oz Bourbon (or non-alcoholic whiskey if making a mocktail)
• 1 oz Lemon juice
• 1 dash Orange bitters
• 1-2 oz Chai tea syrup (see below for instructions)
• Sparkling water, for topping
• Spice Islands® Cinnamon Sticks, for topping

For the Pumpkin Spice Dip

• 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
• 7 oz Marshmallow creme
• 1⅓ cup Pumpkin puree
• ¼ tsp Member's Mark™ Pumpkin Spice Seasoning
• ½ tsp Member's Mark™ Ground Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp Nutmeg
• ¼ tsp Member's Mark™ Organic Ground Ginger
• ⅛ tsp Ground cloves

Instructions

 

For the Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned

• In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat, add the chai tea bags and 2 Spice Islands® Cinnamon Sticks , cover, and steep 10-15 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add the maple syrup. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 3-5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool.
• In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon (or non-alcoholic whiskey), lemon juice, orange bitters, and 2 tablespoons of the cooled chai syrup. Shake to combine.
• Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of sparkling water and 1 Spice Islands® Cinnamon Stick.

For the Pumpkin Spice Dip

• In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, marshmallow creme, pumpkin puree, Member's Mark™ Pumpkin Spice Seasoning, Member's Mark™ Ground Cinnamon, nutmeg, Member's Mark™ Organic Ground Ginger, and cloves. With a hand mixer, blend until combined and smooth.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
• Serve with sliced apples, ginger gingersnaps, cinnamon graham crackers, and/or vanilla wafers.

Video

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: appetizer, chai, cinnamon, cinnamon stick, cocktail, dip, fall, halloween, mocktail, old fashioned, pumpkin spice