Warm the pumpkin base. In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup. Heat gently over medium until steaming, 3–5 minutes. Do not boil. Stir often to help the pumpkin blend smoothly.
Strain for ultra‑smooth. If you see tiny pumpkin bits, pour the hot mixture through a fine‑mesh sieve. This guarantees that café‑smooth texture.
Froth the pumpkin milk. Off the heat, froth the pumpkin milk with a handheld frother or whisk briskly until lightly foamy.
Combine with coffee. Add the hot brewed coffee or espresso to your mug. Slowly pour the frothed pumpkin milk over the top.
Finish and serve. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Add a mini pretzel on top if you like that salty‑sweet crunch.