Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Starbucks Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)

Ready to get cozy in the kitchen? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your very own pumpkin chai tea latte, just like (or even better than!) Starbucks.

Chai Base

• Chai tea concentrate (like Tazo or homemade – see notes below)
• OR strong brewed chai tea bags (2 per serving), steeped in hot water

Pumpkin Spice Sauce

This is the heart of the recipe-it’s where that iconic flavor lives.

• Pumpkin purée (NOT pumpkin pie filling) – about 2 tablespoons
• Brown sugar or maple syrup – 1-2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
• Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon
• Pumpkin pie spice – ½ to 1 teaspoon (you can also make your own-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, allspice)
• A pinch of black pepper (yes, trust me-it enhances the chai kick!)
• Milk of your choice – ¾ cup (dairy, oat, almond, soy-all work well)

Topping (Optional But Recommended!)

• Whipped cream
• A dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for sprinkling

Note: If you’re using chai concentrate (like Tazo), it’s already sweetened and spiced, so you may want to adjust your pumpkin sauce accordingly.

How To Make Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Style)

Alright, let’s get to the fun part. Making this at home is surprisingly easy and ridiculously satisfying.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Make The Pumpkin Spice Mixture

   • In a small saucepan, add your pumpkin purée, sweetener (brown sugar or maple syrup), pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla.
   • Heat gently over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until it starts to bubble and becomes fragrant. You’re waking up the spices here!

2. Add Milk

   • Pour in your milk of choice and whisk or stir well.
   • Let the mixture heat through-don’t boil, just warm. Use a milk frother or hand whisk if you want that Starbucks-style foam.

3. Add Chai Tea

   • Pour your chai tea concentrate (or strong brewed chai) into a mug-about ½ cup per serving.
   • Add the warm pumpkin milk mixture on top.

4. Top It Off

   • Dollop with whipped cream, and dust with cinnamon or more pumpkin pie spice.

5. Sip & Swoon

   • Snuggle into your comfiest chair, light a candle, and enjoy your homemade seasonal masterpiece.

Expert Tips

Want to elevate your latte game? These little tricks make all the difference.

• Froth It Up: Use a milk frother, immersion blender, or even a mason jar (shake it up!) to get that beautiful foam.
• Control the Sweetness: If you’re not using store-bought chai concentrate, sweeten to your liking. Start with less and build it up.
• Batch It!: Make a large batch of pumpkin spice sauce and refrigerate it for up to a week. You’ll thank yourself on those busy mornings.
• Add Espresso: Want a caffeine kick? Add a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee to make it a dirty chai pumpkin latte.
• Spice It Right: Don’t skip the pinch of black pepper-it sounds weird, but it really brings out the chai spices.

Recipe Variations

Let’s be real-this drink is highly customizable. Whether you’re vegan, sugar-conscious, or craving something different, here’s how you can remix your latte.

Vegan Or Dairy-Free

• Use plant-based milk (oat is closest to Starbucks’ version).
• Use coconut whipped cream or skip the topping altogether.
• Maple syrup is a great sweetener and pairs beautifully with the spices.

❄️ Iced Version

• Use cold chai concentrate.
• Mix with cold milk and pumpkin spice sauce.
• Shake everything with ice, pour over a glass of fresh ice, and top with cold foam or whipped cream.

Sugar-Free

• Use a sugar-free chai concentrate or brew your own chai with spices.
• Swap in a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
• Watch the pumpkin puree-use plain, unsweetened.

☕ Dirty Pumpkin Chai Latte

• Add 1-2 shots of espresso to bring in the coffee element. It’s robust, energizing, and extra delicious.

Final Words

There’s just something about the flavor of fall, right? The Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte captures that feeling perfectly-it’s like a spiced sweater in a mug. Making it at home not only saves you money (hello, $6 lattes) but also gives you full control over the flavor, quality, and coziness level.

Whether you’re sipping it in a cozy blanket while reading, or taking it on a crisp morning walk, it’s a soul-warming treat that never gets old.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Used In The Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Starbucks Recipe?

The ingredients for the Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Starbucks recipe typically include chai tea concentrate, steamed milk (dairy or non-dairy), pumpkin spice sauce, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

How Can I Make A Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Starbucks Recipe At Home?

To make a Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte at home, combine brewed chai tea concentrate with steamed milk and pumpkin puree or pumpkin spice syrup. Add sweetener as desired and top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Can I Substitute Non-dairy Milk In The Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Starbucks Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk in the Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte recipe. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly depending on the type of milk you choose.

What Is Pumpkin Spice Sauce Made Of In The Starbucks Recipe?

The pumpkin spice sauce used in Starbucks’ Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte is typically made of a blend of pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, creating a sweet and spicy flavor that’s perfect for fall.

Can I Make A Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Without Caffeine?

Yes, you can make a caffeine-free version of the Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte by using caffeine-free chai tea or skipping the chai concentrate altogether and using a simple pumpkin-spiced milk base.

What Sweeteners Can I Use In The Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte?

You can use various sweeteners for your Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte, such as white sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, depending on your preference.

How Do I Make The Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Less Sweet?

To make the Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte less sweet, simply reduce the amount of pumpkin spice syrup or use a sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup. You can also control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sweetener added to the chai concentrate or milk.

Can I Make A Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Iced Instead Of Hot?

Yes, to make an iced Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte, brew the chai concentrate, chill it in the refrigerator, and then combine it with cold milk and ice. You can still add pumpkin spice syrup and top with whipped cream if desired.

How Do I Make My Own Pumpkin Spice Syrup For The Latte?

To make your own pumpkin spice syrup, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of cloves. Heat and stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool before adding to your latte.

What Is The Difference Between A Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte And A Pumpkin Spice Latte?

The main difference between a Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte and a Pumpkin Spice Latte is the base. The Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte uses chai tea concentrate, which adds a spiced, aromatic flavor from the chai blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. In contrast, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with espresso and pumpkin spice syrup.