Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte Recipe

This ingredient list looks a little long, but don’t worry – most of it is probably already in your spice rack. And once you’ve made it once, it’ll become second nature. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chai Base

• 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness level)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Pumpkin Spice Blend

• 2 tbsp pumpkin purée (the real stuff, not pumpkin pie filling!)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves
• ⅛ tsp ground cardamom
• Pinch of black pepper (optional but gives it that chai kick!)

Creamy Component

• 1 cup milk (dairy or any plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy – oat milk is super creamy!)
• Optional: whipped cream or milk froth on top (because… treat yourself!)

How To Make Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte?

Alright, time to turn your kitchen into a fall-scented café! Here’s how to bring this dreamy latte to life:

Step 1: Brew The Chai Tea

• In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
• Add your tea bags and simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let it steep a little longer for a stronger flavor.
• Remove the tea bags and stir in vanilla extract and sweetener.

Step 2: Spice It Up

• In another small saucepan (or use the same one after rinsing), add:

  • Pumpkin purée
  • All the spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, pepper)
  • A splash of your chosen milk
• Gently cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This ’blooms’ the spices and deepens the flavor. Oh, and it smells heavenly!

Step 3: Add The Milk

• Pour in the rest of the milk and heat gently. Don’t boil it – just get it nice and warm and cozy.
• You can whisk it to make it frothy, or if you have a milk frother or blender, go wild!

Step 4: Combine And Serve

• Pour your spiced milk mixture into your brewed chai.
• Stir everything together and pour into your favorite mug.
• Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, or even a cinnamon stick if you’re feelin’ extra.

Cue the sigh of happiness.

Expert Tips

Wanna take it from "yum" to "oh-my-GOODNESS"? Here are some cozy little tricks I’ve picked up:

• Use fresh spices – Ground spices lose their punch over time. If your cinnamon has been sitting in the cabinet since 2020… it’s time to refresh!
• Froth your milk – Even without a frother! Just shake warm milk in a tightly sealed jar or give it a quick blend.
• Double the batch – The spice base can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just heat and combine with tea when you’re ready!
• Skip the dairy – Oat milk creates an ultra-creamy texture and actually complements the spices beautifully.
• Make it iced – Just chill the tea and milk mixture and pour over ice for a cool twist on the classic.

Recipe Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the classic, let’s play! Here are some easy, fun twists you can try:

For A Stronger Chai Kick

• Add a couple of crushed cardamom pods or sliced fresh ginger while steeping the tea.

Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte

• Let the chai and milk mixture cool, pour it over ice, and top with cold foam. So good on warmer fall days.

Pumpkin Chai Bubble Tea

• Add cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of your glass for a pumpkin boba tea moment!

Pumpkin Mocha Chai

• Add 1 tsp cocoa powder when warming the pumpkin mixture. Chai + pumpkin + chocolate = divine.

☕ Dirty Pumpkin Chai

• Add a shot of espresso or strong coffee for a little caffeine boost. This one’s for the coffee-lovers who also want a PSL vibe.

Final Words

Let’s be real – fall is practically made for drinks like this. There’s something undeniably soothing about sipping a warm, spicy, slightly sweet drink while watching the leaves fall. It’s more than a latte; it’s a moment.

Whether you’re curled up with a book, Zooming into meetings, or binge-watching a nostalgic series in your coziest socks, this Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte is your new best friend. And trust me – once you make it at home, you’ll think twice about spending $6 at the coffee shop for one.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients In A Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte?

The key ingredients for a pumpkin spice chai tea latte include chai tea concentrate, pumpkin puree, milk (dairy or plant-based), pumpkin pie spice, and sweetener (such as sugar, maple syrup, or honey). Optionally, whipped cream and additional pumpkin spice can be added for garnish.

Can I Use Store-bought Chai Tea Concentrate For The Recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought chai tea concentrate for convenience. However, homemade chai concentrate offers more control over the spice blend and sweetness level. To make your own concentrate, brew strong chai tea by simmering black tea with spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom.

How Do I Make A Dairy-free Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte?

To make a dairy-free version, simply substitute regular milk with plant-based options such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Ensure that the milk you choose is unsweetened, or adjust the sweetener to your taste.

Can I Make My Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte Spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the spice levels to your preference. Increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add extra ground cinnamon, ginger, or cloves to boost the warmth and intensity of the flavor.

What Is The Best Type Of Tea To Use For Chai In This Recipe?

Traditional chai tea uses black tea as a base, such as Assam or Darjeeling. These teas provide a robust and slightly malty flavor that pairs well with the spices in chai. You can also experiment with other black tea varieties, but it’s best to use a strong, full-bodied tea.

Can I Make The Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the chai concentrate, pumpkin mixture, and sweetener ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, just heat the components, combine them with milk, and top with whipped cream or additional spices if desired.

Is It Necessary To Use Pumpkin Puree In This Recipe?

Yes, pumpkin puree is what gives the latte its signature pumpkin flavor and creamy texture. You can find canned pumpkin puree or make it at home by roasting or steaming fresh pumpkin and pureeing it.

How Can I Make The Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte Less Sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, simply adjust the amount of sweetener you use, or omit it entirely. You can also use unsweetened plant-based milk or reduce the quantity of the pumpkin puree if you want a more subtle flavor.

Can I Use A Pumpkin Spice Mix Instead Of Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Yes, you can use a pre-made pumpkin spice mix instead of pumpkin pie spice. The ingredients in both blends are similar, typically including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Just make sure the ratio works well for your taste.

What Is The Best Way To Froth Milk For A Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte?

To froth milk for a latte, you can use a steam wand if you have an espresso machine, a handheld milk frother, or a French press. Heat the milk first (to about 150°F) and then froth until it’s light and airy. For a thicker, creamier texture, opt for whole milk or barista-style plant-based milk.