Sip Into the Season with Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea 🍁
At The Tea Spot, we know that fall isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling. And there’s no better way to embrace that cozy, comforting vibe than with a cup of our Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea. Whether it's a cold drink or hot, we've got a recipe perfect for you even if your heat index is still over 100 😅. Trust us, this is going to be your new favorite way to welcome autumn.
Our Pumpkin Spice Chai is a perfectly balanced blend that starts with rich, full-leaf Assam black tea. We’ve layered in the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, green cardamom pods, allspice, and cloves, finishing it off with just the right amount of pumpkin flavor. The result? A pumpkin latte that’s full-bodied, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re steeping it straight up or turning it into a delicious latte, this tea is like a cozy hug in a cup.
Now that your taste buds are tingling, let’s explore some delightful ways to enjoy pumpkin season. We’ve created a few Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte recipes that are perfect for any occasion. (We’re particularly fond of curling up with a cozy blanket, Gilmore Girls on the TV, and a cup of Smoky Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand 😉). Whether you’re craving something hot, iced, with a shot of espresso, or even a smoky twist, we’ve got the perfect recipe for you. Let’s get brewing!
Classic Hot Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
First up, we’ve got the classic hot version. This is your go-to when you need something warm and comforting.
What You’ll Need:
-
1 cup water
-
2 teaspoons or 1 Sachet (tea bag) of Pumpkin Spice Chai tea leaves
-
1/2 cup half and half (or regular milk)
-
1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar (sweeten to taste)
-
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Optional: whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top
How to Make It:
-
Brew Your Tea:
-
Start by boiling 1 cup of water, then add in the Pumpkin Spice Chai tea leaves. Let it steep for about 5 minutes so all those warm, spicy flavors really come through. Strain and set aside.
-
-
Warm the Half and Half:
-
In a medium saucepan or a milk steamer, warm up the half and half with maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract over low heat. Stir until it’s smooth and steamy, but be careful not to let it boil!
-
-
Get Frothy:
-
Use a milk frother to froth the warm half and half. If you don’t have one, just whisk it up until it’s nice and foamy.
-
-
Put It All Together:
-
Pour the warm, frothy half and half into your brewed tea. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of the Pumpkin Pie Spices if you want to make it extra special!
-
Alternative Options:
-
You can easily swap out the half and half for a plant-based milk like almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk if you’re dairy-free. They all should froth up nicely and taste great! Milk frothers make this recipe easy, but you can use a hand whisk as well!
Iced Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
Next, let’s talk iced. This one’s for those days when you want all the fall flavors but it’s still a little too warm outside.
What You’ll Need:
-
1 cup water
-
2 teaspoons or 1 sachet (tea bag) of Pumpkin Spice Chai tea
-
1/2 cup half and half (or regular milk)
-
1 tablespoon maple syrup
-
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
-
Ice cubes
-
Optional: whipped cream and a dash of chai spices for garnish
How to Make It:
-
Brew the Tea:
-
Boil 1 cup of water, then add the Pumpkin Spice Chai tea leaves and let it steep for about 5 minutes. Strain the tea and let it cool completely (or if you’re in a hurry, just pour it over ice).
-
-
Mix It Up:
-
In a small bowl or milk frother, whisk together the half and half, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and creamy.
-
-
Assemble Your Iced Latte:
-
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cooled chai tea, and then gently add the creamy half and half mixture on top.
-
-
Finish with a Flourish:
-
Froth a little extra half and half if you like, and spoon it over your iced latte. Top with whipped cream and a dash of chai spices for an extra treat.
-
Alternative Options:
-
If you’re looking to keep it dairy-free, try almond milk or coconut milk instead. They both add a nice, subtle flavor!
Dirty Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
For those mornings when you need a little extra boost, here’s how to make it dirty (and by that, we mean adding espresso).
What You’ll Need:
-
1 cup water
-
2 teaspoons or 1 Sachet (tea bag) of Pumpkin Spice Chai tea leaves
-
1 shot of espresso
-
1 cup half and half (or regular milk)
-
1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
-
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
-
Optional: whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top
How to Make It:
-
Brew the Tea:
-
Boil 1 cup of water, add the Pumpkin Spice Chai tea leaves, and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea into a large mug.
-
-
Brew Your Espresso:
-
Make a fresh shot of espresso and pour it into the mug with your chai tea.
-
-
Heat and Sweeten:
-
In a small pot, mix together the half and half, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Warm it up over medium heat, stirring until hot and everything is well combined.
-
-
Froth and Pour:
-
Froth the warm half and half, then pour it over your chai tea and espresso mixture. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a cozy finish.
-
Alternative Options:
-
This recipe is also fantastic with plant based milks like soy milk or oat milk if you’re going dairy-free. You’ll still get that creamy goodness!
Smoky Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
Last but not least, let’s get a little adventurous with a smoky version of our favorite fall drink. It incorporates Russian Caravan tea, a smoked tea, for a flavor reminiscent of a campfire or your favorite Scotch! This one’s perfect for when you want something a bit different.
What You’ll Need:
-
1 cup water
-
1 teaspoon Pumpkin Spice Chai tea leaves
-
1 teaspoon Russian Caravan tea leaves
-
1 cup regular milk (or half and half)
-
1 tablespoon maple syrup
-
1/4 teaspoon star anise powder or 1 whole star anise
-
Optional: a dash of cardamom and cloves for extra spice
How to Make It:
-
Brew the Tea:
-
In a small pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add both the Pumpkin Spice Chai and Russian Caravan tea leaves, along with the star anise. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes to let all those smoky, spicy flavors come through.
-
-
Add Milk and Sweetener:
-
Stir in the milk and maple syrup, and keep heating on low until it’s all warmed up and cozy.
-
-
Strain and Froth:
-
Strain the tea into a mug, getting rid of the leaves and star anise. Froth the milk and pour it over the tea.
-
-
Garnish and Sip:
-
Sprinkle with a little cardamom and cloves if you’re feeling fancy. This one’s perfect for sipping by the fire!
-
Alternative Options:
-
Coconut milk or soy milk both work really well in this recipe if you want to switch things up!
Ghost Pumpkin Spice Chai Iced Latte
Bring a spooky twist to your iced latte this fall with our Ghost Pumpkin Spice Chai Iced Latte. It’s a chillingly delightful treat that combines the flavors of autumn with a dash of Halloween fun!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of water
- 2 teaspoons or 1 sachet of Pumpkin Spice Chai tea leaves
- 1/2 cup half and half (or your preferred milk)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Marshmallow fluff
- Dry erase marker
- Ice cubes
How to Make It:
-
Brew the Tea:
- Boil 1 cup of water, then steep the Pumpkin Spice Chai tea leaves for about 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea and allow it to cool completely. You can speed this up by placing it in the refrigerator or pouring it over extra ice.
-
Prepare the Glass:
- Spread a thin smear of marshmallow fluff on the inside of a clear glass.
- On the outside of the glass, use a dry erase marker to draw ghostly eyes and a mouth.
-
Mix the Milk:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the half and half, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
-
Assemble Your Iced Latte:
- Pour the cooled chai in the glass
- Gently add the spiced milk mixture on top, letting it swirl and mix naturally with the tea.
-
Reveal the Ghost:
- As the milk mixes with the tea, the ghostly face drawn on the outside of the glass will eerily appear through the clear beverage.
-
Enjoy Your Spooky Sip:
- Delight in the playful and tasty Ghost Pumpkin Spice Chai Iced Latte, perfect for a Halloween treat or a whimsical fall refreshment.
This iced version ensures that your ghostly companion stays intact and visible as you enjoy your refreshing beverage. Snap a picture of your ghostly creation and share it with us on social media. We can’t wait to see your spooky and creative lattes! 🎃👻
Sweetening Your Latte: Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar, and Beyond
Sweeteners can change the whole vibe of your latte, and with Pumpkin Spice Chai, you’ve got plenty of options. Maple syrup adds a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm spices. Brown sugar gives a deeper, molasses-like flavor, while coconut sugar offers a subtle caramel note. Try experimenting with different sweeteners to find your favorite combination!
Sweetener Suggestions:
-
Maple Syrup: For a classic fall sweetness.
-
Brown Sugar: For a deeper, richer flavor.
-
Coconut Sugar: For a hint of caramel.
-
Honey: For a floral, natural sweetness.
Adding Pumpkin Puree for Extra Creaminess
If you love the taste of pumpkin, why not go all out and add some pumpkin puree to your latte? This addition gives your drink an extra layer of creaminess and that rich, earthy pumpkin flavor we all adore. Simply whisk a spoonful of pumpkin puree into your milk or half and half while warming it up for your latte. Not only does this enhance the texture, but it also deepens the flavor, making your latte even more indulgent.
Pumpkin Puree Addition:
-
Add 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree to your milk or half and half while warming.
-
Whisk until smooth, then froth as usual.
-
Combine with your brewed chai and enjoy!
How to Cold Brew Pumpkin Spice Chai
If you’re a fan of cold brew and want a quick way to enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Chai the next morning, we’ve got you covered. Cold brewing is a simple, fuss-free method that brings out the tea’s rich flavors without the bitterness that sometimes comes with hot brewing. Just add your Pumpkin Spice Chai to a jar with the Craft Cold Brew Filter, fill it up with water, and let it steep in the fridge overnight. By morning, you’ll have a perfectly brewed, smooth iced chai ready to pour over ice or mix into your favorite latte recipe.
Cold Brew Instructions:
-
Add 1 teaspoon of Pumpkin Spice Chai per every 8 oz. of water to a Mason jar.
-
Fill the jar with cold water and attach the Craft Cold Brew Filter.
-
Seal and refrigerate overnight (about 8-12 hours).
-
In the morning, pour out your freshly brewed Pumpkin Spice Chai Cold Brew into a cup, or make it an iced latte with the recipe above!
Make It a Meal: Pairing Your Latte with Fall Treats
Pumpkin Spice Chai Lattes are delicious on their own, but pairing them with your favorite fall treats takes the experience to a new level. Whether it’s a warm slice of pumpkin bread, a spiced shortbread cookie, or a piece of apple pie, these snacks perfectly complement the flavors in your latte. We recommend making a batch of Pumpkin Spice Chai Shortbread Cookies to enjoy alongside your drink for the ultimate fall treat.
Pairing Ideas:
-
Pumpkin Bread: Moist, spiced, and perfect for dunking.
-
Pumpkin Spice Chai Shortbread Cookies: With a hint of chai spice.
-
Apple Pie: Sweet, tangy, and a great match for chai.
Storing and Reheating Your Pumpkin Spice Chai
If you’ve made a big batch of Pumpkin Spice Chai and want to save some for later, you can easily store it in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add fresh frothed milk or half and half before serving, and you have a delicious pumpkin chai latte ready to go!
Storage Tips:
-
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, then add fresh frothed milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes The Tea Spot’s Pumpkin Spice Chai different from other chai blends?
A: Our Pumpkin Spice Chai blend is crafted with Assam black tea and a warm blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, green cardamom pods, allspice, and cloves. We also add a touch of natural pumpkin flavor, making it the perfect fall treat!
Q: Can I use non-dairy milk for these recipes?
A: Absolutely! While we recommend regular milk or half and half for a rich and creamy texture, these recipes work wonderfully with almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk.
Q: How should I store my Pumpkin Spice Chai tea?
A: To keep your Pumpkin Spice Chai fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. A cool, dry pantry is the perfect spot!
Q: Can I make these lattes ahead of time?
A: Sure thing! You can brew the tea and store it in the fridge for a few days. When you’re ready, just heat it up, froth your milk, and enjoy!
About The Tea Spot
At The Tea Spot, we’re all about helping you embrace life’s moments with the perfect cup of tea. We’re a women-owned, Certified B Corp based in the US, and we take pride in crafting premium loose-leaf teas and Steepware® that make it easy to enjoy your favorite tea wherever you are. We believe that everyone deserves to experience the joy and wellness benefits of tea, which is why we donate 10% of our profits to wellness programs. So when you sip on our Pumpkin Spice Chai, you’re not just enjoying a delicious drink—you’re also supporting a company that cares.
Thanks for joining us in celebrating the best of fall with these Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte recipes. We can’t wait to see how you make them your own! If you make any of them, be sure to tag us on social media and we'll share your creations to our story! Cheers to cozy moments and flavorful sips! 🍂