Guess what? Starbucks has unleashed their fall menu for 2023, and it’s a winner.
This time around, they’ve spiced things up with a couple of fresh sips and treats.
You know the drill – Pumpkin is the star of the show.
The classics are back: the legendary Pumpkin Spice Latte and the ever-popular Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.
But hold on, there’s a newcomer in town – the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.
Hold the coffee, because this one’s a tea-based delight.
Even if you’re not on the coffee train, you can still dive into the pumpkin extravaganza at Starbucks.
I’m usually all about tea, and let me tell you, this chai latte is seriously tempting.
What Is Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte?
Curious about what makes the new chai drink at Starbucks tick?
Here’s the lowdown straight from the company:
“For the iced indulger—who wants a new way to enjoy cozy autumn flavors—this customer-inspired pumpkin cream chai blends the warming spice flavors of chai and pumpkin without the coffee for a perfectly iced cup in fall.”
So, what’s in the mix?
Brace yourself for the goodness: chai tea concentrate, 2% milk, pumpkin spice cold foam, and a generous sprinkle of pumpkin spice topping.
And here’s what makes it more tasty – you can tweak it to match your taste buds!
Customize it to transform this already fantastic drink into your ideal cup of autumn bliss.
Will I Love It? Whyyyy Not!
Why should you dive into making your own Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte at home?
Well, here’s the deal – it’s a dead ringer for the coffee shop version!
First off, the taste is spot-on.
You’ll be sipping on homemade perfection that mirrors the one you’d get at your favorite coffee joint.
And guess what? It’s a breeze to whip up.
Prepare the pumpkin spice cream in advance, and when the craving hits, transform it into a delightful cold foam just before you’re ready to savor your creation.
But the best part?
You’re the boss of your drink. Customize it as you please.
Throw in whatever tickles your taste buds.
Feeling the need for a coffee kick?
Go ahead and add a shot of espresso. It’s your drink, your way.
Ingredients to Make Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks Copycat
Despite its mouthful of a name, creating this beverage is a breeze.
Below, I’ve outlined the key players you’ll need to get your hands on.
Remember to glance at the recipe card at the end for exact amounts and detailed instructions. Here we go:
1. Chai Tea Concentrate
Starbucks might not sell their chai tea concentrate, but don’t fret.
Opt for Tazo Chai Tea Concentrate or your preferred brand.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, I’ve got info on brewing a homemade chai tea using tea bags. Your call.
2. 2% Milk
Mix this 2% milk with the chai tea concentrate, and you’re on your way to flavor town.
3. Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam
Time to amp up the excitement with that pumpkin kick. Making it at home is a breeze. Gather these:
- 2% milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla simple syrup (DIY or store-bought, your choice)
- Pumpkin spice sauce (homemade or store-bought, your call)
4. Making Your Own Pumpkin Spice Sauce
Fancy going the extra mile? Here’s what you need:
- Sweetened condensed milk (nonfat if you can find it, but regular works too)
- Pumpkin puree
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sauce – Recipe
If you want to recreate the Starbucks experience in your own kitchen, nailing the pumpkin spice sauce is crucial.
Starbucks spills the beans on their recipe, boasting a blend of condensed skim milk, sugar, pumpkin puree, and natural flavors.
Now, let’s get you there.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk (go for fat-free if you can find it)
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
The Steps
- Combine Ingredients: Dump the condensed milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and salt into a saucepan. No need to sugar-coat it; the milk’s already sweet.
- Heat It Up: Stir the concoction over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. You’re aiming for that gentle bubble, not a full-blown eruption.
- Vanilla Twist: Once off the heat, toss in a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Cool Vibes: Transfer your soon-to-be legendary pumpkin spice sauce into a heat-proof container. A mason jar is my go-to. Pop it in the fridge to cool – patience is a virtue.
How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cold Fold – Recipe
Grab a big jar.
Not a tiny one, we need space.
Pour in ¾ cup of 2% milk, ¼ cup of heavy cream, 2 ½ tablespoons of pumpkin spice sauce, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup.
Shake that jar like you mean it—mix it all up real good.
No vanilla syrup? No biggie.
Throw in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.
If you don’t have a fancy jar, a bowl will do.
Mix everything in there and then transfer it to something airtight.
Keep that pumpkin magic in the fridge if you’re not using it pronto.
Transforming Cold Cream into Cold Foam
When you’re ready to indulge in your Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, it’s time to turn that cold cream into cold foam.
Options? You got ’em.
Electric frother, hand mixer, or blender—pick your weapon.
Toss the sweet cream in and let it froth, mix, or blend until it’s a foamy dream.
Pro Tip
Give that frother a few rounds if you want some serious foam action.
If it’s not playing nice, take out half the mix and do it in batches.
No fancy gadgets? No problem.
Keep the mix in the mason jar and give it a vigorous shake. Shake it until it’s frothy.
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
You’ve got everything you need for your drink, so let’s whip it up.
1. Chai Concentrate on Ice: Start by adding your chai tea concentrate to a glass filled with ice.
2. Pour in the Milk: Now, pour the milk into that same glass. Simple.
3. Top it with Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam: Take it up a notch by crowning your drink with pumpkin cream cold foam.
Pour it in, and if you’re feeling fancy, spoon some of that extra frothy goodness on top.
4. Sprinkle Pumpkin Pie Spice: Give it that final touch by sprinkling pumpkin pie spice over the top.
It adds a little something extra.
No need to overthink it; the layers of flavor in this drink speak for themselves.
It’s a delicious blend of chai’s spices and the comforting taste of pumpkin!
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte Even Tastier!
Sure, you can stick to the classic Starbucks-style Pumpkin Chai Latte, but why not kick it up a notch?
Here are some ideas to add that extra touch of deliciousness:
1. Go Dirty with Espresso
Feeling a bit bolder? Add a shot or two of espresso to transform it into a dirty pumpkin chai.
It’s an espresso-infused twist for the coffee enthusiasts.
2. Opt for Pumpkin Sweet Cream
Craving more pumpkin goodness? Swap out the 2% milk for an all-out pumpkin sweet cream that you’ve made.
Keep in mind, it does amp up the calories, but it’s worth it for that extra pumpkin punch.
3. Drizzle Some Caramel
Want to intensify the fall vibes? Drizzle some caramel over your latte for that extra layer of autumn flavor.
It’s a simple yet effective addition.
4. Pick Your Dairy or Alternative
Customize the base by choosing your preferred dairy or dairy alternative.
Whether it’s oat milk, coconut milk, or almond milk, just know that it will bring a slight flavor shift to your drink.
5. Experiment with Flavored Syrups
Get creative with syrups. Brown sugar, cinnamon dolce, pumpkin, apple, or caramel – take your pick.
Each brings a unique twist to your pumpkin chai latte.
6. Pair it Right
Elevate your overall experience by enjoying your pumpkin chai with homemade pumpkin bread or pumpkin cheesecake cookies.
It’s the perfect combo for a delightful treat.
There you have it – a few simple tweaks to make your Pumpkin Chai Latte uniquely yours.
Iced pumpkin drinks are a fantastic idea, no matter the weather.
Now, speaking of fall delights, what drinks and treats are catching your eye this season?
Whether it’s a cozy beverage or a tasty treat, share your fall favorites!
Related Milk Tea Recipes
Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
Course: DrinksCuisine: American1
servings15
minutes5
minutes300
kcal20
minutesA delightful fusion of chai tea and pumpkin flavors, topped with a velvety pumpkin cream cold foam.
Ingredients
Ice
3 oz chai tea concentrate
4 oz 2% milk
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
¾ cup 2% milk
¼ cup heavy cream
2 ½ tbsp pumpkin spice sauce (store-bought or homemade, see below)
2 tsp vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade, see notes)
- Pumpkin Spice Sauce
1 14 oz. can fat-free sweetened condensed milk (or regular)
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Fill a glass with ice and add 3 oz of chai tea concentrate.
- Pour 4 oz of 2% milk into the glass.
- Prepare Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
- In a mason jar, combine ¾ cup 2% milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 ½ tbsp pumpkin spice sauce, and 2 tsp vanilla syrup.
- Shake the jar to combine or stir in a bowl.
- Store in the fridge if not using immediately.
- Just before use, turn the mixture into cold foam using an electric frother, hand mixer, blender, or shake vigorously in a jar until frothy.
- Prepare Pumpkin Spice Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice, and ¼ tsp salt.
- Heat for about 5 minutes until it starts to bubble, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Cool the sauce in the fridge.
- Top the chai tea and milk with pumpkin cream cold foam.
- Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice over the foam.
- Enjoy your Chai Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Substitute vanilla syrup with 1 tsp vanilla extract if unavailable.
Pumpkin spice sauce recipe yields enough for 8 lattes; each cold foam batch is for 3 drinks. Store in the fridge and froth when needed.