Better Than Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte: Easy Homemade Recipe
This homemade iced pumpkin chai latte is quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients. It delivers bold chai spices and creamy pumpkin flavor without the coffee shop price tag or wait.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chai tea bags (e.g., Tazo or Stash)
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground ginger
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk of choice (whole, oat, or almond)
- Ice cubes (enough to fill glass)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
- Extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Steep the chai tea: Bring 1 cup of water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, add both chai tea bags, and let steep for 5 minutes. Do not squeeze the bags.
- Prepare the pumpkin mixture: In a small bowl, combine pumpkin puree, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of ginger. Whisk until smooth. If too thick, add a tablespoon of steeped tea.
- Combine tea and pumpkin mixture: Remove tea bags from the steeped tea. Pour the warm chai into the pumpkin mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Cool the base: Let the pumpkin chai mixture cool for 2-3 minutes at room temperature (or place in the fridge for 1-2 minutes).
- Fill glass with ice: Add enough ice cubes to fill a serving glass about three-quarters full.
- Pour chai base over ice: Slowly pour the cooled pumpkin chai mixture over the ice.
- Add milk: Pour the milk over the chai base. For a layered look, pour slowly over the back of a spoon. If using frothed milk, spoon foam on top.
- Garnish and serve: Top with whipped cream if desired, and sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top. Insert a straw, stir gently if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
For a stronger chai flavor, steep tea bags for 7 minutes instead of 5. The chai base can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or almond milk. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (16 oz)
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 28
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: iced pumpkin chai latte, pumpkin chai, homemade chai latte, fall drink, pumpkin spice latte, easy chai recipe