There’s nothing quite like the cozy, spicy warmth of autumn captured in a glass, and that’s exactly what the Iced Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe delivers. This delightful beverage blends robust black tea infused with fragrant cardamom and ginger, all sweetened with homemade pumpkin spice syrup and balanced with creamy milk over ice. Each sip sings with the perfect harmony of pumpkin’s earthy sweetness and the spicy chai notes, making it a refreshing yet comforting treat you’ll want to enjoy well beyond the fall season. If you’ve been craving an indulgent but homemade alternative to store-bought flavored lattes, this recipe will become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Iced Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe is how straightforward and wholesome the ingredients are. Each component plays an essential role—whether it’s the intense black tea that forms the base, the aromatic spices that give chai its signature warmth, or the luscious pumpkin puree that adds richness and color. Let’s break down what you need to bring this delicious drink to life.
- Loose leaf black tea (50 g): Opt for a bold, high-quality black tea to create a rich, flavorful chai concentrate.
- Cardamom pods (20, crushed): These aromatic pods elevate the chai with a sweet, citrusy punch.
- Ginger (1/2 tsp): Fresh or ground, ginger adds warmth and a subtle zing.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp): Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- Water (5 cups total): The foundation for both chai concentrate and pumpkin syrup.
- Coconut sugar (185 g total): Provides natural sweetness with a hint of caramel—adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Pumpkin puree (1 cup): Brings authentic pumpkin goodness and creamy texture.
- Pumpkin spice (1 tbsp): The essential blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice for that unmistakable fall flavor.
- Vanilla bean paste (1 tsp): Adds a rich, fragrant vanilla note that rounds out the spices beautifully.
- Creamy milk (1/2 cup): Use your favorite milk or milk alternative for smoothness in the latte.
- Pumpkin spice syrup (2 tbsp): This syrup will top the latte with sweet, spiced pumpkin flair.
How to Make Iced Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe
Step 1: Make The Chai Concentrate
Start by assembling the chai concentrate that forms the heart of this drink. Combine the loose leaf black tea, crushed cardamom pods, ginger, kosher salt, and water in a pot. Bring the mixture to a lively boil over medium-high heat, then immediately turn off the stove and let the tea steep for about 7 minutes to extract all the spices and bold tea essence. The steeping adds depth, drawing out those warm, spicy notes you love.
Step 2: Sweeten, Strain, and Store the Chai
Once brewed, strain the hot tea through a fine mesh sieve into a large jar where you’ve already placed the coconut sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely; this step infuses your chai concentrate with a subtle caramel sweetness. Remember, the flavors intensify as the tea cools, so taste carefully and adjust the sugar if needed. Set the concentrate aside in your fridge overnight to meld all flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Next, give your latte that perfect pumpkin punch by whisking together water, coconut sugar, pumpkin puree, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until thick and syrupy. Stir in the pumpkin spice and vanilla bean paste off the heat—the residual warmth just blooms the spices without diminishing the vanilla’s fragrant essence. Strain the syrup into a clean jar and chill it to be ready for your latte.
Step 4: Assemble Your Iced Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
At last, it’s time to build your drink. Fill a glass halfway with ice, pour in 1/2 cup of the cooled chai concentrate, then add 1/2 cup of creamy milk. Finish with 2 tablespoons of that luscious pumpkin spice syrup and give everything a gentle stir. The layers of spice, sweetness, tea, and cream come together for a refreshingly balanced, iced latte experience bursting with seasonal charm.
Step 5: Optional Pumpkin Cold Cream Topping
For those looking to elevate their latte even further, try whipping up a pumpkin-flavored cold cream. Lightly froth together a quarter cup of your favorite creamer with a tablespoon of pumpkin spice syrup, then spoon it over the latte. This creamy topper adds richness and a velvety texture, though it may soften the tea-forward notes slightly, making the drink more indulgently milky.
How to Serve Iced Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, simplicity is key. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg over the foam can instantly transform the visual and flavor appeal. You could also add a small cinnamon stick or a star anise pod for a charming rustic look that invites you to relax and savor each sip.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs beautifully with cozy autumn snacks. Think spiced biscotti, pumpkin muffins, or a slice of gingerbread cake. These sides complement the chai spices and pumpkin notes in the latte while keeping the comfort factor high during any casual gathering or quiet morning indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or delight yourself with style? Serve this iced latte in a mason jar tied with twine and a little cinnamon stick attached for a charming rustic vibe. Or layer the ingredients gently in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful swirl of chai, syrup, and milk before mixing. For special occasions, rim the glass with a mix of cinnamon sugar to add a sparkling, sweet surprise with every sip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Both the chai concentrate and pumpkin spice syrup store wonderfully in the fridge for up to a week. Keep them separate in airtight glass jars to preserve their freshness and robust flavor. When ready to enjoy, just combine as directed for a fresh latte experience any time.
Freezing
While freezing the concentrate or syrup isn’t generally recommended because it might alter the texture and flavor slightly, you can freeze pumpkin puree before making the syrup if you have leftovers. Just thaw it fully before use to maintain the best quality in your latte.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm version of this delightful beverage, gently reheat the chai concentrate and pumpkin syrup separately before mixing with warmed milk. Avoid boiling once combined as it can change the creamy texture, but warming the components will give you a cozy, spiced pumpkin chai latte anytime you crave.
FAQs
Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaf tea for the chai concentrate?
Absolutely! While loose leaf tea generally provides a richer flavor, high-quality black tea bags can work in a pinch. Just use about 5 to 6 tea bags for the same strength and steep the same amount of time.
How spicy is this iced pumpkin spice chai latte?
The spice level is pleasantly balanced—not too overpowering, but enough to give a warm, cozy kick. You can always adjust how much ginger or pumpkin spice blend you use in the syrup to tailor it to your taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the creamy milk with your favorite plant-based alternative like oat, almond, or coconut milk for a luscious dairy-free option that pairs beautifully with the chai and pumpkin.
Is the pumpkin spice syrup very sweet?
Yes, the syrup is quite sweet to create that signature latte taste, so the recipe recommends starting with 1/4 cup coconut sugar in the chai concentrate and adjusting from there. You can always tweak sweetness to suit your preference.
How long does the iced pumpkin spice chai latte take to prepare?
The full process, including making the concentrate, syrup, and assembling the latte, takes about 50 minutes. But don’t worry—the effort is worthwhile to savor every flavorful sip!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the perfect fall-inspired drink that feels like a warm hug in a glass, this Iced Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe is your new best friend. It’s surprisingly easy to make, wonderfully customizable, and delivers deep layers of spice, sweetness, and pumpkin goodness that will brighten your day. So grab your tea, some pumpkin, and get ready to enjoy a fresh spin on a beloved seasonal classic. Cheers to cozy moments made cool and delicious!
Print
Iced Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Iced Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte is a cozy and refreshing fall-inspired beverage featuring a rich chai concentrate infused with aromatic spices, sweetened with coconut sugar, and combined with a luscious homemade pumpkin spice syrup. Served over ice with creamy milk and optionally topped with a pumpkin cold foam, this latte offers a perfect balance of warm spices and cool refreshment, ideal for pumpkin lovers looking to enjoy the flavors of autumn year-round.
Ingredients
Chai Concentrate
- 1/2 cup (25 g) loose leaf black tea
- 10 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 4 cups (850 g) water
- 1/4 cup (35 g) coconut sugar (adjust up to 1/2 cup for sweeter concentrate)
Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- 1 cup (215 g) water
- 1 cup (150 g) coconut sugar
- 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp pumpkin spice blend
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Latte Assembly
- 1/2 cup chai concentrate
- 1/2 cup (120 g) creamy milk (dairy or preferred milk alternative)
- 2 tbsp (25 g) pumpkin spice syrup
Optional Pumpkin Cold Foam Topping
- 1/4 cup creamer of choice
- 1 tbsp pumpkin spice syrup
Instructions
- Make the Chai Concentrate: In a pot, combine the loose leaf black tea, crushed cardamom pods, ground ginger, kosher salt, and 4 cups of water. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a roiling boil, about 5 minutes. Immediately turn off the heat and allow the tea to steep for 7 minutes or according to your tea package instructions for ideal flavor extraction.
- Sweeten and Strain the Chai: Place the coconut sugar at the bottom of a large jar. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the hot tea mixture into the jar, catching all solids. Stir well until the coconut sugar dissolves completely. Taste the concentrate and adjust the sweetness if needed, knowing that the flavor intensity and sweetness will develop as it cools. Store the chai concentrate in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Syrup: In a large pan or pot, combine the water, coconut sugar, pumpkin puree, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the syrup to reduce and thicken to about half its original volume.
- Finish the Syrup: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the pumpkin spice blend and vanilla bean paste. This timing ensures the vanilla flavor remains vibrant and the spices bloom without burning. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag to remove any solids. Transfer the syrup to a glass jar and refrigerate until ready to use. Expect approximately 305 grams of syrup, which is half the starting weight.
- Assemble the Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte: Fill a glass halfway with ice. Pour in 1/2 cup of the chai concentrate, followed by 1/2 cup of creamy milk, and add 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin spice syrup. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors before enjoying your latte.
- Optional Pumpkin Cold Foam: For an elevated twist, froth together 1/4 cup of your chosen creamer with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin spice syrup until light and airy. Gently pour this pumpkin cold foam atop your prepared latte. Note that this topping will create a milkier, less tea-forward drink.
Notes
- The sweetness of the chai concentrate and pumpkin spice syrup can be adjusted to suit personal taste, but keep in mind that the syrup adds additional sweetness.
- Steeping time for the tea can vary based on the tea brand; adjust accordingly to avoid over-brewing and bitterness.
- The pumpkin cold foam topping is optional and changes the overall flavor balance towards creaminess over tea intensity.
- Use freshly crushed cardamom pods and high-quality pumpkin spice blend for the best aromatic flavor.
- The chai concentrate can be stored refrigerated for up to one week for easy latte preparation.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk alternatives and ensure your coconut sugar and vanilla paste are vegan-friendly.
