Today, I’m excited to whip up my favorite treat: an Iced Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte. You’ll find the recipe name familiar if you’ve been following me for a while. It features a black tea base infused with spices, much like the traditional Masala Chai.
Contents
Iced Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte recipe
The Iced Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte is a popular autumn beverage. It combines the flavors of chai tea with pumpkin spice, creating a refreshing drink perfect for autumn. This refreshing drink typically features a base of chilled black tea infused with traditional chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom.
Pumpkin puree is then incorporated into the tea mixture, adding a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness with earthy undertones. To complete the drink, a generous amount of cold milk or a dairy-free alternative is poured over the pumpkin chai tea mixture.
This latte has become especially popular among those who enjoy pumpkin-flavored drinks but prefer tea over coffee. It has been described as cozy yet refreshing, making it an appealing choice for fall lovers who want to enjoy seasonal flavors without the coffee kick. Here’s how to make the Iced Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte:
Iced Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (4 – 6 g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- 1 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the tea bags, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Let it steep for about 5 minutes.
- After steeping, remove the tea bags and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any loose spices.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and maple syrup until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Once chilled, divide the pumpkin chai mixture between two glasses filled with ice cubes.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the milk until steaming (but not boiling).
- Froth the milk using a frother or whisk until it becomes foamy.
- Pour the frothed milk over the pumpkin chai mixture in each glass.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for garnish.
- Stir gently before serving.
Nutrition
Variations
1. Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
To make the creamy version of this recipe, you can add 1/2 cup heavy cream or whipped cream for the cream component to the ingredients. For the instructions, follow steps 1-6 from the base recipe above to prepare the pumpkin chai mixture. Then, continue with those steps:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. If you prefer, you can also use pre-made whipped cream.
- Pour the milk (1 cup) into each glass (from step 5), leaving some space at the top for the cream.
- Spoon a dollop of whipped cream or pour a layer of heavy cream over the top of each glass.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top of the cream for garnish.
- Stir gently before serving to mix the flavors.
2. Milk Alternatives
Milk alternatives significantly influence the mouthfeel and taste of an iced pumpkin chai tea latte. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:
| Milk Type | Texture | Flavor Impact | Best For |
| Dairy | Creamy | Rich, classic | Traditional taste |
| Almond | Light | Nutty, subtle | Low-calorie option |
| Oat | Thick | Sweet, smooth | Closest to dairy |
| Soy | Silky | Neutral, balanced | High-protein choice |
| Coconut | Velvety | Tropical, distinct | Exotic flavor twist |
3. Dietary Adaptations
To create a vegan version:
- Replace dairy milk with a plant-based alternative
- Ensure the pumpkin puree is free from additives
- Use vegan-friendly sweeteners like maple syrup or agave
- Verify that the chai blend doesn’t contain honey
For those watching their calorie intake:
- Reduce the amount of pumpkin puree to lower carbohydrate content
- Use unsweetened almond milk to reduce overall calories
- Opt for sugar-free syrup or stevia as a low-calorie sweetener
If you’re seeking a higher protein option:
- Incorporate a scoop of vanilla protein powder into the recipe
- Use high-protein milk alternatives like soy or pea milk
- Add a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds as a protein-rich topping
Food Pairings
Here are some excellent pairing suggestions for the pumpkin chai tea latte that will enhance your autumn experience:
- Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Bread: This sweet, moist bread perfectly complements the spiced flavors of a latte, making it a delightful midday snack.
- Warm Pumpkin Bread: A classic pairing that enhances the pumpkin flavor in your latte, adding to the comforting experience.
- Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls: Fluffy and gooey, these cinnamon rolls are ideal for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat with your latte.
- Spiced Shortbread Cookies: Buttery with subtle spices, these cookies offer a lovely contrast to the chai’s warmth.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: A copycat of the popular coffee shop favorite, these muffins pair beautifully with the chai’s warm spices and creamy texture.