Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte cravings have ruined my fall wallet, seriously. Ever have that moment when you’re wishing for something warm and spicy but also cold, and also, you know, not seven bucks? Yeah, me too. If you’re already a fan of cozy lattes like this Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai Latte Starbucks Copycat or dream about pumpkin-y drinks all year (guilty), it’s time to stop waiting in line. And hey, you can get a little wild, toss in some roasted marshmallow flavors from this Sipping Iced Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte Coffee Copycat, and make it all yours. If you’re wondering if this homemade version is as good as your favorite shop, let’s just say… you might never look back.
What is the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte?
Okay, so real quick, what on earth is this drink? It’s basically that warm hug-in-a-mug taste but poured over ice. Imagine: creamy pumpkin goodness, black tea spice, and chai flavor all working together, with a fluffy pumpkin cream on top. The iced part keeps it refreshing. The pumpkin cream makes you do a happy little chair wiggle. Chai means a little kick of cinnamon, cardamom, and all the rest. It’s a fall classic — or, if you ask me, kind of perfect any time you want autumn in a cup. Not gonna lie, the first time I nailed this at home, I danced in my slippers. Even if you’re skeptical (I was, I get it), trust me, this one’s a keeper. Some folks like it as a treat after a long walk, some use it as a mid-morning pick-me-up. However you roll, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte puts big flavor into a simple, real-life kind of day.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte recipe is for every person out there who wants coffee shop magic without leaving their kitchen. Here’s the thing – you get all the stuff you love: creamy pumpkin, spicy chai, and sweet, chilly refreshment. Plus, it’s way cheaper, and you can tweak the sweetness or spice to your mood (or, let’s be honest, your energy level). I’ve tested tons of versions (okay, I may have gone a little overboard, my kitchen was a chai puddle), and this one hits that perfect not-too-sweet spot. If you’re into simple routines that still feel like a treat, you’re gonna be obsessed. And I mean, making your own pumpkin cream topping – that’s top-tier adulting. Seriously, once you master it, you might find yourself skipping that drive-thru for good.
Recommended Kitchen Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets, but a few basics help. A milk frother is gold, but honestly, a whisk does the trick if you put some elbow into it. A decent mason jar for shaking up your drink (or a glass with a lid, improvise like a boss), and a little saucepan for the pumpkin cream. A strainer is handy if your chai leaves get wild. That’s it! No need to take over your counter. Just make sure you’ve got a way to chill your drink quickly, because waiting for it to cool is basically torture.
Variations on drink
There’s more than one way to spin an Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte – that’s the genuine perk of making it yourself. Maybe you’re all about spicy? Toss in some extra ginger or use a spicy chai bag. Don’t do dairy? Oat milk is super creamy and blends beautifully, almond or coconut work too. Vegan friends: just swap in maple syrup and plant-based cream for the topping, easy. Try adding a splash of espresso and turn it into a “dirty chai” if you need caffeine that’ll wake the neighbors. Kids want in? Skip the tea, double the milk, and make a pumpkin “steamer” that’s caffeine-free but still cozy as all get-out. It’s your kitchen – make it wild, make it yours. Oh, and if pumpkin’s your main character, you could even layer in a little caramel drizzle, inspired by this Caramelized Vanilla Iced Latte Recipe.
Expert Tips
I’ll be honest, it took a bunch of soggy experiments for me to stop messing up the pumpkin cream. First, don’t skip chilling your tea – room temp just won’t cut it. Second, use real pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, which has spices and sugar added). You want to control the flavors. I whisk my pumpkin and cream like I mean it, until it’s a little fluffy – not whipped cream level, just light. Sweeten slowly, taste as you go. And here’s the sneaky trick: pour your cold tea and ice first, THEN that dreamy pumpkin cream on top, so the layers stay pretty. Not that you won’t stir it up in two seconds, but hey, if you want pretty TikTok-worthy drinks, that’s how you get ‘em.
Serving Suggestions
- Pour into a big glass over a pile of ice for that dramatic look.
- Add a cinnamon stick or dash of nutmeg on top for extra “wow.”
- Pair your drink with a slice of fresh pumpkin bread or a gingersnap cookie for maximum fall vibes.
- Serve in a mason jar, and nobody will know you didn’t grab this from the big coffee franchise.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought chai concentrate?
A: Totally, just dial back the sweetener a bit or your teeth might shiver.
Q: Is canned pumpkin or homemade better?
A: Trick question! Canned is easier (I honestly only use homemade if I’m feeling extra, which is once in a blue moon).
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Start with less syrup or sugar and add slowly until you hit your sweet spot.
Q: What’s the best milk for frothing?
A: Whole milk is classic, but oat milk will foam great and adds a creamy boost.
Q: Can I hot this up if I want?
A: Heck yes. Skip the ice and warm your tea – you’ll get all the flavors, just cozy-style.
Go Treat Yourself to a Homemade Sip!
If you’ve made it this far – trust me, trying your own Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is too fun (and easy) not to do. You’ll save a bunch of money, and honestly, yours could taste like five-star restaurant level once you tweak it like you want. Got the fall drink bug real bad? Check out the Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe for more inspiration, or find another cozy sip here: Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}. Give it a shot – you might just start a new autumn ritual (your slippers and wallet will thank you). Happy sipping!
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
A refreshing and creamy iced latte combining pumpkin, spice, and chai flavors, perfect for fall or anytime you crave cozy warmth in a cold drink.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup black tea
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener (like maple syrup or sugar)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Chill the brewed black tea in the refrigerator.
- In a small saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, milk, sweetener, and spices. Whisk until smooth and gently heat, but do not boil.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the chilled tea over the ice.
- Top with the pumpkin cream mixture.
- Add whipped cream on top for garnish if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a sweeter version, adjust the sweetener to your liking. This drink can also be made dairy-free by using oat or almond milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: iced latte, pumpkin, chai, fall drink, pumpkin spice