Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte with Chai Tea
An iced pumpkin chai latte with chai tea is my go-to drink when autumn arrives and the days are still warm enough to call for something chilled. It combines the creamy richness of pumpkin, the warming notes of spice from masala chai, and the fragrant depth of a classic chai latte, all served over ice for a refreshing twist.
This iced pumpkin spice latte is a seasonal favourite with a difference: it blends the iconic pumpkin spice latte with the soothing character of a pumpkin chai latte. Better still, it’s simple to make at home.
From a quick and easy homemade iced latte to a lighter dairy-free iced pumpkin chai latte, or even a Starbucks-style copycat latte that brings the coffee shop experience home, this recipe offers something for everyone.
With only a handful of ingredients, you’ll have an iced spicy latte recipe that feels indulgent but can easily be made refined sugar-free or finished with a decadent pumpkin cream cold foam. It’s the perfect choice for those warmer autumn days when you still crave the cosy flavours of the season, but in a cool, refreshing glass.
Why Pumpkin Goes So Well with Chai Tea
Pumpkin and chai tea (correctly named masala chai) are a natural pairing because they share the same warm, aromatic spice family. The sweetness of pumpkin purée balances just perfectly with chai’s bold blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. Together, they create a comforting flavour profile that feels both cosy and indulgent, making an iced pumpkin chai latte with chai tea the perfect seasonal drink for autumn.
If you love pumpkin spice everything, you may also love to learn to 👉 blend your own masala chai at home.
Hot vs Iced Pumpkin Chai Lattes
Both hot and iced versions of the pumpkin chai latte deliver those cosy autumn flavours, but the experience is completely different. A hot pumpkin chai latte is creamy, warming, and perfect for chilly evenings when you want comfort in a mug. In contrast, an iced pumpkin chai latte with chai tea is refreshing and light, making it ideal for warmer autumn days when you still crave the spiced sweetness of pumpkin and masala chai, but in a cool and invigorating way.
If you prefer a more warming autumn latte, try this recipe 👉 pumpkin pie tea latte.
If you are in the mood for more warming fall-time teas, you may also love this recipe for an 👉 apple and chai hot toddy made with masala chai-infused apple juice and a dash of whisky!
Alternatively, if you love refreshing autumn flavours, try this delicious 👉 pumpkin smoothie made with chai tea.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin Chai Latte
🎃 Steep it well: Start with strongly brewed masala chai tea for the best flavour. If you don’t have masala chai to hand, try a robust black tea such as English Breakfast or Assam, then add a pinch of pumpkin spice or allspice to capture that wonderful warming autumn taste.
🎃 Cool it down: For this iced version, you can brew your tea ahead of time and chill it in the fridge. Alternatively, you can also make a refreshing cold-brewed iced tea by steeping tea bags or loose-leaf chai in cold water for 4 hours or overnight. This gives a smooth, less bitter base for your latte.
🎃 Sweeten it your way: For a classic flavour, try a pumpkin chai latte with maple syrup; the smoky sweetness pairs perfectly with pumpkin and chai spices. Prefer something different? Honey, agave, or even granulated sugar work well too. If using sugar, stir it into the hot tea so it dissolves smoothly, with brown sugar adding an extra layer of warmth. Low sugar pumpkin chai lattes work well with stevia, monk fruit, or shop-bought sugar-free syrups.
🎃 Blend it smooth: The easiest way to make your pumpkin creamer is by blending it. Use a blender or immersion blender for a silky finish, or try a handheld frother or even a mason jar with a tight lid; just shake vigorously until frothy.
Making pumpkin purée at home is easier than you think 👉 here’s my go-to pumpkin purée recipe
🎃 Cream it up: Customise your latte with any milk and cream you fancy: regular dairy, almond, oat, coconut, or soy all work fabulously. Each option brings its own unique creaminess and flavour.
🎃 Top it off: Finish your iced pumpkin chai latte with chai tea with whipped cream (dairy or plant baased), a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of my homemade pumpkin spice syrup. This syrup is also delicious on autumn desserts, hot teas, toddies, or even French toast. For a Starbucks-style latte, top your spiced latte with cold foam.
🎃 Pair it with cake: No pumpkin latte is complete without a little something sweet on the side. Try it with pumpkin spice crumble top muffins or traditional English rock cakes, both are perfect companions to a spiced chai drink.
How to Make an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte with Chai Tea
Ingredients (Serves 2)
4 tsp (or 3-4 tea bags) of masala chai
1/2 cup (4fl oz) of freshly boiled water
1.5 cups of milk (12fl oz) - dairy or plant-based
2 tablespoons of heavy/double cream - dairy or plant-based
4 tablespoons of pumpkin purée
4 tablespoons of maple syrup - adjust to taste
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream - or cold foam to serve
Dusting of cinnamon to serve
Method
Firstly, strongly brew your chai concentrate in 1/2 cup of freshly boiled water and allow to steep for around 5 minutes before removing the tea bags or straining out the leaves. Set aside to cool completely.
Next, using a blender, mix the pumpkin purée with milk, cream, maple syrup, pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until smooth and silky.
In large glasses, add lots of ice, and add the chai tea concentrate between the two glasses. Top with the creamy coconut mixture.
Finish with a swirl of whipped cream or cold foam and a light dusting of cinnamon. Enjoy!
To make cold foam (serves 2): In a mason jar with a lid, mix together 6 tbsp of heavy/double cream, 12tbsp of milk (dairy or plant-based), and 2tbsp of vanilla simple syrup or pumpkin spice syrup for extra pumpkiness. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture is well combined and foamy.
Making simple syrup couldn’t be easier with my 👉 homemade pumpkin spice syrup recipe.
Pumpkin Cold Foam Chai Latte Recipe
If you’ve ever tried the Starbucks favourite, you’ll know why a pumpkin cold foam chai latte is ever so popular in autumn. The good news is, it’s simple to recreate at home. By vigorously mixing a little pumpkin purée, milk, cream, pumpkin spice syrup, vanilla syrup (or maple syrup, and pumpkin spice) until light and frothy, you can make your own cold foam to spoon over an iced chai latte.
This Starbucks copycat iced pumpkin cream chai latte tastes just like the café version but is easy to customise if you prefer dairy-free, extra sweet, or refined-sugar-free. It’s the perfect DIY fall drink to enjoy when you’re craving that cosy coffee shop vibe at home!
Vegan Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte
For a plant-based twist, try a vegan iced pumpkin chai latte. Simply swap the dairy milk and cream for creamy coconut milk (my favourite!), oat milk, or almond milk, and top with coconut whipped cream or vegan cold foam. The result is just as indulgent as the classic version, with all the cosy pumpkin and chai flavours you love, but completely dairy-free.
Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte with Chai Tea (Serves 2)
Ingredients
- 4 tsp (or 3–4 tea bags) masala chai
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) freshly boiled water
- 1½ cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) milk – dairy or plant-based
- 2 tbsp double/heavy cream – dairy or plant-based
- 4 tbsp pumpkin purée
- 4 tbsp maple syrup – adjust to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream or cold foam, to serve
- Dusting of cinnamon, to serve
Method
- Brew the chai: Steep the chai in ½ cup freshly boiled water for around 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags or strain the leaves, then allow to cool completely.
- Blend the pumpkin mix: In a blender, combine pumpkin purée, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and silky.
- Assemble: Fill two large glasses with ice. Pour the cooled chai concentrate evenly between them.
- Finish: Top with the pumpkin mixture, stir gently, and add whipped cream or cold foam with a dusting of cinnamon. Enjoy!
10 FAQs
1. What is an iced pumpkin chai latte with chai tea?
It’s a chilled drink that blends the creamy flavour of pumpkin with warming autumn spices and the fragrant notes of chai tea, served over ice for a refreshing twist.
2. Is an iced pumpkin spice latte the same as a pumpkin chai latte?
Not quite, a pumpkin spice latte usually uses coffee, while a pumpkin chai latte swaps coffee for spiced black tea, giving a more fragrant and lightly spiced flavour.
3. Can I make this iced pumpkin chai latte recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap cow’s milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk to enjoy a dairy-free iced pumpkin chai latte that’s just as creamy and delicious.
4. How do I make a homemade iced pumpkin spice chai latte taste like Starbucks?
Use strongly brewed chai tea, pumpkin purée, pumpkin spice, and milk, then top with a frothy pumpkin cream cold foam for a Starbucks copycat iced pumpkin chai latte.
5. Can I make this drink refined sugar-free?
Absolutely. Replace sugar or syrup with honey, maple syrup, or stevia to create a refined sugar-free iced pumpkin chai latte.
6. What’s the difference between a chai latte and a pumpkin spice latte?
A chai latte is made with spiced black tea, while a pumpkin spice latte is coffee-based with pumpkin spice syrup. Combining the two gives you the best of both worlds.
7. When is the best time to enjoy an iced pumpkin chai latte?
It’s perfect for warmer autumn days when you still want cosy seasonal flavours but in a refreshing iced drink.
8. Can I use shop-bought chai tea bags instead of loose leaf?
Yes! Strong chai tea bags work well for convenience, though loose-leaf chai often gives a more robust flavour.
9. How can I make my iced pumpkin chai latte extra creamy?
Use whole milk or a rich dairy-free alternative like oat milk, and consider topping with whipped cream or pumpkin cream cold foam.
10. Can I prepare this iced pumpkin chai latte ahead of time?
You can brew the chai and mix it with pumpkin purée and spices in advance. Store it in the fridge, then add milk and ice just before serving.
Read More Iced Tea Latte Recipes
It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.