Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup with Chai Tea
Homemade pumpkin spice syrup with chai tea is one of those simple little luxuries that make autumn feel special. This pumpkin spice syrup recipe uses real pumpkin purée and a proper brew of chai, so the flavour is deeper and spicier than anything you’ll find in a bottle at the shops.
I first tried making it on a grey September afternoon when the air smelt faintly of bonfires, and since then it’s become part of my autumn kitchen routine!
A splash of this in coffee turns it into a warming pumpkin spice chai latte, but it’s just as good stirred into tea or even drizzled over porridge. And the best bit is that it’s super quick to make, naturally flavoured, and keeps well enough to see you through the pumpkin season.
What is Pumpkin Spice Syrup?
Pumpkin spice syrup is a sweet, spiced simple syrup that captures the flavours of autumn in a bottle. Made with pumpkin purée, warming spices, and sugar, it’s the key ingredient behind the world-famous pumpkin spice latte (or PSL), first made popular by Starbucks.
This versatile syrup isn’t just for coffee shop drinks; it’s easy to make at home and can be stirred into lattes, iced teas, chai drinks, hot chocolates, and even cocktails. Some people also call it pumpkin spice sauce or pumpkin pie sauce, but whichever name you prefer, it’s the same delicious syrup.
Homemade versions, just like this pumpkin chai syrup recipe, are naturally flavoured and can be customised to taste, richer, spicier, or even dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
My Tips for Making Pumpkin Chai Syrup
Making the perfect pumpkin chai syrup at home is easy once you know a few handy tricks. Here are some tips to help your homemade pumpkin spice syrup recipe turn out smooth, delicious, and full of autumn warmth:
🧡 Use brown sugar for depth: Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavour that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin and spices. You can substitute with white sugar or even a zero-calorie sweetener; just make sure it dissolves fully, or you’ll end up with a lumpy syrup. Honey also works well, especially if you enjoy making honey simple syrup.
🧡 Choose pumpkin purée, not pie filling: Always use 100% pure pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling, which already contains added sugar and spices. For an extra fresh flavour, try making your own homemade pumpkin purée.
🧡 Store Syrup Properly: Once cooked and cooled, pour your pumpkin spice syrup into a glass jar or mason jar. Keep it sealed in the fridge and it will last for up to four weeks.
🧡 Brew Strong Masala Chai: Chai tea is what makes this a truly fabulous pumpkin chai syrup. Strongly brew the tea so that the spiced flavour and aroma shine through in your syrup!
How to Make Pumpkin Chai Syrup for Tea and Coffee
Ingredients for Pumpkin Chai Syrup
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup water
4 teaspoons masala chai tea (or 4 tea bags)
¼ cup pumpkin purée
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Method
Brew the chai: Steep the tea in freshly boiled water for about 10 minutes, then strain out the leaves. A strong brew gives your syrup a bold, spiced base.
Dissolve the sugar: Add the hot chai and brown sugar to a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Add pumpkin and flavourings: Stir in the pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for a few minutes until smooth and well combined.
Strain for a silky finish: Pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or sieve to remove any lumps.
Cool and store: Allow the syrup to cool fully before pouring into a mason jar or syrup bottle. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 weeks.
Uses for Pumpkin Spice Syrup
There are endless ways to enjoy this homemade pumpkin spice syrup with chai tea. It’s a versatile autumn staple that can replace sugar in drinks and desserts, adding warmth and flavour in every spoonful. Here are some of my favourite ways to use this pumpkin chai syrup:
🎃 Make a pumpkin spice tea or coffee latte: Stir a drizzle of syrup into strong black tea and top with frothed milk for a cosy pumpkin spice tea latte. Prefer coffee? Use it in a hot latte, iced latte, or even iced black coffee for a seasonal twist.
🎃 Brew refreshing iced tea: Add a spoonful or two of this pumpkin spice syrup to your favourite iced tea recipe for a subtle spiced sweetness that’s perfect on a warm autumn afternoon.fall-flavoured
🎃 Create an iced tea latte: Strongly brew your tea, mix in syrup, pour over ice, and finish with cold milk. This works beautifully in my iced Biscoff tea latte, just swap the syrup for this pumpkin version.
🎃 Make sparkling pumpkin iced tea: For something bubbly, add your pumpkin chai syrup to make a fall-flavoured sparkling iced tea. Bold teas like English Breakfast or masala chai work best for this refreshing drink.
🎃 Indulge in pumpkin cold foam: For a café-style treat, drizzle syrup into a creamy pumpkin spice cold foam and top any iced tea for autumn flare.
🎃 Warm up with a pumpkin hot toddy: A spoonful (or two) of pumpkin syrup stirred into a hot toddy makes the ultimate cosy drink. Try it with my apple chai hot toddy recipe for extra spice.
🎃 Drizzle Over Desserts: Use pumpkin spice syrup as a topping for cakes, black tea poached pears, or ice cream. It turns simple sweets into autumn-flavoured showstoppers.
🎃 Pour Over Pancakes and French Toast: Stack fluffy pancakes, French toast, or these Earl Grey pancakes, then drizzle generously with syrup. Don’t forget whipped cream, ice cream, and of course, a pot of tea on the side!
Pumpkin Spice Chai Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 4 teaspoons masala chai tea (or 4 tea bags)
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Brew the chai: Steep the tea in freshly boiled water for about 10 minutes, then strain out the leaves. A strong brew gives your syrup a bold, spiced base.
- Dissolve the sugar: Add the hot chai and brown sugar to a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add pumpkin and flavourings: Stir in the pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for a few minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Strain for a silky finish: Pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or sieve to remove any lumps.
- Cool and store: Allow the syrup to cool fully before pouring into a mason jar or syrup bottle. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 weeks.
Find the full recipe here: Pumpkin Spice Chai Syrup
FAQs for Pumpkin Spice Syrup
What is pumpkin spice chai syrup made of?
Pumpkin spice chai syrup is made with brewed chai tea, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla, and warm spices. It’s a sweet, spiced syrup perfect for autumn drinks.
How do you use pumpkin spice syrup in coffee or tea?
Simply stir a spoonful or two into hot coffee, lattes, black tea, or chai for a cosy autumn flavour. It also works well in iced lattes and cold brew.
Can I make pumpkin spice syrup without chai tea?
Yes, you can leave out the chai and use only water for a classic pumpkin spice syrup recipe. Using chai adds an extra layer of spiced flavour.
Is pumpkin spice syrup the same as pumpkin pie sauce?
They’re very similar. Some coffee shops call it pumpkin spice syrup, while others label it pumpkin pie sauce; both describe a sweet pumpkin-spiced concentrate.
How long does homemade pumpkin spice syrup last?
Stored in a sealed glass jar in the fridge, pumpkin chai syrup will last up to 4 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.
Can you freeze pumpkin spice syrup?
Yes, you can freeze it in ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can defrost a cube at a time for drinks.
What drinks can I make with pumpkin spice syrup?
You can make pumpkin spice lattes, iced pumpkin tea lattes, hot chocolates, pumpkin chai toddies, and even cocktails or mocktails.
Is pumpkin spice syrup vegan and dairy-free?
Yes! The syrup itself is naturally vegan and dairy-free. Just pair it with plant-based milk for vegan pumpkin spice lattes.
Can I use pumpkin spice syrup for baking or desserts
Absolutely. Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or stir it into cake batters and frostings for extra autumn flavour.
Why use chai tea in pumpkin spice syrup?
Chai tea adds a bold, aromatic base with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. It gives the syrup more depth than using pumpkin and sugar alone.
Read More Chai Infused Recipes
