Make the Viral Starbucks Fall Chai Latte at Home

Why Everyone Is Obsessed with the Starbucks Fall Chai Latte

Starbucks’ Fall Chai Latte—especially the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte—has taken over TikTok, Instagram, and fall drink menus everywhere. It’s creamy, cozy, and loaded with warming chai spices layered with a dreamy pumpkin cold foam. Basically, it’s sweater weather in a cup.

But you don’t need to wait in line or spend $6+ for every craving. With this homemade Starbucks Fall Chai Latte recipe, you can recreate that viral favorite at home—customized to your taste, caffeine level, and dietary needs. No pork, no wine, no alcohol—just pure fall bliss.

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What Is the Starbucks Fall Chai Latte?

The most popular variation, as seen on TikTok and in Starbucks stores, is the Iced Chai Tea Latte with Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam. It’s a mashup of:

• Sweet chai tea concentrate

• Milk (usually 2% or oat)

• Ice

• Pumpkin cold foam (a sweet, whipped topping with pumpkin spice flavor)

Our recipe lets you make both the chai latte base and pumpkin cold foam at home, using simple, wholesome ingredients—and it’s just as delicious hot or iced.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chai Tea Latte:

• 2 chai tea bags (or ½ cup chai tea concentrate)

• ¾ cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy like oat, almond, soy)

• ¼ cup water

• 1–2 tsp maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar (to taste)

• Optional: 1 shot of espresso (for “dirty chai”)

• Optional spices: pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, black pepper

For the Pumpkin Cold Foam:

• ¼ cup cold heavy cream (or use coconut cream for dairy-free)

• 2 tbsp milk (any kind)

• 1 tbsp pumpkin purée

• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1–2 tsp maple syrup or brown sugar (to taste)

• Pinch of salt

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How to Make the Viral Starbucks Chai Latte at Home

Step 1: Make Your Chai Base

1. In a small pot, bring ¼ cup water to a boil.

2. Steep 2 chai tea bags (or use ½ cup of concentrate) for 5 minutes. For stronger flavor, steep longer.

3. Add maple syrup and optional spices to the tea while warm. Stir and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Cold Foam

1. In a small bowl or frother, combine cold cream, milk, pumpkin purée, spice, vanilla, sweetener, and a pinch of salt.

2. Froth until thick and foamy—about 20–30 seconds in an electric frother or 1–2 minutes with a handheld milk frother.

3. Set aside.

✅ Tip: For dairy-free pumpkin cream, use canned coconut cream and oat milk.

Step 3: Build Your Drink (Hot or Iced)

For Iced Version:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.

2. Add the steeped chai and milk.

3. Top with thick pumpkin cold foam.

4. Dust with extra pumpkin spice or cinnamon.

For Hot Version:

1. Heat milk until warm (not boiling).

2. Combine chai tea and milk in a mug.

3. Spoon pumpkin foam over the top.

4. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

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Recipe Card: Viral Pumpkin Chai Latte (Hot or Iced)

Ingredients:

Chai Base:

• 2 chai tea bags or ½ cup chai concentrate

• ¾ cup milk of choice

• ¼ cup water

• 1–2 tsp maple syrup

Pumpkin Cold Foam:

• ¼ cup cold cream or coconut cream

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1 tbsp pumpkin purée

• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

• ½ tsp vanilla

• 1–2 tsp maple syrup

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Steep tea and sweeten.

2. Froth pumpkin foam ingredients.

3. Pour chai + milk over ice or into warm mug.

4. Spoon pumpkin foam on top.

5. Sprinkle with spice and enjoy!

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Why This Recipe Works

• Customizable: Control the sweetness, caffeine, and milk type.

• Real ingredients: No syrups with mystery ingredients or artificial flavors.

• Budget-friendly: A fraction of the cost of Starbucks.

• Make ahead: Pumpkin cold foam stores well in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.

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Make It Your Own

Dirty Chai Option

Add a shot of espresso for extra caffeine and a bolder flavor.

Sweetener Swaps

Use honey, stevia, coconut sugar, or monk fruit based on preference.

Milk Options

• Creamiest: Oat milk or whole milk

• Lightest: Almond or skim milk

• Vegan: Coconut or soy milk

Extra Cozy Toppings

• Cinnamon stick

• Star anise

• Whipped cream

• Drizzle of maple syrup or caramel

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Pumpkin foam: Store extra in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Chai concentrate: Brew a larger batch and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

• Foam tip: Re-froth before use to revive that fluffy texture.

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Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Values vary based on milk and sweetener choices.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this caffeine-free?

Yes! Use decaf chai tea bags or herbal chai for a kid-friendly version.

Is there coffee in the original Starbucks version?

No, but you can add espresso to make it a dirty chai latte.

Can I skip the pumpkin foam?

Yes, but it’s what makes this drink special! You can also add the pumpkin directly into the milk and froth everything together for simplicity.

How do I make it taste like Starbucks?

Use a stronger chai concentrate (like Tazo or homemade) and froth your pumpkin foam until it’s thick but pourable—just like the coffee shop version.

Can I serve it warm?

Absolutely! The hot version is just as cozy and delicious for chilly evenings or mornings.

Final Sip: A Cozy Cup You’ll Want All Season Long

This viral Starbucks Fall Chai Latte is no longer just a drive-thru indulgence—it’s now your go-to homemade comfort drink. Whether you sip it iced under the fading summer sun or warm by a fire on a crisp evening, this recipe brings all the fall feels home.

Quick. Cozy. Customizable.
And totally TikTok-worthy. 🍂