Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte

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Author: Opera Cook
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A tall iced chai tea latte topped with pumpkin cold foam and cinnamon sprinkle.

The Fall Drink Everyone’s Talking About

While pumpkin spice lattes have long dominated autumn menus, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte has emerged as a fan-favorite—especially on TikTok and Instagram. Creamy, spiced, slightly sweet, and refreshingly cool, this drink blends bold chai tea with a pumpkin-infused cold foam for a smooth, sippable taste of fall.

The good news? You don’t need to wait in a Starbucks drive-thru line—or spend $6 every time a craving hits. This homemade recipe recreates the same magic at home using simple ingredients and real pumpkin. Whether you’re sipping it in a sweater or enjoying it on a warmer autumn day, this iced latte hits the sweet spot.


🌟 Why You’ll Love This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai

  • Cheaper than Starbucks – Save money and make it anytime

  • 🍁 Made with real pumpkin – No artificial syrups or flavors

  • ❄️ Perfectly refreshing for warm fall days

  • 🧡 Customizable – dairy-free, decaf, or less sweet

  • 🎥 Instagram-worthy layers and foam

  • 🕒 Ready in under 10 minutes


📋 Ingredients (Serves 1 large or 2 small drinks)

For the Chai Base:

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 chai tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf chai)

  • ½ – 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, or soy)

  • Ice

For the Pumpkin Cold Foam:

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

  • 2 tablespoons milk

  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée (100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)

  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)

💡 Note: If you prefer a shortcut, you can use store-bought chai concentrate like Tazo or Oregon Chai, and focus on making the cold foam!


🍶 Equipment Needed

  • Small saucepan or kettle (to brew chai)

  • Whisk, frother, or blender (for cold foam)

  • Tall glass or mason jar

  • Measuring spoons and cups

  • Ice cube tray


🔥 How to Make Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte at Home

🫖 Step 1: Brew the Chai

Bring 1 cup of water to a near boil. Add 2 chai tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf chai). Steep for 5–7 minutes to ensure strong, spiced flavor. Remove tea bags or strain.

Add:

  • ½–1 tbsp maple syrup (or brown sugar)

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Let the mixture cool slightly or place in the fridge to chill faster.

Tip: You can make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.


🧊 Step 2: Add Ice and Milk

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the cooled chai mixture, then pour in 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy). Stir gently.


🎃 Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Cold Foam

In a small bowl or blender, combine:

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • 2 tbsp milk

  • 1 tbsp pumpkin purée

  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp maple syrup

Whip or froth until thick and creamy but still pourable. You can use a:

  • Milk frother

  • Hand whisk

  • Small blender or frothing wand

Note: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or oat-based barista milk.


☁️ Step 4: Assemble and Top

Gently pour the pumpkin cold foam over your iced chai latte. It will float beautifully, just like at Starbucks.

Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for garnish. Add a reusable straw, and enjoy!


🌿 Dairy-Free or Vegan Modifications

You can easily make this drink completely dairy-free:

  • Use oat milk or almond milk for the chai base

  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or thick oat milk for the cold foam

  • Choose maple syrup or agave as your sweetener

The result is still rich, creamy, and frothy—without any animal products.

Customize Your Drink

Less Sweet?

Reduce or skip the maple syrup. The spices and pumpkin still shine through.

Decaf Version?

Use caffeine-free chai tea or rooibos chai for a mellow version that’s safe for evenings or kids.

Stronger Chai?

Steep your tea bags longer or use a more concentrated chai concentrate.

Extra Foam?

Double the foam ingredients to make your latte extra decadent.


🧂 Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice

Can’t find pre-made spice? Mix together:

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg

  • 1 tsp ground ginger

  • ½ tsp ground cloves

  • ½ tsp allspice

Store in an airtight jar and use it all season!


🎨 Aesthetic Serving Ideas

  • Serve in a clear glass or mason jar to show off the layers

  • Top with a cinnamon stick or dried apple slice

  • Add a dash of turmeric for golden color and warmth

  • Use pumpkin-shaped ice cubes for extra fall flair


🧊 Iced vs. Hot Pumpkin Chai

Want a hot version? Simply:

  • Skip the ice

  • Heat your milk and chai together

  • Froth the pumpkin foam and pour it on top

It’s just as comforting and perfect for chilly mornings!


🌡️ Make-Ahead Tips

  • Brew chai in batches and refrigerate for up to 3 days

  • Make pumpkin cold foam in advance, store in a sealed jar, and shake before using

  • Freeze leftover chai in ice cube trays to use in place of regular ice


🧾 Nutritional Info (Per Serving Estimate)

Nutrient Approximate Amount
Calories 180–250 kcal
Sugar 12–20g
Protein 3–6g
Fat 6–12g
Fiber 1g (from pumpkin)
Caffeine 40–60mg (based on chai)

Values depend on milk choice and sweeteners used.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought chai concentrate?

Yes! Tazo, Oregon Chai, and similar brands work well. Just reduce sweeteners in the foam, as many concentrates are pre-sweetened.


Is this drink caffeinated?

Yes, chai tea contains caffeine (about 25–50mg per serving). Use decaf chai for a caffeine-free version.


Does Starbucks use real pumpkin?

They use a flavored sauce. This homemade version uses 100% real pumpkin purée—more natural and nutrient-rich.


Can I make this drink ahead of time?

Yes! Brew the chai and store it chilled. Make the foam right before serving for the best texture.


Can I turn this into a blended drink?

Definitely! Blend the chai, milk, and ice together, then top with cold foam for a creamy frozen treat.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Fall Iced Drink

If you’re ready to sip fall in the most refreshing way, this Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is your new go-to drink. It blends the cozy spices of chai with the richness of pumpkin cream—served cold for a crisp, invigorating twist and it’s just what you need to level up your fall drink lineup.

Whether you’re skipping the coffee shop line, entertaining guests, or simply craving something seasonal and satisfying, this homemade Starbucks copycat checks all the boxes: it’s cozy, cool, customizable, and made with real ingredients. Plus, you can make it again and again for a fraction of the cost.

Other Ways to Enjoy Your Pumpkin Cream Chai

Looking to get creative? Here are a few unique ways to enjoy your homemade iced pumpkin chai:

1. Pumpkin Chai Affogato

Swap the cold foam for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pour the chai and a shot of espresso over the top for a chai-pumpkin float.

2. Pumpkin Cream Chai Popsicles

Freeze your blended iced pumpkin chai in popsicle molds for an ultra-refreshing fall treat.

3. Pumpkin Cream Chai Overnight Oats

Use your leftover chai tea as the liquid base for oats. Add a spoonful of pumpkin cold foam in the morning for a spiced breakfast twist.

4. Chai Pumpkin Smoothie

Blend the cold foam and chai tea with banana and ice to make a protein-rich smoothie that tastes like dessert.


🍁 Why This Recipe Is a Fall Essential

The Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte didn’t just become popular by accident. It’s a masterful balance of:

  • Bold chai spices

  • Sweet pumpkin warmth

  • Silky smooth textures

  • Beautiful visual appeal

Now, thanks to this simple homemade version, you can enjoy all of that without additives, preservatives, or spending money every day. And perhaps best of all—it’s flexible enough for any dietary need or taste preference.

Whether you’re team dairy-free, low sugar, or decaf, you can make this drink your own while still keeping those iconic fall flavors front and center.


🧡 Final Notes: Let the Fall Sips Begin

This Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of the season. Cozy yet refreshing, indulgent but approachable, it’s a perfect reflection of fall itself.

Make it once, and it might just become your favorite way to welcome autumn mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or pumpkin-themed get-togethers.


👇 Have You Tried It?

Let us know how your iced pumpkin chai turned out! Share your version on social media and tag it with:

#PumpkinChaiLatte #FallDrinks #StarbucksCopycat #PumpkinCreamChai #HomemadeLatte

Opera Cook!
Opera Cook

Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Opera Cook, a passionate home cook sharing tried-and-true comfort recipes made with love. Whether you’re craving fluffy pancakes, rustic bread, or rich chocolate desserts—you’re in the right place. Let’s bake something wonderful together!

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