As the seasons change and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a cozy, autumn-inspired beverage. Starbucks aficionados, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re unveiling a Starbucks copycat recipe that will tantalize your taste buds – the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.
With the warm and comforting flavors of chai tea, a decadent pumpkin-infused cold foam, and a touch of cinnamon, this delightful concoction is sure to become your go-to fall favorite. Join us as we explore the elements that make this Starbucks-inspired drink a seasonal sensation.
Disclaimer: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.
What is Chai Tea?
Chai tea, often referred to as “chai,” is a spiced tea that originates from India. The word “chai” itself means “tea” in Hindi. This flavorful beverage is traditionally made by brewing black tea leaves with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, which may include cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. The result is a warm and aromatic infusion that delights the senses with its rich and complex flavor profile.
To create the base of our Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, we’ll be using chai tea concentrate, which is a concentrated form of chai tea. It provides a convenient way to enjoy the delightful chai flavors without the need for extensive steeping and spicing. I used a Chai latte concentrate from Tazo but you can also brew a strong cup of Chai tea to use instead.
🍹 Home Bar Supplies You Might Need: 🍹
Before you start whipping out the ingredients to make this drink, make sure you have these essential bar tools in your kitchen first (or shop for them here):
How to Make the Best Cold Foam:
The cold foam is a star component of the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, adding a luxurious and creamy layer to the drink. Here’s how you can craft the perfect cold foam:
Ingredients for Cold Foam:
- 2 oz heavy cream
- 3/4 oz pumpkin syrup
Instructions for Cold Foam:
In a small container or a frother, combine the heavy cream and pumpkin syrup.
Froth the mixture until it thickens and reaches a creamy, frothy consistency. You can use a handheld milk frother or a countertop frothing machine for this step.
Once your cold foam is ready, set it aside until you’re ready to assemble your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.
What Kind of Milk to Use?
Choosing the right type of milk for your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor. You have the flexibility to select the milk that suits your dietary preferences or taste. Here are a few options:
Dairy Milk: Whole milk, 2%, or skim milk can be used for a classic latte experience.
Plant-Based Milk: Opt for almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk for a vegan or dairy-free version.
Half-and-Half: If you desire a richer and creamier latte, you can use half-and-half instead of regular milk.
Reduced Fat Options: If you’re looking to lighten up your latte, consider using a lower-fat milk or a combination of milk and water.
How to Make the Pumpkin Syrup:
The secret to infusing your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte with that unmistakable pumpkin flavor lies in the pumpkin syrup. Here’s how to create it from scratch:
Ingredients for Pumpkin Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, cloves, and ground nutmeg to the mixture.
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors into the syrup.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool. Once it has cooled, strain out the spices and cinnamon sticks, leaving you with a flavorful pumpkin syrup.
You might also like our Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Cocktail.
How To Make A Homemade Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
You will need the following ingredients:
- 3-4 oz Milk of choice
- 1-2 oz of chai tea concentrate
For the cold foam:
- 2 oz heavy cream
- 3/4 oz pumpkin syrup
- Top with cinnamon
rew your chai tea and let it cool before mixing it with the milk. Fill a glass with ice and pour the chai tea and milk mixture over it.
To create the cold foam, you will need to shake the heavy cream and pumpkin syrup in a cocktail shaker until foamy. Pour the foam over the chai tea mixture. Sprinkle the cinnamon on top, and voila! You have your Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte at home.
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte Recipe
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
Ingredients
- – 3-4 oz Milk of choice
- – 1-2 oz of chai tea concentrate
- cinnamon to top with
For the cold foam:
- – 2 oz heavy cream
- – 3/4 oz pumpkin syrup
For the pumpkin syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 table spoons pumpkin purée
Instructions
For the latte
- Brew your chai tea and let it cool before mixing it with the milk.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour the chai tea and milk mixture over it.
- To create the cold foam, you will need to shake the heavy cream and pumpkin syrup in a cocktail shaker until foamy.
- Pour the foam over the chai tea mixture. Sprinkle the cinnamon on top.
For the pumpkin syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, cloves, and ground nutmeg to the mixture.
- Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors into the syrup.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool. Once it has cooled, strain out the spices and cinnamon sticks, leaving you with a flavorful pumpkin syrup.
This drink is perfect for those of you that want to enjoy the fall flavor without the caffeine jitters. You can opt to use decaf chai tea if you prefer a caffeine-free drink. Also, you can experiment with different types of milk such as almond or oat milk to make it vegan or dairy-free.
And it’s the perfect Starbucks copycat drink – because it tastes just like it!
More Drinks As Dessert Recipes:
- Espresso Martini Affogato Cocktail
- Red Wine Slushie Recipe
- Chocolate Cherry Mudslide
- Pina Colada Trifle
- Peach Sorbet Mimosa
Leave a Reply