The Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that combines the spicy warmth of chai tea with the creamy sweetness of pumpkin. Perfect for autumn or any time you’re craving a comforting drink, this latte brings together the best of seasonal flavors and is ideal for pumpkin lovers. Unlike the typical pumpkin spice latte, this iced version provides a unique twist with the inclusion of chai tea, adding layers of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and other aromatic spices. The cold, creamy texture is soothing, while the bold flavors make it a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 2 chai tea bags (or 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf chai tea)
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
- 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of ice cubes
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon stick
Preparation:
Step 1:
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, add the chai tea bags (or loose-leaf chai tea). Allow it to steep for about 5-7 minutes to develop a strong, concentrated tea flavor. After steeping, remove the tea bags and let the chai tea cool to room temperature.
Step 2:
In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over low heat. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup or honey, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You don’t need to bring it to a boil; just warm it enough to blend the flavors.
Step 3:
Remove the milk mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring it to the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
Step 4:
Fill a glass with ½ cup of ice cubes. Pour the cooled chai tea over the ice, followed by the pumpkin-spiced milk mixture. Stir the drink gently to combine.
Step 5:
Top the iced pumpkin chai latte with whipped cream, if desired, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor. Add a cinnamon stick as a garnish for a beautiful presentation.
Variation:
- Extra Spicy Version: Add a pinch of extra ground ginger and black pepper to the milk mixture for an extra kick of spice.
- Cold Foam Topping: Blend some milk with a frother or blender until frothy and top the latte with cold foam instead of whipped cream for a smooth finish.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit in place of the maple syrup or honey.
- Decaf Version: Make it with decaf chai tea if you’re avoiding caffeine.
Cooking Note:
- For a stronger tea flavor, steep the chai tea bags longer, but be careful not to oversteep, as it can turn bitter.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference. Add more or less maple syrup/honey to your liking.
- The pumpkin puree adds texture, so make sure to whisk it thoroughly for a smooth drink.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte with pumpkin scones, cinnamon rolls, or a slice of spiced pumpkin bread for a delightful fall-themed snack.
- To elevate the drink, dust some nutmeg or grated chocolate over the top of the whipped cream.
Tips:
- Make a Big Batch: You can prepare the chai tea and pumpkin milk mixture in larger quantities and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just combine when ready to serve.
- Pumpkin Puree Storage: If you have leftover pumpkin puree, freeze it in ice cube trays. This way, you can easily add a cube to your latte for the perfect pumpkin flavor without wasting any puree.
- Non-Dairy Milks: Oat milk tends to blend the best with chai and pumpkin, but coconut milk gives a lovely richness. Experiment with different milk types to find your preferred taste.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 kcal (varies depending on milk choice and sweetener amount)
- Protein: 2-4 grams
- Sodium: 50-100 mg
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 3-6 grams (depending on the type of milk used)
FAQs
Q1: Can I use pre-made chai concentrate instead of chai tea bags?
Yes, you can substitute chai concentrate for the tea bags. However, since most chai concentrates are already sweetened, adjust the amount of added sweetener in the recipe accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this drink hot instead of iced?
Absolutely! Skip the ice cubes and enjoy it warm by pouring the hot chai tea directly into the heated pumpkin milk mixture.
Q3: Is canned pumpkin puree okay to use?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works well. Make sure you’re using pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
Q4: How do I make my own pumpkin pie spice?
Combine 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. Store it in an airtight container.
Conclusion
The Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte is the perfect combination of fall flavors and cooling refreshment. This drink will satisfy your pumpkin cravings while providing a cozy spice blend that’s truly comforting. Whether you’re relaxing at home or need a refreshing pick-me-up, this latte is an easy and delicious choice. Experiment with variations to suit your taste, and enjoy the deliciousness of autumn in every sip.
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Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 minutes 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 2 chai tea bags (or 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf chai tea)
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
- 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of ice cubes
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon stick
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, add the chai tea bags (or loose-leaf chai tea). Allow it to steep for about 5-7 minutes to develop a strong, concentrated tea flavor. After steeping, remove the tea bags and let the chai tea cool to room temperature.
Step 2:
In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over low heat. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup or honey, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You don’t need to bring it to a boil; just warm it enough to blend the flavors.
Step 3:
Remove the milk mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring it to the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
Step 4:
Fill a glass with ½ cup of ice cubes. Pour the cooled chai tea over the ice, followed by the pumpkin-spiced milk mixture. Stir the drink gently to combine.
Step 5:
Top the iced pumpkin chai latte with whipped cream, if desired, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor. Add a cinnamon stick as a garnish for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For a stronger tea flavor, steep the chai tea bags longer, but be careful not to oversteep, as it can turn bitter.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference. Add more or less maple syrup/honey to your liking.
- The pumpkin puree adds texture, so make sure to whisk it thoroughly for a smooth drink.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-200 kcal (varies depending on milk choice and sweetener
- Sodium: 50-100 mg
- Fat: 3-6 grams (depending on the type of milk used)
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Protein: 2-4 grams