Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Recipe

When the first golden leaves start to fall and there’s just a little bite in the morning air, my cravings make a sharp turn straight toward cozy. While everyone else is ordering the famous PSL, I’ve been quietly obsessed with something even more comforting: the Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte. It’s that perfect mix of warming spices and creamy pumpkin foam — like autumn wrapped up in a glass.

I still remember the first time I tasted it. I was standing in line at the Starbucks counter behind a college student who confidently ordered a custom chai with pumpkin cold foam. Intrigued, I followed her lead. One sip and I was hooked. That creamy pumpkin-spice cloud floating over spicy chai? Pure magic. So I went home, rolled up my sleeves, and made it my mission to craft a version that tastes just like it — maybe even better.

From my kitchen to yours, let’s bring this dish to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you live for those small indulgences that make a season feel just right. This homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte is a fall favorite for so many delicious reasons.

It’s incredibly easy to make — you’ll go from craving to sipping in just 5 minutes. No fancy espresso machine, no long coffee shop line, and no awkward barista mispronunciations. Just smooth, spicy chai layered with velvety pumpkin cold foam that rivals anything on the Starbucks fall menu.

It’s versatile too. Whether you prefer your Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte iced or warm, dairy-free or full-cream luscious, you can make it exactly the way you like. It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly and way lower in sugar than the drive-thru version.

And let’s not forget — it’s the perfect companion to crisp walks, cozy blankets, or a good read by the window. When you sip this dreamy latte, you’re not just drinking something yummy. You’re experiencing fall.

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Ingredient Overview

This homemade version of the Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte captures all the flavors of your favorite café drink with real ingredients and zero mystery syrups. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Pumpkin Purée: Use canned pumpkin (not pie filling). It adds that classic earthy-sweet base.

• Heavy Cream + Whole Milk: These give your pumpkin cold foam its luxurious, thick texture. Feel free to sub dairy-free options like oat or coconut cream.

• Vanilla Syrup: Sweetens and smooths the pumpkin spice blend. You can use store-bought or homemade.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The heart of the season. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves make the flavor sing.

• Chai Tea Concentrate: Look for a quality brand like Tazo or Oregon Chai. It’s bold and full of spice.

• Milk of Choice: I used 2%, but almond or oat milk works beautifully too.

• Ice: Essential if you’re serving it cold — like the Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.

Quick Tip: Garnish the foam with a dash of pumpkin pie spice or star anise for that café-style flair.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Froth the Pumpkin Cream Base

Start by adding your pumpkin cold foam ingredients — 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 tablespoon whole milk, 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin purée, 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup, and ⅛ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice — into a mason jar or glass. Use a milk frother to blend everything together. You want a thick, velvety consistency with soft peaks.
Tip: Don’t over-froth or it’ll turn into whipped cream instead of silky foam!

Step 2: Prep the Chai Tea

Grab your favorite glass and fill it halfway with ice. Pour in ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of chai tea concentrate. This combination is the heart of your homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte — spicy, smooth, and so satisfying.

Step 3: Layer the Foam on Top

Carefully spoon your pumpkin foam over the iced chai mixture. Let it float gently on top. That pillowy layer is what makes this feel like a true Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte — rich, cozy, and picture-perfect.

Step 4: Sprinkle and Sip

For that final coffeehouse touch, add a dusting of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Then insert a straw and give it a gentle swirl — or sip it as-is for the full creamy cap experience.

Step 5: Enjoy the Season

Now take a moment. Breathe in those warm fall spices and savor every sip of your Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte. Whether it’s your morning boost or an afternoon treat, this one’s worth repeating.

Pro Tips

For that signature foam, use cold heavy cream and milk when making the topping. It whips up faster and stays fluffier, just like your favorite Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte.

Chai concentrate can vary in sweetness and spice. Taste it before mixing. If it’s too sweet, balance it out with unsweetened milk. If it’s too strong, a splash of extra milk will mellow it nicely.

Don’t have a frother? No problem! You can shake the pumpkin cold foam in a mason jar or use a small blender. It won’t be as silky, but it’ll still top your Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte like a dream.

Want to prep ahead? Make a batch of the pumpkin foam and keep it in the fridge for 2–3 days. Give it a quick whip before using.

And if you’re loving the creamy topper, be sure to try my pumpkin cold foam recipe — it’s the base for so many cozy drinks, not just the Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte!

Variations

Make it warm: Just heat the chai concentrate and milk together on the stovetop. Froth your pumpkin topping and spoon it on like a cloud. It’s like wrapping your hands around fall.

Go dairy-free: Use oat milk for a thick, luscious result, or almond milk for a lighter sip. Coconut cream also makes a fantastic non-dairy pumpkin foam for your Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte.

Spice it up: Add extra ginger or a pinch of cardamom for more kick. You can even infuse your own chai if you’re feeling adventurous!

Low-sugar version: Use unsweetened chai concentrate and sugar-free vanilla syrup. You’ll keep the flavor while reducing the sweetness of your Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte.

Snack pairing idea? Sip this latte with pumpkin spice protein balls for a nourishing treat that feels like fall in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte pairs beautifully with cozy, cinnamon-kissed treats. I love serving it alongside something with crunch — like caramel apple bites or a slice of warm pumpkin bread. If you’re setting up a fall brunch or hosting a coffee date with friends, a tray of this iced latte and a few autumn-inspired nibbles will set the mood just right. It’s also perfect as a mid-morning pick-me-up or a sweet wind-down treat after dinner. Pour it into a mason jar, tuck in a straw, and let the flavors of fall keep you company.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to seasonal sipping or a loyal chai fan, making your own Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte is a little act of self-care that brings comfort with every pour. It’s creamy, warmly spiced, and ridiculously easy to make — no drive-thru necessary. Sharing this at home with loved ones? Even better. These are the kinds of recipes that turn into traditions.

I often rotate this latte with cozy fall sweets like the ones in our pumpkin desserts collection — it makes every October weekend feel like a celebration.

Ready to cozy up?

Try this Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte today and let me know how it turns out for you. Leave a comment with your twist — did you warm it up, go dairy-free, or add a little cinnamon dust? I’d love to hear! You can even tag us on Pinterest with your version — just use a photo and show off your froth game.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.