Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks Copycat

There’s something about that first crisp fall morning when you reach for your favorite oversized mug, craving the cozy warmth of a Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks creation. I remember the first time I tasted it—sweet pumpkin spice swirling into bold chai, creamy and comforting all at once. It was like sipping a little piece of October. But as much as I loved the store-bought version, I always dreamed of crafting it myself—stronger, creamier, and perfectly chilled with spiced cold foam right at home.

This iced Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks copycat brings all the fall feels without the long drive-thru lines. It’s a chilled hug in a glass, with bold black tea, hints of cinnamon and clove, and that dreamy pumpkin cold foam floating on top. Whether you’re curled up in fuzzy socks or hosting brunch with your besties, this latte makes any moment feel like fall magic.

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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cozy latte is like sipping pumpkin pie in a glass, with a chai-spiced twist. It’s the best way to recreate the Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks vibe without leaving your kitchen. The bold chai concentrate is perfectly balanced by a creamy, sweet pumpkin foam that melts right into your glass.

Whether you’re gearing up for work or winding down in your backyard, this drink feels indulgent but is simple to make. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, and most steps are hands-off—just steep, chill, froth, and pour.

It’s a medium-skill recipe, great for beginners who want to try foam but don’t want a full espresso setup. And guess what? It’s ready in just about an hour (most of that is chilling time!).

Plus, you can make a big batch of chai ahead for quick weekday treats, or prep the pumpkin cold foam and surprise guests at your next fall gathering.

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Ingredient Overview

This iced Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks–inspired drink blends rich spices, creamy textures, and bold tea into a dreamy fall refresher.

• Chai Tea Bags: The base of the drink. Choose a strong, black chai blend for bold spice and warmth.

• Boiling Water: Steep your tea to full strength for flavor that won’t dilute over ice.

• Sugar: A little sweetness enhances the pumpkin and spices.

• Heavy Cream: Adds creamy body to the latte and helps balance the strong tea.

• Ice: Chill that spiced tea for a refreshing cold sip.

• Pumpkin Pie Filling: Adds thickness and real pumpkin flavor to your foam.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The heart of fall—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

• Milk + More Cream: Lighten the foam while keeping it rich.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cold foam without overpowering.

Styling tip: Scoop the foam gently over the iced latte and sprinkle with pumpkin spice for a picture-perfect finish.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Steep the chai tea

Start by steeping 4 chai tea bags in 1⅓ cups of boiling water for about 5 to 8 minutes. You want a strong, aromatic base with bold cinnamon, cardamom, and clove flavors that mimic that signature Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks depth. Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.

Step 2: Chill the concentrate

Let your steeped chai tea cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. Chill it for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step is key—if the tea is too warm, it’ll melt the ice and water down your latte.

Step 3: Froth the pumpkin cold foam

In a tall glass or frothing pitcher, combine 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie filling, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 3 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Use a handheld milk frother and froth vigorously for 1–2 minutes until it thickens into fluffy foam.

Tip: For best results, chill your frothing glass beforehand for extra stiffness in the foam.

Step 4: Assemble your iced chai latte

Once your chai is chilled, pour it into a tall glass and stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Add a handful of ice to bring the temperature down and prepare it for that velvety pumpkin topping.

Step 5: Add pumpkin cold foam

Gently spoon the pumpkin cold foam on top of the iced chai. You’ll notice some of the creamy foam sits above the drink while a little seeps into the chai below—just like the best part of the Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks original.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Sprinkle a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice on top for a final festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy layers melt into your chai sip by sip.

Pro Tips

If you want your homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks copycat to taste just right, start with quality chai tea. Choose a bold, spicy blend—think cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

For richer cold foam, use heavy cream straight from the fridge. Cold ingredients froth better, giving you that signature thick layer like Starbucks. I also love adding a tiny pinch of salt—it brings out the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

Want a smoother latte experience? Strain your pumpkin pie filling through a fine mesh sieve before frothing. It keeps your foam silky and avoids bits sinking into your glass.

Always chill your tea fully before assembling. If it’s even a little warm, it’ll melt your ice and weaken the flavor.

And don’t forget presentation. A light dusting of pumpkin spice on top looks lovely and adds just enough extra aroma. Want more inspiration? Try pairing it with this dreamy pumpkin spice creamer recipe for morning coffee breaks too.

Variations

Make your Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks at home unique by switching up the tea. You can try a decaf chai blend if you’re sipping in the evening or want to make a kid-friendly version.

Prefer dairy-free? Swap the cream and milk with oat or coconut cream. The texture holds up well, and it gives a hint of natural sweetness.

Add espresso if you’re craving more caffeine. Just pour a shot over your iced latte before the foam—it becomes a pumpkin dirty chai!

In cooler months, skip the ice and serve your latte warm. It turns into a cozy, hug-in-a-mug version of the classic Starbucks treat. And if you’re craving more pumpkin magic, check out this iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte recipe for another twist!

You can even make a big batch of chai concentrate and freeze it in cubes for a grab-and-go latte all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This cozy Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks copycat pairs beautifully with all your favorite fall treats. Try it alongside a warm slice of chocolate chip pumpkin bread or buttery scones on a crisp morning. It also makes a dreamy brunch addition—especially when served in tall glasses with cinnamon sticks or star anise floating on top. Whether you’re hosting a fall-themed breakfast or enjoying a solo moment with a book and blanket, this latte is the perfect sip. I love offering it during family weekends or when friends stop by—it always gets a “You made this yourself?!” reaction.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own Pumpkin Chai Latte Starbucks at home. From steeping the spiced tea to whipping that silky cold foam, every step adds a little joy to your day. You control the sweetness, the spice, and the presentation—making it not just a drink, but a moment. I hope this recipe brings a sense of creativity to your kitchen and maybe even inspires your own fall tradition. If you’re craving more like this, browse my favorite homemade seasonal recipes to keep the cozy going.

Skip the line, sip the magic! Try this latte today and share your version in the comments—I’d love to see how yours turns out. Snap a photo and tag us on pinterest or on your favorite platform to be featured. Whether you follow the recipe to a T or add your own twist, your homemade moment matters.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.