Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Latte: Easy Homemade Recipe
This copycat Starbucks pumpkin chai latte nails the balance of rich chai spices, creamy pumpkin, and velvety milk. Ready in under 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a warm, comforting drink that tastes exactly like the drive-thru version—but made in your own kitchen.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups milk (any kind)
- 1 cup strong brewed chai tea (2 chai tea bags steeped in 1 cup hot water for 5 minutes)
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Extra pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brew the chai tea: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Place 2 chai tea bags in a mug or small heatproof cup and pour the hot water over them. Let steep for 5 minutes—no less, no more.
- Combine the pumpkin mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and steaming, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see small bubbles forming around the edges—don’t let it boil.
- Add the vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine with the chai: Remove the tea bags from the steeped chai (give them a gentle squeeze over the cup). Pour the chai into your mug, then pour the pumpkin-milk mixture over it. Stir gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust: Take a sip. Need it sweeter? Add another teaspoon of brown sugar. Want more spice? Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon.
- Top and serve: If using whipped cream, add a generous dollop on top. Finish with a light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Don’t boil the milk—it can scorch and develop a burnt taste. Whisk pumpkin thoroughly to avoid lumps. Steep chai for exactly 5 minutes for best flavor. The pumpkin-milk mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe scales easily for multiple servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (12 ounces)
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: pumpkin chai latte, copycat Starbucks, homemade pumpkin latte, fall drink, chai tea latte, pumpkin spice