A creamy pumpkin spice chai latte made with rooibos chai, real pumpkin and warming spices. Naturally caffeine-free.
Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
This pumpkin spice chai latte is filled with the warming flavors of fall. It’s the perfect way to start the day on a chilly morning or wind down before bed.
It’s smooth and silky, with a hint of spice. The pumpkin is subtle, the spices are warming and coconut milk gives it just enough creaminess. Rooibos chai keeps it caffeine-free, but of course you can also make it with black tea if you prefer.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spiced Chai Latte
- Caffeine-free: Made with rooibos chai. Use regular rooibos or black tea if you prefer.
- Real pumpkin: A few spoonfuls of pumpkin purée adds pumpkin flavor to the latte.
- Easy spice blend: Pumpkin pie spice is the simplest option; you can also use individual spices.
- Dairy-free: Coconut milk keeps the latte dairy-free. Cashew milk or another milk works too.
- Naturally sweetened: Maple syrup adds the sweetness.
Ingredients & Tips
Pumpkin purée
A spoonful of pumpkin purée rounds out the pumpkin pie flavors. Be sure to use plain pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin pie spice
Pumpkin pie spice is the easiest option and keeps the ingredient list simple. If you'd rather make your own blend, you can use cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom and a little black pepper.
Rooibos chai tea
I use a rooibos chai tea bag for the strongest tea and spice flavor. Regular rooibos can be used if you prefer a milder flavor, or substitute black tea if you want caffeine.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk gives the latte its smooth, creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free. Cashew milk or another milk of your choice can also be used.
Maple syrup
A little maple syrup adds just enough sweetness to balance the pumpkin and spices. Adjust to taste.
Vanilla extract
A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors.
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
Warm the pumpkin purée, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice together in a small saucepan over low heat until fragrant. This allows the spices to bloom, releasing their oils and deepening the flavor before the milk is added.
Whisk in the vanilla, coconut milk and water and bring to a gentle simmer. Don't let it boil.
Add the rooibos chai tea bag, cover and steep for about five minutes. Remove the tea bag.
For a frothy texture, use a milk frother or immersion blender, or carefully transfer the latte to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and frothy. Pour into mugs and finish with a little pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
Variations
- Use regular rooibos instead of rooibos chai for a milder tea flavor.
- Substitute black chai or black tea if you want a caffeinated version.
- Use cashew milk, almond milk or another milk of your choice.
- If you prefer to make your own spice blend, use individual spices instead of pumpkin pie spice.
- Top with whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pumpkin spice chai latte caffeine-free?
This version is, because it's made with rooibos chai, which is naturally caffeine-free. Regular rooibos is caffeine-free as well. If you substitute black tea or black chai, the latte will contain caffeine.
Can I use individual spices instead of pumpkin pie spice?
Yes. Pumpkin pie spice is the easiest option, but you can use your own combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom and black pepper if you prefer.
How do I make it frothy?
A milk frother is the easiest option, but an immersion blender or high-speed blender works too. Blend just until the latte is smooth and frothy.
Can I use regular milk?
Absolutely. Coconut milk keeps this recipe dairy-free, but you can use regular milk or another plant-based milk if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
A warm mug of pumpkin spice chai is one of my favorite ways to ease into the cooler months. This version has all the familiar pumpkin pie flavors, but the rooibos keeps it mellow enough to enjoy whenever the mood strikes, even at the end of the day.
More Fall Drinks:
Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
Skip the sugary syrups and artificial flavors and make your own pumpkin chai latte filled with cozy fall flavors easily at home.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons/30g pumpkin purée
- 1 ½ Tablespoons/22ml maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛th teaspoon ground ginger, a pinch of ground cloves and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
- 2 cardamom pods, crushed open (use both seeds and pod)
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup/240ml light coconut milk (or milk of choice)
- ¼ cup/60ml filtered water
- 1 chai rooibos tea bag or 1 regular rooibos tea bag
Instructions
- Place the pumpkin purée, maple syrup and spices in a small saucepan and cook, stirring constantly over low heat until slightly thickened and the spices are fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Whisk in vanilla, milk and water and bring just to a simmer while stirring often (do not boil).
- Add tea bag, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove tea bag and strain mixture to remove cardamom pods.
- Pour mixture into blender and pulse until frothy or return to pan and use an immersion blender or milk frother instead.
- Pour into mug and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, or nutmeg if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
VARIATIONS:
- Use coconut sugar or date syrup instead of maple syrup for the sweetener.
- Substitute a pumpkin pie spice blend for the individual spices.
- Use a chai rooibos tea bag.
- Use any milk you'd like, dairy-free or regular.
- Use regular black tea or chai tea for a caffeinated version.
Recipe can be doubled.
STORAGE:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and re-heat to serve.
DIETARY INFO:
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Refined Sugar-Free
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 129Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 24mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 13gProtein: 1g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Ivana says
Thank you for this great recipe! Can you tell me, please, if you use canned coconut milk, or the regular one in a carton? Thank you in advance! 🙂
Sylvie says
I use canned but feel free to use coconut milk that comes in a carton if you prefer. Please note that the coconut milk in the carton is lower in fat than canned coconut milk and will produce a less rich but equally tasty result!
Lisa @ Wine & Glue says
This looks so delicious without being packed with all the calories of the original!
Emma says
This looks so, so good and soul-warming. I'm so ready for the fall and all the delicious spices and tastes that is associated with it, but we're have a full on Indian summer here in Denmark right now, which is quite unusual. Not that I'm not enjoying the good weather, but fall is probably my favorite season, so I'm pretty excited about it 🙂 As soon as the temperature drops a little, I must make this latte.
Love, Emma
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
I love that this pumpkin drink is made with tea. Super lovely!
Laura |Petite Allergy Treats says
I can't just imagine relaxing with a cup of this! Love the idea of pumpkin tea instead of coffee!
Em says
Caffeine-free pumpkin spice drink - it's all I've ever asked for! Thanks for knowing just what a mama wants, Sylvie. And I love the styling in these pics. That throw! <3
Raia says
That looks so comforting and delicious! I love the addition of the hemp, too. I'm definitely going to be giving it a try.
Catherine says
Dear Sylvie, I am so ready for the fall and this latte only makes me more eager for the cooler season to arrive. Sounds so warm and comforting...I would love this in the evening with a classic movie. Beautiful photo too. xo, Catherine
Maria says
So cool using the rooibos tea!
allie says
I'd love to snuggle up in this gorgeous throw with your pumpkin latte. Sounds heavenly. We're just getting a drop in humidity around here and looking forward to the cool crisp nights of fall. You are getting me in the mood for sure!