If you’re craving something cozy with a little extra kick this fall, you’re in for a treat. This Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe is literally my new obsession—warm, comforting, and oh-so-flavorful, it’s like autumn in a mug but with a grown-up twist. Whether you’re winding down after a hectic day or want to impress friends with a seasonal drink, this recipe has you covered. Let me walk you through every step so you can nail it, just like I did (after a few happy experiments, of course!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfortingly Seasonal: It’s got all the flavors of fall blended with the spicy warmth of chai—you’ll feel wrapped in a cozy blanket.
- Simple Yet Special: Made with everyday ingredients, it’s easy to pull off but tastes way fancier than it seems.
- A Perfect Twist: The whiskey adds just the right amount of warmth and booze without overpowering the spiced pumpkin and chai notes.
- Great for Sharing: Made for two, it’s ideal for cozy catch-ups or just treating yourself and a friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here comes together to create that velvety, spiced, and boozy pumpkin chai latte you’re craving. I love how the pure maple syrup blends sweetness with depth, and the pumpkin pie spice plus cardamom really bring out those chai vibes.
- Black tea bags: Choose a bold black tea—you want a strong base to stand up to the pumpkin and whiskey flavors.
- Whiskey: Pick something smooth but affordable; I usually use a mellow bourbon for that sweet, oaky touch.
- Whole milk: It froths and blends beautifully, but if you prefer, creamy alternatives like oat milk work too.
- Pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling—that’s the secret to rich, natural pumpkin flavor.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds a nuanced sweetness that’s not too cloying, and it pairs wonderfully with the spices.
- Ground cardamom: This gives the chai that signature spicy-fragrant kick.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A must-have to evoke the spirit of pumpkin season; sprinkle a little extra on top for good measure.
- Whipped cream (for topping): Totally optional, but trust me, it takes this latte over the moon and back.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on the mood or occasion—and you should feel free to do the same! Spiced drinks are so versatile. I’ll often tweak the alcohol, spices, or milk to keep things fresh and fun.
- Non-alcoholic version: Skip the whiskey and add a pinch of cinnamon on top instead—still wonderfully delicious and cozy for kids or designated drivers.
- Different spirits: Sometimes I swap in spiced rum or a smooth dark rum instead of whiskey, which gives a subtly different but equally tasty flavor.
- Milk alternatives: Oat milk makes it dairy-free and froths nicely, and cashew milk adds a subtle nuttiness that’s lovely here.
- Extra spice kick: If you’re a spice lover like me, add a bit of fresh grated ginger or a dash of cloves for extra zing.
How to Make Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
Step 1: Steep Your Tea Like a Pro
Start by placing one tea bag into each mug. Bring just over a cup of water to a boil—about 10 oz. Pour about a quarter cup of that hot water into each mug, letting the tea steep fully for 5 minutes. This ensures a strong chai base that holds its own against the pumpkin and whiskey. Be patient here; steeping less leaves things weak, while over-steeping can produce bitterness. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags and stir in one ounce of whiskey per mug. Don’t skip this step—it’s where the magic begins!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Pumpkin Milk Mixture
In a bowl or a measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, ground cardamom, and pumpkin pie spice until everything is smooth and combined. This is one of my favorite steps because you can see the vibrant orange color develop, and that aroma? It’s next-level cozy. Make sure you whisk well so no lumps of pumpkin remain—smoothness is key for that creamy texture.
Step 3: Heat and Froth the Pumpkin Milk
Now for the fun part. You can microwave the pumpkin milk mixture in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until it reaches about 140°F, which usually takes around 2 minutes. Alternatively, use a steamer wand if you have one—that’s what I do when I’m going for café quality. Once heated, pour the mixture in batches into your frothing pitcher. Insert your frother about three-quarters down and blend until you see a thick, velvety foam. It’s this foam that gives the latte its signature silky mouthfeel. If you want to steam it instead, tilt your pitcher slightly, insert the steam nozzle just below the surface, and steam until the pitcher’s hot to the touch (around 20-30 seconds).
Step 4: Assemble and Garnish Your Lattes
Pour the frothy pumpkin milk mixture into your mug with the steeped tea and whiskey, spooning the thick foam on top to create that pretty layered effect. Sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice over the foam—something about that fragrant dusting just completes the experience. Finish off with a generous swirl of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. I promise, this step is the “wow” factor whenever I serve it up to guests or family.
Pro Tips for Making Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
- Strong Tea Base: I learned early on that brewing a robust black tea is essential to avoid a watery latte; don’t skimp on steep time.
- Smooth Pumpkin Mixture: Whisk your pumpkin with the milk and syrup until perfectly smooth to ensure no gritty texture—nobody wants chunks in their latte!
- Froth Carefully: If using a frother, partially insert it to avoid splashing, and don’t over-froth or the texture can break down.
- Balance Your Booze: Adding whiskey after steeping lets you control the kick—start with 1 oz. and adjust next time depending on preference.
How to Serve Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
Garnishes
I always top with a cloud of freshly whipped cream—it adds decadence and softness that contrasts beautifully with the spices. A quick sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or a dusting of cinnamon over the cream ups the cozy vibes. Sometimes when I’m feeling fancy, I’ll grate a little nutmeg on top, which gives a lovely warm aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair this spiked pumpkin chai latte with buttery pumpkin muffins or spiced biscotti for a breakfast treat or afternoon indulgence. It also goes surprisingly well with salted caramel shortbread if you want a little sweet-salty partnership. Personally, my family goes crazy for serving it alongside ginger snaps—it’s the perfect combo of spice and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this latte in clear glass mugs so the layers show off nicely. You can even rim glasses with cinnamon sugar for a festive look. Adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer not only looks pretty, but it infuses extra warmth. If you’re hosting a fall gathering, setting up a DIY garnish bar with whipped cream, spices, and little chocolate shavings is a fun interactive touch everyone appreciates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover pumpkin milk mixture in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good whisk before reheating because pumpkin tends to settle. Avoid storing the assembled latte—you’ll lose the frothy texture and it won’t taste as fresh.
Freezing
Freezing this latte isn’t my favorite because the texture changes once thawed and the pumpkin can separate. If you want to freeze, try freezing the pumpkin-spiced milk mixture separately in ice cube trays for quick additions to hot tea or coffee later.
Reheating
When reheating the pumpkin milk mixture, use gentle heat in a microwave or on the stove over low and whisk frequently to keep it smooth. I always re-froth it after warming to bring back that lovely creamy top. Just re-steep fresh tea and add your whiskey before combining again.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of tea in the Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe?
Absolutely! While black tea is traditional and offers the best sturdy base for the spices and whiskey, you could experiment with chai tea bags for even more spice, or rooibos tea for a caffeine-free option. Just keep in mind that changing tea types will subtly affect the flavor profile.
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Is there a non-dairy way to make this latte?
Yes! I often swap the whole milk for oat, almond, or cashew milk. Oat milk especially froths well and brings a natural sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully. Just be sure to whisk and froth carefully for a smooth texture.
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How strong is the drink with whiskey?
This Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe uses about 1 oz. of whiskey per serving, which gives a noticeable but balanced alcoholic kick. You can always adjust the amount to your preference—start small if you want to keep it light.
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Can I make this recipe for one person?
Definitely! The recipe is designed for two, but simply halve all ingredients for a single serving. Just be sure to brew your tea bags separately and adjust your frothing quantities accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe quickly became my go-to comfort drink when the temperatures drop. What really won me over is how easy it is to make and how every sip brings a blend of cozy spice, smooth pumpkin, and that lovely warmth from the whiskey. It’s not just a drink—it feels like a little celebration in a mug, perfect for fall mornings or lazy nights. I’m genuinely excited for you to try it out and make it yours. Pour a cup, wrap your hands around it, and savor that moment—you deserve it.
Print
Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Microwaving and Frothing
- Cuisine: American
Description
A cozy and indulgent Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte combining robust black tea, warm pumpkin spices, smooth whiskey, and creamy milk, perfect for autumn or anytime you want a comforting spiked beverage.
Ingredients
Tea and Alcohol
- 2 black tea bags
- 2 oz. whiskey
Pumpkin Milk Mixture
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for serving
Toppings
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions
- Steep the Tea and Add Whiskey: Place each tea bag in a mug. Bring at least 10 ounces (1 1/4 cups) of water to a boil. Pour 1/4 cup boiling water into each mug and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and pour 1 ounce of whiskey into each mug.
- Mix Pumpkin Milk Base: In a measuring cup or bowl with a spout, whisk together the whole milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, ground cardamom, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and fully combined.
- Heat Pumpkin Milk Mixture: Transfer the pumpkin milk mixture to a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until the temperature reaches about 140°F, which should take approximately 2 minutes in total.
- Froth the Pumpkin Milk: Pour the warmed mixture into a frothing pitcher in batches. Insert a milk frother about three-quarters of the way down and froth until the mixture is foamy and thick. Pour the frothed milk into the mugs with tea and whiskey, spooning any remaining foam on top. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice and garnish with whipped cream.
- Alternative Steaming Method: If using a steam wand, pour the pumpkin milk mixture into the frothing pitcher, tilt it slightly, and position the steam nozzle just below the milk surface. Open the steam valve and heat while creating small foam bubbles until the pitcher feels hot to the touch, about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Serve: Pour the steamed and frothed mixture into the mugs with tea and whiskey, spoon any remaining foam on top, sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice, and garnish with whipped cream.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the best creamy texture, but you can substitute with any milk of your choice.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
- If you don’t have a frother, you can vigorously whisk the milk mixture or shake it in a tightly sealed jar before pouring.
- Ensure the tea is steeped fully to extract robust flavors to complement the pumpkin spices and whiskey.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and frothy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 8 oz)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
