How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Tea Latte

Who doesn’t love the warm, comforting fall flavors of pumpkin spice? We’re all familiar with Starbuck’s famous pumpkin spice latte, but in this article, we’re making a pumpkin spice TEA latte. It’s one of my favorite fall and wintertime drinks and is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.

What is a pumpkin spice tea latte?

A pumpkin spice tea latte combines black tea with warm and cozy fall spices, like cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. You can even add a  bit of pumpkin puree if you like. The tea and spices are brewed together, strained, then topped with steamed milk of your choice. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require much equipment!  

Does this drink contain actual pumpkin?

It can if you want it to! I like to add 2 tablespoons of real pumpkin puree to my tea, but this step is entirely optional. It adds a bit more flavor and makes the drink slightly thicker. 

Here’s what you’ll need to make a pumpkin spice tea latte:

1. Medium saucepan
2. Black tea bags or loose black tea and a tea infuser. My favorite is Art of Tea’s Yunnan Black Tea
3. Sweetener of choice (I prefer using brown sugar for this recipe)
4. Canned pumpkin puree (optional)
5. Spices. I prefer to make this drink by brewing the tea with whole spices, however, you can also purchase a pre-made ground pumpkin spice mix. If brewing the tea with whole, fresh spices, you’ll need:
   
   1 cinnamon stick
   1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
   1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
   1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
   3 whole cloves
   
6. Milk of your choice (I prefer using 1% milk for this recipe, but any type will do! To make it vegan, my personal favorite alternative is almond milk)
7. A frother (alternatively, you can simply heat the milk and combine it with your tea, it just won’t be as frothy).

How to enjoy a pumpkin spice tea latte

Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy a pumpkin spice tea latte:

• Pour it over ice and drink it cold – this is an ideal variation for the summer.
• Use chai tea instead of black for added flavor.
• Serve with any apple or cinnamon flavored desserts. Think cinnamon shortbread cookies, apple tarts, and cinnamon rolls. 
• Garnish your tea with a whole cinnamon stick or a dash of cinnamon.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.

Recipe for pumpkin spice tea latte

Yield: 2 lattes

Note: I prefer making this recipe with whole, fresh spices. However, you can substitute 3/4 teaspoon of a ready-made ground pumpkin spice blend if you choose. 

• 1-2 black tea bags, or one tea infuser filled with loose black tea
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 3/4 cup milk of choice
• 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (I prefer using brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (optional)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
• 3 whole cloves

Instructions

1. Put the black tea and spices into a medium saucepan with sweetener of your choice. Add the pumpkin puree, if using. 
2. Pour the water into the pot and bring to a simmer. Allow to brew for 3-5 minutes. Gently stir.
3. Strain the tea into two mugs.
4. Froth the milk with an electric or handheld frother. If you don’t have one, you can simply heat the milk in the microwave.
5. Pour over the tea and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a whole cinnamon stick.
6. Enjoy!