If you’re someone who waits all year for fall flavors, there’s a new obsession-worthy drink you’ll want to try: Pumpkin Cold Foam Chai Tea. This creamy, spiced, and slightly sweet beverage is the perfect autumn twist on your favorite iced chai. Whether you’ve fallen in love with a similar Starbucks version or you’re just intrigued by the blend of pumpkin, chai spices, and velvety cold foam — this easy homemade version is for you.
In this in-depth recipe article, you’ll learn exactly how to craft this comforting treat at home with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, pro tips, storage ideas, and even healthy swaps — making this your ultimate guide to mastering pumpkin cold foam chai tea.
🧡 What Is Pumpkin Cold Foam Chai Tea?
Pumpkin Cold Foam Chai Tea is a delicious iced chai latte topped with a frothy, lightly sweetened pumpkin-spiced cold foam. It’s the ideal combination of cozy fall spices, creamy textures, and the refreshing chill of an iced drink. It’s particularly popular during fall but is delightful year-round for chai lovers.
🔍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Better than store-bought: Save money and avoid additives.
Easy to customize: Adjust sweetness, spice, or milk preference.
Perfectly spiced: Balanced pumpkin and chai flavors in every sip.
Fall vibes in a cup: No barista needed — just a blender or whisk!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is everything required to make Pumpkin Cold Foam Chai Tea from scratch:
✨ For the Iced Chai Base:
2 chai tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose-leaf chai)
1 cup hot water
½ cup milk of choice (whole, oat, almond, or coconut milk work well)
1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
Ice cubes
✨ For the Pumpkin Cold Foam:
¼ cup heavy cream (or barista oat milk for dairy-free option)
¼ cup milk of choice
2 tbsp pumpkin purée (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
1 tbsp maple syrup or vanilla syrup
¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove)
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (enhances flavor)
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🫖 Step 1: Brew the Chai Tea
Boil 1 cup of water and steep 2 chai tea bags in it for 5–7 minutes.
Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.
Stir in your preferred sweetener (maple syrup or honey).
Set aside to chill, or pour over a glass of ice.
🥛 Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Cold Foam
In a mixing cup, combine:
Heavy cream
Milk
Pumpkin purée
Maple syrup
Pumpkin pie spice
Vanilla extract
Salt
Use a milk frother, blender, or immersion blender to whip the mixture until it becomes airy and foamy. (Roughly 30–45 seconds.)
Pro Tip: Chill the milk and cream for optimal frothiness!
🧋 Step 3: Assemble the Drink
In a tall glass, add ice and pour in your brewed chai tea and milk.
Spoon the pumpkin cold foam on top.
Dust with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
Serve with a straw and enjoy!
💡 Tips & Variations
✔️ Pro Tips:
Cold foam frothing: Use cold ingredients and a high-speed frother for the best texture.
Sweeten to taste: Adjust maple syrup or honey to your preferred sweetness level.
Use strong chai: For bold flavor, steep the tea longer or use chai concentrate.
🔄 Variations:
Dirty Pumpkin Cold Foam Chai: Add a shot of espresso for a caffeine boost.
Dairy-Free Version: Use oat milk or coconut cream for the cold foam.
Iced Pumpkin Matcha Chai: Replace chai with matcha for a green twist.
Extra spicy: Add a pinch of freshly grated ginger for more warmth.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
🧊 Can You Store Leftover Cold Foam?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you must store it:
Refrigerate cold foam for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Re-froth before using to regain texture.
🧃 Brewed chai can be stored:
In the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can also make a large batch of chai and refrigerate to use anytime.
Important: Do not freeze cold foam; it loses its structure and flavor.
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugars | 14g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Caffeine | ~40 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using pumpkin pie filling instead of purée: Pie filling has added sugar and spices which can overpower the drink.
Overheating your milk/cream: Cold foam won’t froth well if it’s warm.
Skipping the salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
Using weak chai tea: The tea base should be strong enough to shine under the foam.
📌 FAQs About Pumpkin Cold Foam Chai Tea
1. Can I use store-bought pumpkin cold foam?
Yes, but homemade tastes fresher, contains fewer preservatives, and is more customizable.
2. Is this drink caffeinated?
Yes. Chai tea naturally contains caffeine, but significantly less than coffee. You can use decaf chai if desired.
3. Can I make the cold foam without a frother?
Yes! You can use a handheld whisk, blender, or shake ingredients vigorously in a mason jar.
4. Is this drink vegan-friendly?
Absolutely — just use a plant-based milk and swap the heavy cream for a thick oat milk or coconut cream.
🧡 Final Thoughts: Cozy Up with This Homemade Pumpkin Cold Foam Chai Tea
There’s something magical about the warm spices of chai meeting the sweet, creamy pumpkin cold foam — it’s like fall in a cup. This homemade pumpkin cold foam chai tea recipe brings barista-quality flavor straight to your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re curled up with a book or enjoying it as your afternoon pick-me-up, it’s the perfect seasonal sip you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
📌 Save & Share the Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to pin it, share it with friends, or bookmark it for cozy fall days ahead. Have fun experimenting and making it your own!
