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Easy Pumpkin Chai Latte Concentrate (Starbucks Copycat)

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This easy pumpkin chai latte concentrate is a homemade copycat of the Starbucks favorite, made with real pumpkin, whole spices, and black tea. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and saves you money while delivering a cozy, spiced fall drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 black tea bags (Assam or English Breakfast)
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin)
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup (plus more to taste)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 6 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Milk of your choice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Combine water and spices: In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of water, sliced fresh ginger, 4 cinnamon sticks, 8 whole cloves, 6 lightly crushed cardamom pods, and star anise (if using). Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Add the pumpkin puree: Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in ½ cup pumpkin puree until smooth. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the tea bags and sweetener: Remove the pot from the heat. Add 4 black tea bags, ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let steep for exactly 5 minutes.
  4. Strain the concentrate: Remove and discard the tea bags. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a heat-safe bowl or storage jar. Pour the concentrate through the strainer, pressing gently on the solids. Discard solids.
  5. Taste and adjust: Let cool slightly, then taste. Adjust sweetness or spice if needed. Remember, this is a concentrate.
  6. Cool and store: Let the concentrate cool completely to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Transfer to a sealed jar and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
  7. Assemble your latte: Heat ½ cup of milk until steaming. Pour ½ cup of pumpkin chai concentrate into a mug, add hot milk, and stir. Top with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if desired.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, toast whole spices in the dry saucepan for 1-2 minutes before adding water. Do not boil the tea bags; steep off heat for exactly 5 minutes to avoid bitterness. The concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days; flavors improve after 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chai latte, Starbucks copycat, fall drink, homemade chai, pumpkin spice latte, easy chai concentrate

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/easy-pumpkin-chai-latte-concentrate-starbucks-copycat/