Pumpkin, Spice & Everything Nice: The Coffee Drink My Daughter Talked Me Into (And I’m Glad She Did)

I’ve always been a PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) girl through and through.

When fall rolls around, you can usually find me with one in hand—it’s my seasonal guilty pleasure.

That is, until Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Suddenly, that became my new go-to. Partly because it’s delicious, but also because I’ve learned the hard way that hot coffee sometimes triggers my incessant heartburn and acid reflux. (Ugh—getting older is not at all enjoyable sometimes!) Cold coffee feels a little kinder on my system, so iced has been the way to go.

But recently, my sweet daughter suggested I try something different: a pumpkin chai latte. At first sip, I thought it was way too sweet. But I couldn’t deny it—the flavors were incredible. The warm spices from the chai mixed with the pumpkin creaminess tasted like autumn in a glass. I knew right then I wanted to try making my own version at home so I could control the sweetness (and maybe save a few dollars while I was at it).

And let me tell you—it’s surprisingly simple.

How I Make My Cold Pumpkin Chai Latte (No Exact Measurements—Just the Heart!)

In this super simple recipe, I do use espresso (because I like my coffee), and I keep it extra easy by using pumpkin creamer. I don’t call this a “healthy” recipe by any means, but it’s tasty and fast for those times you want something at home—especially when you live 35 minutes away from the nearest Starbucks. 😉

Here’s how I throw it together:

Brew two shots of Starbucks espresso (or your favorite brand) directly over a few ice cubes in a large glass.
Pour in some Tazo Chai concentrate—this is where that spicy kick comes from.
Add a splash (or more if you like it sweeter) of pumpkin creamer.
Top with either:
- Vanilla protein drink (for a creamy vanilla twist and extra protein), or
- Milk of your choice—dairy, oat, almond, whatever your heart prefers.
Stir, sip, and enjoy!

The beauty of making it at home is that you’re in charge of the flavors. Want it spicier? Add more chai. Prefer creamier? Go heavier on the pumpkin creamer.

Coffee Dates with My Girl

Making this latte at home reminded me of when my daughter was younger. We used to have little coffee dates—though, to be fair, she wasn’t exactly drinking coffee back then. Her drink of choice was always a Frappuccino (lots of whipped cream, of course), while I stuck with my hot coffee. Those simple little outings became our special ritual, a way to connect in the middle of busy weeks.

Now that she’s older, she’s found her own coffee shop style. She leans more toward Dutch Bros. these days, but if Mama’s paying, she’s perfectly content with Starbucks. (Some things never change, right? 😉)

If you’re a PSL fan like me, I highly recommend giving this pumpkin chai latte a try. It’s just different enough to feel new, but still full of all the cozy fall flavors we crave this time of year. Who knows—you may even start a new favorite tradition, too. 🍂☕️