6 FALL Coffee Favorites! Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte, Chai, Indian Coffee, and Dirty Chai Latte
Your favorite Fall Coffee Drink Recipes!
Here I am sharing a few of my favorite java drinks including 4 brand new recipes which include a Pumpkin Cream Sauce that is similar to one used at Starbucks – Easy Dirty Chai Latte, Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte, Pumpkin Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew; plus Chai and Milk Coffee Recipes are all here. Whether you add tea, coffee or both, these recipes can be enjoyed hot or iced. Want to be extra seasonal? Then enjoy a Dirty Chai Latte or Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew with my tasty Pumpkin Coffee Cake.
Dirty Chai Latte is a mix of black tea and espresso. This may seem a bit odd, but sometimes you just have to do what feels good. My variation of homemade Masala Chai and Instant Coffee recipe blend gives you a tasty dirty chai latte. In addition to that, I’ve added how to make a flavorful Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe that is guilt free when made with maple syrup and almond milk. It is tasty and easy on the pockets. BUT, this year it is all about the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, and guess what? I have you covered! Give the recipe below a try! My other two comforting drinks include a homemade Chai or Instant Milk Coffee. Which are perfect everyday java drink that can be made within minutes.
FAVORITE COFFEE DRINKS!
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Fall Starbucks Order
My Fall Starbucks order is a Tall Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte with Almond Milk, one pump of chai, one pump of pumpkin sauce, and half the ice. The brand of almond milk which Starbucks uses is already sweetened, so I feel like it has the perfect amount of flavor without the added sugars and a little goes a long way. On days I am really dragging, if you follow me on Instagram then you know I have these days often, I will get a shot of espresso added. Making the final drink a Dirty Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. Wow! Talk about a mouth full. Nowdays, it’s all about the Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and I can’t blame a single soul for loving it.
With that said…
What kind of coffee do I recommend for a latte?
Cold Brew is my absolute favorite. It requires patience since it has to be made a few days in advance to taste the best, but it is worth every sip. You can also buy cold brew coffee in cans or the refrigerated section at your grocery store. The convenience is worth it sometimes. Trust me!
Don’t want to go out and buy cold brew coffee? Then try making cold brew coffee at home! Take 1 cup of ground coffee and place filtered water in a half gallon jug. Let the two marry each other in the fridge for 24+ hours. In the olden days, this would have been frowned upon but trust me when I say “This is good coffee.”
Another alternative to cold brew and my second favorite for this recipe in particular is instant coffee. Again, not what it’s hyped up to be but the flavors of instant coffee mixed with milk just can’t be beat. Perhaps it’s a South Asian thing because Indian Coffee is made with instant coffee and it’s REALLY GOOD. Especially with Whole Milk!
My last resort coffee for a pumpkin spice latte is a coffee machine and its fresh brewed coffee (k-cup, brewed, etc). It has a very distinct flavor so sometimes it can be overpowering when made at home, but if that is your thing then I say GO FOR IT! I have this coffee machine and absolutely love it.
Chai Tea vs Chai Latte vs Milk Tea vs Chai
SO. MUCH. DEBATE over this concept. Chai is Tea, in India. Cha is tea in China. Some drink it with milk and some drink it without milk. But let it be known that “Chai” is a Hindi word for tea and “Cha” is a Mandarin word for Tea. Yes, I wish we would stop calling it “Chai Tea” or even “Milk Tea” but I have grown accustomed to this being a norm on an English menu in the United States. I order “Milk Tea” often at local Boba shops. It is my favorite and I have no problem with the norm being “Milk Tea”. If it were called Chai Tea, I would at least know it had chai masala or some sort of a spice flavor included. See, confusion cleared for those who live in the US at least. If you would like to have an authentic fail-proof chai recipe then be sure to check out my recipe here. As far as the debates go, I closed the chapter on that a long time ago :).
What ingredients are in Chai Masala?
Cardamom, ginger, lemongrass, mint, holy basil, cloves, cinnamon, etc. A blend of spices is what makes every chai masala different. Many families in India have their own family recipe. Some individuals enjoy flavors of only one particular spice such as ginger, cardamom, or lemongrass in their chai. I personally love a good lemongrass tea or cardamom tea. Be sure to check out my Chai recipe for additional variations. It is linked below.
Why does coffee taste different at a coffee shop?
The. Ingredients. Every coffee shop has their own way of making drinks with special ingredients that range with different brands. The coffee beans themself come from different countries which taste different. Similar to wine grapes. My favorite version of coffee is Ethiopian! However, a big playing factor of something simple that you can try at home is to use filtered water. Brewing coffee with cold water is different then hot so the molecules of coffee can alter during the process. I also, don’t know the real science behind the concept, but I am sure your local barista can fill you in on the gaps.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Starbucks has a delicious drink called Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. It is frothy, sweet, creamy, and oh so delicious! Have you tried it? Fear not, because my recipe mimics the taste and I can tell you that it hits very close to the real deal! Pure pumpkin puree mixed with half and half, sugar, and vanilla make this a delicious treat. But why stop there? You can go an extra step and froth the cream before adding it to a cup of cold brew coffee!
Why Cold Brew?
It has the taste of coffee without the “oomf” if you know what I mean. Cold brew coffee is fresh grounded coffee beans that is mixed with cold water. It is then placed in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours but tastes best at 48 hours. I can’t begin to tell you the difference the type of coffee makes when making a latte or coffee drink. Yes, I prefer my coffee hot and black, but when it comes to lattes I am all about cold brew… or instant coffee.
Why Instant Coffee?
Old habit die hard? I honestly love the taste of instant coffee. Indian coffee tastes amazing with instant coffee and since I have always drank it that way, I knew no better for years. Fast forward 20 years…. cold brew is definitely the next best thing.
LET’S GET BREWING!
EVERYDAY Pumpkin Spice Cream Sauce
This universal fall recipe is perfect for the whole family! Make extra and refrigerate it to use throughout the week. I add it to warm milk for my kids, coffee for myself, and espresso for my husband. Either way, it makes a perfect fall treat and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
FALL PUMPKIN CREAM SAUCE RECIPE
A pumpkin creamer that can be made at home and refrigerated for a week at a time! Add it to your espresso, coffee, or make it kid friendly by adding it to warm milk. Be sure to make extra, entertain your friends, or simply lounge in front of a tv and enjoy!
- 2 tbsp PURE pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice seasoning (aka-pumpkin pie seasoning)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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Combine all of the ingredients together in a saucepan and whisk together until it comes to a boil.
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Strain the contents into a glass container and refrigerate after it has cooled.
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Enjoy with your favorite espresso, coffee, milk (great for kids), etc.
- STORAGE TIP-Refrigerate the cream for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- HEALTHY TIP-Make it vegan by using a dairy free creamer or my favorite almond milk. The end drink will not be as creamy but it is still tasty.
- HEALTHY TIP-Maple syrup is a good alternative to sugar in this recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
A recipe using Pumpkin Cream sauce and mixing it with milk and espresso. Tastes great iced or hot. Top it with some whip cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice to kick it up a notch.
A tasty pumpkin spice latte recipe mixed with milk, espresso, and a delicious homemade pumpkin sauce that mimics your favorite coffee shop. This recipe can be made at home and saving your pockets quite the change from having java at a coffee shop this season.
- 2 tbsp PURE pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (more or less)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie seasoning (more or less)
- 4 oz espresso
- 4 oz milk
- 2-4 oz pumpkin spice cream sauce
- ready whip (as a topping)
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Combine the Pumpkin Cream Sauce ingredients in a pot and whisk until it is boiling.
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Remove from the stove top and strain it into a storage container (such as a glass mason jar).
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Mix your desired amount of creamer with 4 oz hot milk (frothing is optional) and 4oz of espresso.
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Top with ready whip, a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, and enjoy hot.
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Mix your desired amount of creamer with 4 oz cold milk (frothing is optional) and 4oz of espresso.
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Add ice, some ready whip, and enjoy!
Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
A mixture of pumpkin cream sauce and chai masala that is combined in a strong black tea. It tastes great iced or hot! This is favorite fall time drink using almond milk, but you can use whatever milk you enjoy and fits your lifestyle.
A masala chai mixed with pumpkin cream that can be enjoyed hot or iced. I recommend making a large quantity of the pumpkin sauce and refrigerating for up to a week.
- 2 tbsp PURE pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie/spice seasoning
- 1 tsp chai masala (more or less) see notes
- 4 oz strong black tea
- 4 oz milk
- 2-4 oz pumpkin spice chai sauce
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Combine the Pumpkin Chai Sauce ingredients in a saucepan and heat on the stove. Whisk the ingredients as they come to a boil.
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Remove from the heat and strain the contents into a glass container that can be stored in the refrigerator (for future use).
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Combine 4oz of milk (hot or cold), 4oz of strong black tea (hot or cold), with as much Pumpkin Chai Sauce as you desire . Enjoy hot or iced.
I purchase chai masala from the Indian Grocery Store, but you can also buy a version on Amazon.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
When Starbucks comes out with a delicious new drink, I try to recreate it. I'd like to think I came pretty dang close to their Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Let me know what you think!
- 2 tbsp PURE pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice seasoning
- 8 oz cold brew coffee
- 2-4 oz pumpkin cream (add as much as you desire)
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In a saucepan mix the contents of the pumpkin cream together and whisk until the contents come to a boil.
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Turn off the heat and strain the mixture into either a mug or a glass storage container.
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Mix 8oz of cold brew coffee with 2-4 oz of pumpkin cream (I froth half of the cream sometimes)
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Add ice, sprinkle extra pumpkin spice seasoning on top, and enjoy!
- Double the pumpkin spice seasoning and vanilla if you love extra flavor.
- Try using a flavored coffee for extra fall vibes.
- Substitute dairy free creamer for a vegan version.
- Try maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier version.
Dirty Chai Latte
This dirty chai latte is a mixture of Chai and Coffee that is swirled with sweetened creamer. Use your favorite chai masala as an addition of spice and enjoy a delicious caffeinated beverage.
- 4 oz hot black coffee
- 4 oz hot black tea
- 1/4 tsp chai masala (more or less)
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or heavy cream + sugar) (see notes)
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Combine black tea with chai masala and let it steep together for a few minutes.
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Strain the tea or remove tea bags. Pour the contents into a cup and add hot coffee + condensed milk to the mug.
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Enjoy hot or iced.
You can replace sweetened condensed milk with heavy cream + sugar or use any other alternative that fits your lifestyle.
Indian Milk Coffee
A tasty variation of instant coffee mixed with optional spices. The combination of milk, coffee, and spices such as ginger is boiled together and then strained to give you a creamy drink.
- 8 oz whole milk
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tbsp instant coffee
- 1 cinnamon stick (swirl the hot coffee with it to infuse flavor)
- 1/4 thumb size fresh ginger
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1/8 tsp chai masala powder
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Combine the ingredients in a pot and bring the contents to a simmer. Pour into a coffee mug and enjoy.
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Place all of the contents into a mug and heat the contents in a microwave until desired temperature. Mix with spoon (strain if necessary) and enjoy.
Chai
A traditional cup of chai with numerous variation of spices that gives you a traditional Indian Cafe taste.
- 5 oz water
- 7 oz milk of choice
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp loose leaf tea
- 1 variation choice of spice from the list below
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp lemongrass leaves
- 1 piece long cinnamon stick or 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/2 tsp chai masala
- 2 tbsp tulsi leaves
- 6 pods cracked open cardamom pods
- 4 mint leaves
- ginger + lemongrass
- chai masala + ginger
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In a chai pot add water, tea, sugar, and a choice of spice.
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Once it reaches a boil, let it continue for about 1-2 minutes. Some of the water will evaporate at this point.
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Add the milk to the pot and stir.
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Let the tea come to a boil and continue to stir. You may need to lift the pot off of the stove to prevent boiling over (be careful because this is not fun to clean up).
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Continue to boil and stir for about 1-2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and strain the tea into a coffee mug. The end result yields about 8-8.5oz of chai.
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ENJOY HOT!
