Yeah, I know I’ve done at least one pumpkin spice latte black tea & truth be told, I’ve done more than just one type of pumpkin-y, warmly spiced, creamy black tea – while not being called a “Pumpkin Spice Latte” or “PSL” – the basic ingredients were there: pumpkin, autumnal spices & a touch of vanilla cream. What can I say, I love this combination.
So, yes, it’s time for Another Pumpkin Spice Latte Black Tea!
But, while the basic composition of the blend is the same (pumpkin & spices, with or without vanilla notes) – the base is usually a little different. This time around, I went with a blend of Fujian & Yunnan black teas combined with vanilla bean, freeze-dried pumpkin, allspice, cinnamon & nutmeg. (For those of you keeping track, the spice blend is a wee bit different as well.)
Yummy! This is organic, vegan, gluten-free, allergen-friendly & all natural!
organic ingredients: black teas, pumpkin, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla bean & natural flavors
more about this tea: I am always excited to greet autumn. Not only do I appreciate the cool, crisp air after a long, hot summer, but I love the flavors that come along with fall. Apples, cranberries, spices & of course: pumpkin!
I don’t drink a lot of coffee shop Pumpkin Spice Lattes because as I’ve said more than once, I’m not much of a coffee drinker. I might have 1 Pumpkin Spice Latte from that coffee shop each year (but, I haven’t had that one PSL this year) but, that’s about all the coffee I’ll drink all year. I’m more into tea (in case that wasn’t obvious!)
But that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t have a Pumpkin Spice Latte just because I don’t really drink coffee, right? I’m always eager to combine pumpkin, spice & vanilla – so, why not make one every year? Maybe next year, I’ll just start calling it “Pumpkin Spice Latte 2023”. Why not?
This year, what makes it different from any other version of years past is the base. I don’t think I’ve made a PSL with this Fujian & Yunnan base. It’s rich, malty & a lovely compliment to the sweet, spicy, creamy notes of PSL. Lovely!
to brew: before you open the pouch, turn it upside down & give it a shake to make sure those spices get redistributed throughout the blend. Use 3g of the blend to 12oz of nearly boiling water (205°F) & steep for 3 minutes. Strain & allow to cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy!
serving suggestion: I prefer this served hot (I prefer most of my autumnal blends served hot) but what I did notice as I continued to sip is that as the tea cooled, the creamy vanilla notes popped & became much more lusciously creamy & smooth. So, you definitely want to give it some cool time!
As with most spiced teas, I do recommend just a teensy bit of sweetener as natural sweeteners like sugar or honey will enhance the spices. It’s good without sweetener too, but I like it better with just a little bit of sugar (try it with brown sugar, it is really something special!)
Calling something “pumpkin spice” without any pumpkin flavor is like calling a plain biscuit “chocolate cake biscuit”—it’s all in the imagination!
To be fair, the origin of the phrase “pumpkin spice” was referring to a mix of spices intended to season pumpkin pies – so it would be weird in that context for a spice mix going into pumpkins to also contain pumpkin.
…but, that said, I also agree that I much prefer when pumpkin spice flavoured food/bev products (tea, cookies, etc) do actually contain and taste like real pumpkin.
I agree, pumpkin spice does not technically include pumpkin. But people have come to expect it to, I think. It’s become more of a pumpkin pie flavor.
Very fair of you, @Roswell Strange! In truth, I was aware of the origin of the pumpkin spice origins (yes, I’m old) but also have come to expect the pumpkin flavor, as @Cameron B mentions. But good on you for keeping me honest!
Let’s face it: Pumpkin spice beverages and baked goods – whether pie or muffins or quick breads – are a delightful way to welcome, and keep, the fall season. I don’t mean silliness like pumpkin spice scented seat covers or stuff like that! But teas, coffees, cakes, pies – I love those all!