Pumpkin spice has had fall in a chokehold for years. I understand why. The minute September arrives (or like me, August), everything from coffee creamer to breakfast cereal gets the pumpkin spice treatment.

But I think chai deserves some room at the table.

It’s warm, spicy, cozy, and basically built for sweater weather. Better yet, you don’t have to actually like pumpkin to enjoy it. It’s a major win for anyone who has been pretending to care about pumpkin-flavored everything.

So, What Exactly Is Chai?

Here in the U.S., when we say “chai,” we’re usually talking about masala chai, the Indian tea traditionally made with black tea, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices.

There isn't one universal spice blend. Recipes vary, but cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper commonly make an appearance.

It’s a warm drink with way more personality than your average cup of tea.

Chai Isn't Just for Lattes

I love a chai latte, but limiting chai spices to your morning drink feels like a missed opportunity.

The same warm flavors work beautifully in baked goods. Add chai spices to banana bread, muffins, cookies, or even your favorite cinnamon roll recipe.

You can also sprinkle a chai-inspired spice blend into oatmeal or French toast batter when breakfast needs a little fall makeover.

Try a Dirty Chai

Coffee girlies, I'm not leaving you out.

A dirty chai combines chai with a shot of espresso. You still get all those warm spices, but the espresso gives it a stronger coffee flavor and an extra caffeine boost.

Order one at your favorite coffee shop, or make an easy version at home with chai concentrate and espresso.

It’s basically what happens when your latte puts on a fall outfit.

Give Pumpkin a Chai Upgrade

This does not have to become a pumpkin-versus-chai situation. We can have both.

Pumpkin and chai spices actually play very nicely together. Try adding chai concentrate to a pumpkin latte or using chai spices instead of standard pumpkin pie spice in your next batch of pumpkin bread.

You get the familiar fall flavor, just with a little more kick.

Your Fall Drink Order Just Got More Interesting

I'm not predicting the downfall of pumpkin spice anytime soon. She has survived too much.

But when I want something cozy that isn't another pumpkin-flavored whatever, chai makes a pretty convincing alternative.

Start with a latte if you've never tried it. Then start experimenting with those warm spices in your baking and breakfast.

Pumpkin spice can share the season.