A cup of tea and a pair of reading glasses on an open book next to a window sitting on a cozy yellow blanket with a candle and fresh apple as inspiration for fall flavors.

The Love and Hate Behind Polarizing Pumpkin Spice

You are ready to leave the heat of summer behind and walk straight into fall. As you watch the leaves start to change, you break out your chunky sweaters and look forward to all of those signature fall flavors — most notably polarizing pumpkin spice. 

If you want flavors that fall outside of the pumpkin spice realm, we have some teas and ideas you’ll love to try that aren’t pumpkin spice. 

But first, you might not realize that you actually love pumpkin spice after all. Did you know that pumpkin spice has almost nothing to do with pumpkins? 

What is Pumpkin Spice Made From?

Pumpkin spice latte in a pumpkin-shaped cup on a table with leaves and autumn decor as inspiration for fall flavors.

Pumpkin spice is undoubtedly the diva of fall and it’s a flavor that you either love or hate. Pumpkin spice is literally a combination of potent spices that emulate the flavors of autumn. Clove, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg — and sometimes allspice — are added to pumpkin pies to give them that signature spice flavor.

There is rarely any real pumpkin added to pumpkin spice goodies and lattes. If you are a fan of these signature fall flavor spices, you might be a secret fan of pumpkin spice after all! Let’s take a closer look at these spices and some other delicious flavors that will make your autumn irresistibly scrumptious.

5 Signature Spices that Define Fall

Spoons on a table display with many different colorful fall flavor spices

The first four signature fall spices in this list might be what pumpkin spice is made from, but they can be used for countless teas, treats, and dishes throughout the season. The fifth spice is a powerhouse combination of flavors you can customize to your liking.

1. Peppery Clove

You’ll find this fall flavor spice has a little hint of sweetness and a little hint of pepper and is perfect for all kinds of sweet and savory dishes — and tea. Steep a pot full of plain black tea — preferably a breakfast tea, Darjeeling, or the like. Add some clove, cardamom, and maybe even a slice of fresh orange for a strong and decadent afternoon tea that tastes like fall.

2. Earthy Nutmeg

Nutmeg is nutty and earthy. Combine nutmeg and clove in your black tea for a relaxing bit of warmth and flavor. Freshly grated nutmeg is excellent for teatime cookies and cakes too.

3. Sweet and Spicy Ginger

Ginger is spicy, lively, and sweet and you can enjoy it fresh or as a dried spice. You’ll find that freshly ground ginger is a lot stronger than the spice, but they are both incredible in all kinds of fall desserts, main dishes, and fall flavor teas.

4. Savory Cinnamon

Fall flavors of cinnamon sticks and oranges in a white cup full of tea.

Fall wouldn’t be fall without cinnamon. It’s difficult to get away from the smell of cinnamon-infused pinecones and home decor. It’s even harder to resist the smell of cinnamon ciders and teas. 

To make a simple cinnamon tea, steep a Ceylon cinnamon stick in boiling water for 10 minutes. Add plain black tea leaves and steep for the recommended amount of time. Remove the tea and cinnamon stick and add honey to taste for a sweet and relaxing beverage.

5. Bold Chai

If all this talk of fall flavor spices thrills you, chai will become one of your new favorite teas — if it isn’t already. Chai means “tea” in Hindi, and it’s made with a mixture of tea and spices. 

Masala chai is made with clove, ginger, cardamom, and other spices and has a black tea base. Add a splash of honey or sugar and a good portion of whole milk for a rich cup of spice that reflects the season.

5 Irresistible Flavors that Make Fall Delicious

Teacups with fruits, spices, and herbs on a table featuring fall flavors.

There is more to fall than pumpkins — for some people. Pumpkin might get all the glory but other seasonal fruits and flavors deserve your undivided attention. Here are our favorites:

1. Crunchy Apples

Pumpkins might be all the rage but apples are fresh, tangy, and full of amazing texture. Add apple slices to your cinnamon tea for a delicious warm spin on an apple pie. A touch of fresh nutmeg or clove is also a delightful touch to this fall flavor.

2. Buttery Pears

Fall is the season for all kinds of fresh pears — from crispy and tangy to buttery and sweet. This fruit might be overshadowed by pumpkins and apples, but glazed pears, tarts, cakes, and ciders make fall an absolute delight. Steep your favorite base tea with pears and fresh ginger to enjoy all the warmth of ginger spice and the buttery goodness of juicy pears.

3. Tangy Cranberries

The tart and sour taste of cranberries makes your tastebuds dance — and the array of Thanksgiving sides wouldn’t be complete without this bold fall flavor. You can make your own cranberry tea by bringing hot water to a boil and simmering fresh or frozen cranberries for about 30 minutes. Add orange zest or slices, lemon, cinnamon, cloves, and some sugar to taste and simmer for another hour. Strain and voila! — You have homemade cranberry tea!

4. Sweet Figs

Fresh figs sitting in a bowl and scattered across a wood table as a fall flavor.

They are an often overlooked fruit that appears for a short time in the fall. Figs are a delicate delight if you can get your hands on them. This squishy fruit is sweet and subtle and makes for some excellent tarts and sweets. 

You can add homemade fig preserves to your favorite plain hot tea for a sweet and very simple treat. Or you can keep it even more simple and simply make a warm cup of Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or chai that will compliment the flavor of fresh ripened figs. Enjoy your fresh figs with some honey and nuts on the side for an extra special afternoon tea snack.

5. Drizzles of Caramel

There’s an endless list of delightful sauces, candies, and desserts that feature the rich sweetness of caramel. And the Caramel Almond Blossom tea is a fall flavor favorite that has a bold sweet caramel flavor and hints of almond and hazelnut. It is a luxurious and decadent tea that will compliment your favorite caramel cookies and treats.

Find All Your Favorite Fall Flavors at Teabloom

Three Teabloom teas in fall flavors with three small white pumpkins.

Make the most of the harvest season with spices, chai, seasonal fruits, and caramel fall flavors that dance on your tongue and tingle all of your senses. There are plenty of ways for you to embrace this colorful and fragrant time of year and Teabloom is here to help make celebrating easy.

Their teas are high-quality USDA-certified organic and kosher. They are on a mission to not only provide you with excellent teas but to also elevate your teatime experience and your health.

Dive into the fall season with delicious teas and beautiful teaware designed with your wellness and health in mind. 

Shop at Teabloom, today.

www.Teabloom.com