Every year, as soon as the first leaves begin to change color, the same question pops up in our messages: "Is Pumpkin Spice coming back?" The answer is yes. Here's where this blend comes from, what exactly it contains, and a few ways to prepare it.

Where the name "Pumpkin Spice" comes from

The "pumpkin spice" blend—cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger—originally comes from pumpkin pie, not the pumpkin itself. This combination of spices has become popular far beyond baking over the last few decades, to the point of being associated with autumn in general.

Our version is a black tea flavored with apple, pumpkin, and carrot, spiced with these same spices and a touch of Quebec maple sugar. It's a warm and comforting tea, to be prepared hot, plain, or as a latte.

What's in the blend

Ingredients: black tea, apple, pumpkin, carrot, maple sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, natural flavors.

An important point to note: unlike our Deep Sleep, Inner Calm, and Absolute Relaxation herbal teas, which are caffeine-free, Pumpkin Spice is made from black tea and therefore contains caffeine. It's a good option to enjoy during the day rather than in the evening.

Why it's called a limited edition

Unlike our range of relaxing herbal teas, which are available all year round, Pumpkin Spice is a seasonal blend: it returns every autumn, in limited quantities, and then is not offered again until the following year. If you love it, it's best not to wait too long before getting some.

How to prepare it

• Hot water at 95 °C (203 °F)
• 1 teaspoon per 250 ml (8 oz) of water
• Steep for 3 minutes

3 ways to enjoy it this autumn

1. Plain, the classic way
The basic method above, served as is. This is the simplest version, and often the most satisfying after a long day.

2. As a homemade latte
Prepare a slightly more concentrated infusion (1 and a half teaspoons for 150 ml (5 oz) of water, steeped for 3 minutes), then froth your milk of choice. Pour the frothed milk over the infusion and sprinkle with a little cinnamon.

3. Iced, for still mild days
Prepare a normal infusion, let it cool, then serve over ice with a dash of maple syrup. A good option as long as temperatures still allow it.

In summary

Pumpkin Spice returns every autumn for a limited time. It's a black tea with classic seasonal spices, with a touch of Quebec maple sugar, to enjoy plain, as a latte, or iced.

Have you tried one of the recipes above? Share your photo on Instagram and tag us.