Fall is upon us, and it’s almost time for Starbucks’ seasonal drinks to really shine. While coffee lovers will flock to the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and Iced Pecan Crunch Latte (a new drink debuting on the fall 2024 menu), tea lovers tend to gravitate toward the chai drinks. So if you prefer a Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks, we’ve got tips on how to get a stronger cup this year.

The chain makes its chai latte with milk, water, and a chai concentrate, which also contains water as well as various spices and other flavorings. When the baristas make your drink, they dilute the concentrate a little with the water. They may do this so the flavor (or caffeine content) isn’t too overpowering. However, if you want a stronger drink, just ask for the water to be omitted. You’ll still get all the rest of the components here (including the steamed 2% milk and milk foam), but your cup will ultimately be richer and more flavorful.

Luckily, Starbucks makes it easy to order a stronger chai tea latte. When ordering through the app or website, you can simply select “No Water” from the “Add-ins” dropdown menu. Or, if you want a slight dilution but not as much as Starbucks typically adds, choose “Light Water.” If you prefer your chai latte iced, you don’t have to make that distinction, as the chain only adds water to its hot drinks (aside from what’s already in the concentrate). The ice can melt, however, and water down your cup, so feel free to ask for light or even no ice if that’s your preference.

Of course, if you want even more chai flavor in your cup, you can order more chai pumps than are included with the base drinks. But remember, there are plenty of other tasty ways to upgrade your tea latte. We previously ranked the absolute best Starbucks chai drinks, and you can easily up your caffeine levels by adding a shot of espresso or chai syrup to an Iced Matcha Latte. Or start with an Iced Latte with light espresso and add chai pumps to give it a fall-inspired twist. If you prefer a sweeter blend, give your drink a bold mocha upgrade or pair it with brown sugar, cinnamon caramel, or cinnamon dolce syrup.