Iced Cherry Chai is a refreshing, fruity twist on the classic chai latte, combining the bold spices of chai tea with the sweet and tart flavor of cherries. This Starbucks-inspired copycat recipe is simple to make at home and is perfect for a cooling treat on a warm day. With its vibrant color, delightful cherry notes, and spiced chai base, this drink will quickly become a favorite for those who love unique iced beverages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Sweet and tangy: The cherries provide a burst of tartness that beautifully balances the warming spices of chai.
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Iced and refreshing: This drink is perfect for a hot day, offering a chilled and invigorating option with a touch of spice.
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Easy to make: With just a few ingredients, you can replicate this Starbucks favorite in the comfort of your home.
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Customizable sweetness: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste, making it as sweet or as subtle as you prefer.
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Vibrant and fun: The cherry flavor adds not only a delicious taste but also a stunning visual appeal with its deep red hue.
Ingredients
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1 cup brewed chai tea (strong)
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½ cup cherry juice (preferably pure, or a high-quality cherry concentrate)
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1-2 tablespoons sweetener (such as simple syrup, honey, or maple syrup)
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½ cup milk or milk alternative (such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk)
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Ice
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Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Brew the chai tea: Brew a strong cup of chai tea by steeping 1-2 chai tea bags in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature, or place it in the fridge for quicker cooling.
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Mix the cherry and chai base: In a glass or shaker, combine the cooled chai tea with the cherry juice. Stir well to combine.
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Sweeten to taste: Add your sweetener of choice and stir until fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
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Add the milk: Pour in the milk or milk alternative and stir to combine. For a creamier texture, use a plant-based milk like oat milk.
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Fill with ice: Add ice cubes to the glass, filling it about ¾ full.
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Serve and garnish: Pour the cherry-chai mixture over the ice and garnish with a maraschino cherry or a few fresh cherries for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe makes 1 large serving (about 16 oz).
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Preparation time: 5 minutes (excluding chai cooling time)
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Brew time: 5-7 minutes for the chai tea
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Total time: 10 minutes (depending on cooling time for chai)
Variations
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Add a splash of vanilla: For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the drink.
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More fruity flavors: Try adding a splash of blueberry or raspberry juice along with the cherry juice for a berry twist.
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Make it sweeter: For a sweeter taste, top with whipped cream or add more sweetener to the base.
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Iced Cherry Chai Latte: If you prefer a latte-style drink, add more milk or milk alternative and adjust the sweetness for a creamier texture.
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Spiced adjustments: If you like more spice, add an extra pinch of cinnamon or even a bit of ginger to the mixture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: This drink is best served fresh, but the cherry-chai concentrate can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just stir before serving.
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Reheating: If you want a warm version, simply heat up the cherry-chai mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding the milk and ice.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made chai concentrate?
Yes, you can use pre-made chai concentrate if you prefer, though the flavor might be slightly different. Adjust the sweetness based on the concentrate’s level of sweetness.
Can I make this iced cherry chai without sweetener?
Yes, you can omit the sweetener for a less sweet version. The cherry juice and chai spices already provide a natural level of flavor, but you can add stevia or another sugar substitute if desired.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry juice?
Yes, you can blend fresh cherries into a puree and strain it to extract the juice. Fresh cherry juice will have a more natural flavor but may require additional sweetening.
Can I make this drink decaffeinated?
Yes, you can use decaffeinated chai tea bags to make this drink caffeine-free, while still maintaining the spiced chai flavor.
Can I make this into a hot drink instead of iced?
Yes! Simply omit the ice and heat the chai-cherry mixture with your milk on the stove or in the microwave until hot, then serve.
How do I make this drink extra creamy?
For a creamier texture, use a plant-based milk like oat milk or coconut milk, which tends to be richer than almond milk.
How can I make this drink more cherry-forward?
To enhance the cherry flavor, increase the amount of cherry juice or even add a small splash of cherry syrup.
Is this drink vegan?
Yes, if you use a plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or coconut milk) and a vegan sweetener (like maple syrup), this iced cherry chai can be fully vegan.
Can I use maraschino cherries as a garnish?
Yes! Maraschino cherries work as a fun garnish to add color and a slight sweetness to the drink.
Conclusion
Iced Cherry Chai is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic chai latte, combining the bold spices of chai with the fruity brightness of cherry. This easy-to-make Starbucks copycat recipe is perfect for hot days or whenever you’re craving a unique iced drink. With its simple ingredients and customizable sweetness, this drink is sure to become a new favorite in your summer drink rotation. Try it today for a fun, flavorful treat!
Print
Iced Cherry Chai
- Total Time: 10 minutes (depending on cooling time for chai)
- Yield: 1 large serving (about 16 oz)
Description
Iced Cherry Chai is a refreshing, fruity twist on the classic chai latte, combining the bold spices of chai tea with the sweet and tart flavor of cherries. This Starbucks-inspired copycat recipe is simple to make at home and is perfect for a cooling treat on a warm day. With its vibrant color, delightful cherry notes, and spiced chai base, this drink will quickly become a favorite for those who love unique iced beverages.
Ingredients
1 cup brewed chai tea (strong)
½ cup cherry juice (preferably pure, or a high-quality cherry concentrate)
1–2 tablespoons sweetener (such as simple syrup, honey, or maple syrup)
½ cup milk or milk alternative (such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk)
Ice
Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew a strong cup of chai tea by steeping 1-2 chai tea bags in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature, or place it in the fridge for quicker cooling.
- In a glass or shaker, combine the cooled chai tea with the cherry juice. Stir well to combine.
- Add your sweetener of choice and stir until fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
- Pour in the milk or milk alternative and stir to combine.
- Add ice cubes to the glass, filling it about ¾ full.
- Pour the cherry-chai mixture over the ice and garnish with a maraschino cherry or a few fresh cherries for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the drink.
If you want more fruity flavors, add a splash of blueberry or raspberry juice along with the cherry juice.
For a creamier texture, use oat milk or coconut milk instead of almond milk.
For a sweet and creamy twist, you can top the drink with whipped cream or coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
