There's something incredibly refreshing about enjoying a homemade drink that mirrors your favorite café indulgences. As I wandered into the kitchen one sunny afternoon, the desire for something vibrant and creamy struck me—an Iced Cherry Chai Latte, inspired by Starbucks' latest offering, was just what I needed to elevate my day.
Picture this: the warmth of spiced chai mingling with a luscious cherry cream cold foam, each sip transporting you to a cozy café while enjoying the comforts of home. Best of all, this drink is a breeze to assemble in just three minutes! Whether you're looking to cut back on sugar or swap ingredients for dairy alternatives, this Iced Cherry Chai is effortlessly customizable to suit your cravings.
Join me as we dive into this delightful concoction—perfect for spring afternoons or whenever you seek a burst of flavor and fun!
How to Make Starbucks’ NEW Iced Cherry Chai?
Delightful and refreshing: This Iced Cherry Chai is the perfect spring pick-me-up that you can whip up in a flash!
Customizable options make it a versatile choice, allowing you to swap in your favorite milk or go for a low-sugar alternative.
Indulgent yet light: Enjoy rich cherry cream cold foam that elevates this drink without the guilt.
Easy to prepare: In just three minutes, you can have a cafe-quality beverage in your hands to impress family and friends.
Crowd-pleasing appeal: This vibrant drink is sure to become a favorite, whether at brunch or during a cozy afternoon at home.
Try it for yourself, and you'll be back for more—perhaps even alongside a delicious homemade treat!
Iced Cherry Chai Latte Ingredients
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For the Cherry Cream Cold Foam
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness and provides the base for the cherry cream cold foam; substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Cherry Syrup – Sweetens the cold foam with a fruity flavor; homemade is preferred, but sugar-free options work for lower sugar versions.
• Whole Milk – Contributes creaminess to the foam; can swap for dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. -
For the Iced Cherry Chai
• Chai Tea Concentrate – The base flavor that adds spiciness; opt for a sugar-free version if looking to cut back on sugar.
• Milk of Choice – Used to mix with the chai; consider low-fat or non-dairy alternatives to suit your needs.
• Freeze-Dried Cherries – Offers a crunchy texture and adds visual appeal as a garnish; can be left out if unavailable.
• Ice – Essential for serving the drink cold.
With this delightful Iced Cherry Chai Latte recipe, you can easily recreate the Starbucks experience right at home! Enjoy every sip!
How to Make Iced Cherry Chai
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Make Cherry Cream Cold Foam: In a small glass, combine 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1.5 tablespoons of cherry syrup, and 1 tablespoon of whole milk. Use a milk frother to whip until fluffy, about 20-30 seconds, and then set aside.
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Prepare Iced Cherry Chai: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in ½ cup of chai tea concentrate, followed by ½ cup of your milk of choice. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
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Top with Cold Foam: Spoon the cherry cream cold foam generously over the iced chai. Add a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried cherries for a delightful garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Optional: Drizzle extra cherry syrup on top for an added sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Iced Cherry Chai
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Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain taste and safety.
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Fridge: Leftover Iced Cherry Chai can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness, but expect the cold foam to lose some texture.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cherry syrup separately in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months. Thaw and mix with freshly brewed chai when ready to enjoy.
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Reheating: If using a hot chai variant, heat gently in a saucepan or microwave, then top with the cold foam. The foam will melt, creating a rich and creamy drink.
Make Ahead Options
Get ready to simplify your mornings with this Iced Cherry Chai recipe! You can prepare the cherry cream cold foam and cherry syrup up to 3 days ahead of time, storing the cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and creamy. To do this, simply combine 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1.5 tablespoons of cherry syrup, and 1 tablespoon of whole milk, then froth as instructed and refrigerate. When you're ready to enjoy your iced cherry chai, just fill a glass with ice, pour in your chai tea concentrate and milk, then top with the pre-made cold foam and sprinkle crushed freeze-dried cherries. This way, you'll have a delightful café-style drink waiting for you with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Iced Cherry Chai
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Keep Cream Cold: Make sure your heavy cream is well-chilled to achieve a light and airy froth for your cherry cream cold foam.
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Froth It Right: If your cold foam isn’t fluffing up, increase the heavy cream and skip the milk to get that perfect texture.
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Sugar Control: For a less sweet Iced Cherry Chai, scale back the cherry syrup or opt for sugar-free options without sacrificing flavor.
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Flavor Experimentation: Don’t hesitate to try other fruit syrups like raspberry or strawberry. They can give your Iced Cherry Chai a fresh twist!
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Garnishing Tip: Use freeze-dried cherries to elevate the drink visually and texturally, adding a delightful crunch on top.
Embrace these expert tips and enjoy crafting your homemade Iced Cherry Chai just like in Starbucks!
What to Serve with Iced Cherry Chai?
Enhance your experience with perfect pairings that complement each refreshing sip!
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Mini Scones: Soft and slightly crumbly, scones provide a light, delightful contrast, making them an ideal accompaniment for your chilled beverage.
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Cheese Platter: Nutty cheeses like gouda or creamy brie bring savory richness and a beautiful balance to the sweet and spiced notes of the chai.
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Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh, vibrant fruits adds a bright, juicy contrast, reflecting the cherry flavors while complementing the chai's warmth.
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Chocolate Biscotti: Crunchy and slightly sweet, these treats are perfect for dipping and are an indulgent pairing that enhances your Iced Cherry Chai experience.
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Cinnamon Roll Bites: These warm, soft pastries drizzled with icing perfectly mirror the spicy notes in the chai, creating a wonderfully cozy combo.
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Sparkling Water: Crisp and effervescent, sparkling water with a hint of lemon cleanses the palate, refreshing your senses between sips of the creamy iced chai.
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Vanilla Cupcakes: Light and fluffy, these sweet bites are a delightful way to round off the flavor profile, making your drink feel indulgent and festive.
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Matcha Cookies: Earthy and slightly sweet, the unique flavor of matcha adds an intriguing layer that harmonizes beautifully with the spiced chai.
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Lemon Bars: The tartness from these bright, citrusy treats complements the cherry notes and refreshes your taste buds for every sip.
You'll never run out of delightful combinations to make your Iced Cherry Chai experience a true joy!
Iced Cherry Chai Variations
Welcome to a world of delicious possibilities where you can personalize your Iced Cherry Chai experience!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a creamy, plant-based option.
- Lower Sugar: Swap cherry syrup for sugar-free versions or use fresh cherries blended into a puree for natural sweetness.
- Fruit Fusion: Replace cherry syrup with raspberry or strawberry syrups to create exciting new flavor combinations.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chai for an unexpected heat that warms the soul.
- Decaf Option: Use decaffeinated chai tea to enjoy this delightful drink without the caffeine jitters.
- Hot Delight: Transform this iced treat into a warming beverage by heating the chai and milk, then topping with cherry foam.
- Nutty Twist: Stir in a spoonful of almond or hazelnut extract to bring a nutty flavor profile that complements the cherries beautifully.
- Creamy Upgrade: Enhance the cherry foam with a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a silken, gourmet finish, taking your drink to new heights.
Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe cherries for my cherry syrup?
Absolutely! When selecting fresh cherries for syrup, look for firm, plump fruits with a vibrant color. Avoid any with dark spots, bruises, or wrinkles. If you find cherries that are a bit too sweet, you can always balance them with a bit of lemon juice while making your syrup.
How should I store leftover Iced Cherry Chai?
Very! The Iced Cherry Chai is best enjoyed fresh, so it's ideal to consume it right after preparation. However, any leftover drink can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Just keep in mind that the cold foam might lose some of its fluffy texture.
Can I freeze the cherry syrup?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze the cherry syrup in an ice cube tray. Once frozen solid, transfer the syrup cubes to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your drink, just thaw your syrup cube in the fridge or microwave.
What should I do if my cold foam doesn’t froth well?
No worries! If your cherry cream cold foam isn’t whipping up nicely, try using more heavy cream and skip the milk. Make sure also to use a cold glass and a quality milk frother. If the heavy cream is too warm, it won't froth as well.
Is this drink suitable for those with allergies?
Definitely! This Iced Cherry Chai can be easily adjusted for various dietary needs. For dairy allergies, swap in almond or oat milk. To cater to those with sugar concerns, you might also use sugar-free cherry syrup. Always check ingredients to ensure they align with dietary restrictions.
What's the best way to use freeze-dried cherries?
Sure! To elevate your Iced Cherry Chai, break freeze-dried cherries into smaller pieces and sprinkle them on top as a garnish. They add not only a delightful crunch but also a beautiful visual appeal. If unavailable, feel free to skip them or even substitute with fresh berries for a different finish!
How to Make Starbucks’ NEW Iced Cherry Chai at Home – Easy Recipe!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make Cherry Cream Cold Foam: In a small glass, combine 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1.5 tablespoons of cherry syrup, and 1 tablespoon of whole milk. Use a milk frother to whip until fluffy, about 20-30 seconds, and then set aside.
- Prepare Iced Cherry Chai: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in ½ cup of chai tea concentrate, followed by ½ cup of your milk of choice. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Top with Cold Foam: Spoon the cherry cream cold foam generously over the iced chai. Add a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried cherries for a delightful garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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