Name: Iced Cherry Chai Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 ½ tablespoons cherry syrup; 1 tablespoon whole milk; ½ cup chai tea concentrate; ½ cup milk of choice (such as 2%); ½ teaspoon freeze-dried cherries, crushed; Ice

If you’re looking for something refreshingly different and impossibly crave-worthy, this Iced Cherry Chai is about to become your new favorite treat. Inspired by the Starbucks viral creation but even easier (and, dare I say, better) at home, this drink is a stunning swirl of spicy chai, creamy cherry-tinted cold foam, and a hint of pink that practically begs for a photo. Trust me, one sip and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gorgeous Coffeehouse Vibes: This drink brings total Starbucks-level flair to your kitchen, making even an ordinary afternoon feel a little extra special.
Balanced Sweetness & Spice: The bold chai mingles with fruity cherry and creamy foam for a flavor combo that’s surprisingly addictive, never cloying.
Ridiculously Easy & Fast: There’s zero cooking—just a quick froth and pour, so you’ll be sipping in under five minutes (even if you’re half-asleep!).
Perfectly Customizable: Swap in dairy-free options, amp up the cherry, or adjust the level of spice to create your signature version every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Iced Cherry Chai is how it delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Each simple ingredient plays a special part—from the luscious cherry syrup to the aromatic chai and dreamy cream foam—giving your glass color, texture, and that unmistakable coffee shop appeal.

Chai Tea Concentrate: This is the spicy-sweet backbone—choose your favorite brand for an instant flavor boost (I love Tazo or Oregon Chai).
Milk of Choice: 2% milk gives classic creaminess, but oat, almond, or coconut work beautifully if you want it dairy-free.
Heavy Cream: Essential for that signature thick, silky cold foam you’ll want to eat with a spoon.
Cherry Syrup: Adds that gorgeous pink hue and lush cherry flavor! Try homemade, store-bought, or even maraschino syrup in a pinch.
Whole Milk: Just a splash unites the cream and syrup for the perfect froth—don’t skip this little magic touch.
Freeze-Dried Cherries: For color, subtle tartness, and the prettiest garnish imaginable. Just crush and sprinkle!
Ice: Because this is an iced drink, after all, and you want every sip perfectly chilled and refreshing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Iced Cherry Chai is endlessly adaptable, so let your personal taste and what’s in your fridge inspire your own masterpiece. Whether you want to swap syrups, use a plant-based cream, or take the spice level up a notch, it’s a breeze to change things up!

Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute coconut cream or oat creamer for the heavy cream and use your favorite non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version that’s just as luscious.
Extra Chai Spice: Sprinkling a little ground cinnamon or cardamom right on top will ramp up those cozy, warming flavors for spice-lovers.
Tart & Tangy: Try using a black cherry syrup or even grenadine for a slightly different fruity twist with bolder color.
Mocha Cherry Chai: Add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cold foam for a chocolate-cherry treat that tastes like dessert in a glass.

How to Make Iced Cherry Chai

Step 1: Froth the Cherry Cream Cold Foam

Start by combining the heavy cream, cherry syrup, and whole milk in a small glass or jar. Use a handheld frother or whisk and whip vigorously for 20–30 seconds. When you see it become thick, fluffy, and lightly pink, you know it’s ready! Set it aside for just a moment while you assemble the drink.

Step 2: Build Your Iced Cherry Chai

Fill your favorite glass with ice—big cubes help keep everything nicely chilled without watering down the chai. Pour in the chai concentrate and follow with your milk of choice. Stir gently to combine, letting those fragrant spices mingle with the creamy base.

Step 3: Crown with Cold Foam & Garnish

Spoon (or gently pour) the cherry cream cold foam over the chai latte until it forms a pillowy cap. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried cherries for a punch of color and a tart little kick. Dive in with a straw or sip from the top to get every dreamy, creamy layer of your Iced Cherry Chai!

Pro Tips for Making Iced Cherry Chai

Cold Foam Perfection: Froth the cream, milk, and syrup while icy cold—warm cream won’t whip up as luxuriously thick.
Choose the Right Chai: Bold, spicy chai concentrates shine best here, so pick a favorite that isn’t too sweet to balance the cherry.
Extra Crimson Garnish: For brilliant color and punchy tartness, don’t skimp on those crushed freeze-dried cherries—it’s the secret to that “Starbucks magic!”
Frother or No Frother: No milk frother? Use a small jar with a tight lid—just shake hard until the foam is thick and creamy.

How to Serve Iced Cherry Chai

Garnishes

The freeze-dried cherry sprinkle is the unmistakable signature of this Iced Cherry Chai, but you can make things even fancier! Add a fresh cherry on the rim, a dusting of chai spice, or even a drizzle of extra cherry syrup for a pretty ombre effect. Whipped cream is over the top (in the best way) if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

A drink this vibrant deserves an equally delicious pairing. I love enjoying it with a lemon scone, almond biscotti, or a buttery shortbread for a coffeehouse-inspired snack break. Even a simple yogurt parfait or fruit bowl will make it feel extra special for brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Iced Cherry Chai in a tall glass or mason jar to show off those beautiful layers. For a party, set up a “build-your-own” drink station with different syrups and toppings. Pour into mini glasses for a whimsical dessert-style shot, or use clear mugs for that irresistible cold foam swirl on display!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra chai latte (without the cold foam), simply cover and refrigerate for up to two days. Keep the cherry cream cold foam separate in a sealed container; give it a quick shake or whip before using again for best results.

Freezing

Freezing the complete Iced Cherry Chai isn’t ideal, as the cold foam can lose its creamy texture. However, you can freeze leftover chai in ice cube trays for a super-chilled, never-watered-down drink next time—just blend cubes with the milk and add fresh cold foam on top!

Reheating

Since Iced Cherry Chai is intended to be enjoyed cold, there’s no need to reheat. But if you want to repurpose your leftovers, try transforming the chai mix into a hot latte and top with a new batch of cherry cold foam—just don’t heat the foam itself or it will deflate!

FAQs

Can I make Iced Cherry Chai without a milk frother?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a frother, just pour the cream, milk, and cherry syrup into a small jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds. You’ll get a fantastic, fluffy cold foam with minimal fuss.
Where can I buy cherry syrup for this recipe?

Look for cherry syrup in the coffee aisle, online (try brands like Torani or Monin), or at well-stocked grocery stores. You can also make your own with cherries, sugar, and water—so simple, and extra delicious!
Is Iced Cherry Chai very sweet?

The sweetness is totally customizable! The cherry syrup and chai concentrate add most of the sugar, so feel free to use less syrup or choose an unsweetened chai if you prefer a more subtly sweet drink.
Can I make Iced Cherry Chai ahead for a party?

Yes! Prep the chai-milk mixture in a pitcher and chill. Just whip up the cherry cold foam right before serving, then let guests add their own foam and toppings for the freshest, dreamiest presentation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for your new coffeehouse crush, give this homemade Iced Cherry Chai a try. Its bold flavors, creamy pink topping, and customizable twists make it impossible not to love. Brew up a glass, settle in, and let a little cherry-spiced magic brighten your day—cheers!