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If you’re a fan of Starbucks’ limited-edition drinks but are trying to limit your coffee or fun drink budget, then this iced cherry chai recipe is for you! Why spend $7-8 on it when you can make Iced Cherry Chai at home? With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy this iced cherry chai drink anytime you like! I make mine with a homemade cherry simple syrup and my grandmother’s chai recipe!
Why You’ll Love Iced Cherry Chai
- Better than store-bought – No artificial flavors, food colorings or excess sugar! Avoid the pink food coloring they use in the cold foam!
- Easy to make at home – Only a handful of ingredients needed and the cherry simple syrup lasts for 3 weeks in the fridge so you can make many batches!
- Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice levels, and milk options without paying extra for it!
What is Iced Cherry Chai?
This Starbucks-inspired drink combines milky chai, sweet-tart cherry simple syrup, and creamy cherry cold foam over ice for a fruity yet warm sip. The warmth of the chai spices blends beautifully with the fruity cherry, making Iced Cherry Chai a perfect treat for both chai and fruit tea lovers!
Tips for the Best Iced Cherry Chai
- Use CTC chai – You can use a simple CTC chai like Wagh Bakri or Tata or a chai blend
- Chai masala – You can use a homemade chai masala, or store bought (I love Diaspora Co’s chai masala!)
- Cherry Syrup – Make a homemade cherry simple syrup and add it to both the chai and the cold foam for an balanced iced cherry chai drink!
My Iced Cherry Chai recipe is the perfect homemade alternative to Starbucks’ version—delicious, easy, and made with clean ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink or just love trying unique chai variations, this Iced Cherry Chai recipe is a must-try.
Loved this recipe? Share your Iced Cherry Chai with fellow chai lovers and tag me @milkandcardamom when you make it!
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Iced Cherry Chai
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Cool, creamy, and perfectly balanced, this Iced Cherry Chai is a refreshing twist on a classic! Inspired by Starbucks, this homemade version combines masala chai, cherry syrup, and milk for a sweet and spiced sip.
Ingredients
Masala Chai
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp chai (CTC tea)
- 1/4 tsp chai masala (or to taste)
- 1 cup whole milk (or your choice of milk)
- 1 tbsp cherry simple syrup (or to taste)
Cherry Cold Foam
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1–2 tbsp cherry simple syrup
Instructions
- Add water, tea and chai masala to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add half the milk and bring to a boil. Let the chai simmer up the sides 3 times. Keep an eye on it as it can easily overflow! Remove from heat and add the rest of the milk. Strain the chai over a iced-filled glass, making sure to leave 1 inch of space at the top for the cold foam. Stir in the cherry simple syrup.
- To make the cherry cold foam, add heavy cream, milk and cherry syrup to a jar and whisk until foamy and velvety. Pour the cold foam over the iced chai and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
