Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat)

This spiced-meets-sweet iced Cherry Chai delivers exciting fresh spring flavors for a bold, refreshing sipper! The irresistible blend of aromatic chai and a homemade cherry cream cold foam are a match made in Starbucks lovers' heaven.

Spring is in the air and so is the highly anticipated Starbucks spring menu! I was so inspired by their announcement of the new sweet and fruity iced cherry chai latte, an impossibly delicious combination of comforting flavors and seasonal freshness, that I created my spin on a copycat version (of course!). I’ve got your new go-to iced chai latte with this easy DIY cherry tea recipe! 

Think of it as your classic iced chai getting a spring-inspired glow-up. We’re talking creamy cherry-infused cold foam sitting atop a spiced, fragrant chai latte, garnished with a regal crunchy sprinkle of freeze-dried cherries. What a combo! You’ll feel like royalty sipping on this dream boat and the perfect chai only takes three minutes to make. You read that right–less than five minutes to create the ultimate sippable treat! No need to wait in line or overspend in order to try the new Starbucks spring drinks.

Did I mention that this fruit chai tastes like a cross between a cherry cream soda and your favorite chai latte? The three-ingredient cherry cream cold foam features my quick-fix homemade cherry syrup for an iconic stonefruit flavor enveloped in a rich creamy mouthfeel. Then you simply combine chai tea with milk and ice, top it off with the cold foam and a picturesque, fruity dried cherry crunch. I’m running out of reasons for you not to try this!

If you want to try more spring Starbucks menu drinks, try my copycat recipes of the Midnight Drink, Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher, or Blackberry Sage Refresher.

Jump to:

• What Is an Iced Cherry Chai?
• What Does It Taste Like?
• Why You'll Love This Iced Cherry Chai
• Ingredients
• Substitutions
• How to Make an Iced Cherry Chai At Home
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Success Tips
• FAQs
• Nutritional Info
• Other Chai Recipes
• Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat)

What Is an Iced Cherry Chai?

This iced cherry chai latte is a fun and flavorful twist on a standard iced chai latte. It starts with a base of spicy, body chai concentrate mixed with creamy milk and poured over ice. Then the latte is topped with a homemade cherry cream cold foam (where the real magic happens!), which adds a dreamy sweetness that perfectly complements the warming spices in the chai. 

The cold foam is made of heavy cream, whole milk, and homemade cherry syrup, then frothed until it is a whipped cloud-like consistency that sits right on top of the latte. Finally, a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried cherries ties everything together with a pop of color and satisfying texture. Each blissful sip is the perfect sip of cozy-meets-refreshing! 

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine your favorite chai latte–rich, perfectly spiced, creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Now layer in the flavor of ripe juicy cherries, floral notes, and hints of almond. Just like a spoonful of cherry pie filling swirled into a creamy milkshake. Pour it all over ice for a warming yet cooling, sweet yet spiced, indulgent and refreshing treat. 

The homemade cherry syrup is made with real cherries so there are no artificial flavors here! The sweet, slightly tart cherry flavor enhances the latte rather than overpowering it, adding a subtle fruitiness that perfectly balances the boldness of chai. Yum!

Why You'll Love This Iced Cherry Chai

Here is why this might be one of my favorite spring Starbucks drinks to make at home: 

• Chai Latte Upgrade: The quick, three-ingredient homemade cherry cream cold foam adds major main character energy to your standard iced chai! 
• Sweet, Spiced, Oh-So-Nice: Warming chai spices mixed with the subtle sweetness of ripe cherries, and rich cream give each sip a perfect heavenly balance. 
• Café Quality: Three minutes, one frother, a whole lot of flavor! Make a fancy café-level drink with minimal effort without leaving your kitchen. 
• Spring Renewal: Transition into the spring season with a cozy yet refreshing upper–the ultimate combination of comfort and vibrance. 

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this dreamy cherry chai at home:

• Chai Tea Concentrate - Use a high-quality chai concentrate with a good balance of spice and sweetness to form the base of the drink. I recommend making your own concentrate for the most robust flavor, but you can also use a store-bought brand for convenience.
• 2% Milk - The milder milk is perfect to mix with the chai concentrate for the base of the latte. Or feel free to use your milk of choice. 
• Ice - It wouldn’t be an iced chai latte without some chill! Use ice cubes or crushed ice depending on your preference. 
• Freeze-Dried Cherries - Used as a garnish to add a pop of color and a tasty crunch with an extra boost of cherry flavor. Find them in most grocery stores or easily online. 
• Heavy Cream - The key to a rich and luxurious cold foam texture and flavor, perfect for whipping. 
• Whole Milk - Combined with heavy cream, whole milk makes the ultimate cold foam.  
• Cherry Syrup - Provides a sweet-tangy cherry flavor in the cherry cream cold foam. I recommend making your own simple syrup for the best flavor (try my easy recipe!) or using a store-bought version if preferred. 

Substitutions

Need to swap out any ingredients? Here are my top recommendations: 

• Chai Tea Concentrate - Use strongly brewed chai tea with a touch of honey or maple syrup for a homemade alternative. Or simply steep chai tea bags in hot water, then chill before using. 
• 2% Milk - Swap with milk of choice for your preferred latte or use a dairy-free alternative like oat, almond, or coconut milk. 
• Ice - Try using cold brew ice cubes for a bold extra caffeinated ‘dirty chai’ variation that will add flavor as they melt. 
• Freeze-Dried Cherries - Lightly mashed fresh or frozen cherries can work well, or use dried cherries for a chewier texture. 
• Heavy Cream - Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative, or try half-and-half for a slightly lighter foam. 
• Whole Milk - Swap with another milk if desired, just note it will lend a slightly different texture. Or use barista-style oat milk for a non-dairy version that froths well. 
• Cherry Syrup - Raspberry or strawberry syrup can provide a similar fruitiness or mix pure cherry juice with simple syrup for a quick homemade option. 

How to Make an Iced Cherry Chai At Home

Put on your apron, here’s how to be your own barista: 

Step One: Prepare Cherry Cream Cold Foam. Add the heavy cream, cherry syrup, and whole milk to a small glass or container. Use a frother to froth for 20-30 seconds until fully whipped. Set aside.

Step Two: Prepare Iced Cherry Chai. Fill a tall glass with ice, then top with the chai concentrate, followed by your milk of choice.

Step Three: Add Cold Foam & Garnish. Top the iced chai latte with the cherry cream cold foam and a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried cherries. Drink up!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

Below are options to adapt this fruity chai recipe to suit your taste and preferences: 

• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use dairy-free alternatives for the milk and cream; I suggest barista-style oat milk and coconut cream for the cold foam and almond milk or regular oat milk for the latte base. 
• Decaf: Use a decaf chai concentrate if preferred. 
• Extra Caffeinated: Add a shot (or two) of espresso for a dirty chai with an extra caffeine boost. 
• Less Sweet: Reduce the amount of cherry syrup or use a sugar-free cherry syrup variation. 
• Extra Spice: Add a dash of cinnamon or chai spice to the top of the finished drink for extra spicy warmth. 
• Boozy: Add a splash of bourbon or amaretto to make this chai a fun nightcap!

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Pairing: Start your day with a creamy cherry chai and a bowl of yogurt and granola for a tasty morning boost!
• Pastry Partner: This cherry chai is extra dreamy with a buttery croissant or a warm slice of coffee cake for a mid-day treat. 
• Drinkable Dessert: Make this a cherry chai float by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn it into a drinkable dessert! 
• Chai Affogato: Pour a shot of hot espresso over the iced cherry chai for a bold, creamy, indulgent anytime treat. 

Recipe Success Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients. Each ingredient matters in this recipe! Choose a good chai concentrate with the right spice vs sweet balance and make your cherry syrup if possible. 
• Don’t skip the frother. A handheld frother makes all the difference in the signature texture of the cherry cream cold foam, making it extra thick and luxurious. 
• Chill the ingredients. Extra cold ingredients make this recipe the ultimate refresher. You can even chill the serving glass in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving. 
• Crush the freeze-dried cherries. Breaking up the freeze-dried cherries creates little bits of sippable texture that blend well in the drink, rather than big chunks. 

FAQs

Nutritional Info

This creamy iced cherry chai is a balanced, indulgent treat with 388 calories per serving. It has a moderate amount of carbohydrates, 50 grams per serving, mostly from the sugar in the cherry syrup and the chai concentrate. Each serving has around 49 grams of total sugar, but you can reduce this if desired by choosing lower-sugar or sugar-free alternatives. 

The cream cold foam and latte milk balance the sugar and carbs by contributing about 19 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein per serving. The creamy texture brings this cherry chai to life, but you can also swap the heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter option. This chai latte has a low sodium content of 64mg per serving, making it a good option for those watching their sodium intake.   

Overall, this iced beverage is a delicacy that combines bold and sweet flavors with a luscious, creamy texture. While it’s on the sweeter side, small adjustments can be made to suit your preferences, as desired. Enjoy it consciously as an afternoon pick-me-up or an any time indulgence! 

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 388 calories
• Total Fat: 19 grams
• Protein: 6 grams
• Sodium: 64 mg
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Sugar: 49 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Other Chai Recipes

xoxo Megan