Iced Cherry Chai Recipe

There's something irresistible about the blend of warm spices and sweet fruit in a tall glass of Iced Cherry Chai. It’s bold, refreshing, and just the thing to perk up a slow afternoon or wow guests at a summer brunch.

this Recipe

I first dreamed up this drink after a trip to a local farmer’s market where I scored a basket of the juiciest cherries. One kitchen experiment later, I found myself sipping on what has now become my go-to summer beverage – spicy, fruity, and completely addictive.

The best part? This iced chai is surprisingly easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for customizing with your favorite tea blend or dairy-free milk. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Iced Cherry Chai

Get ready to meet your new favorite iced drink. This Iced Cherry Chai is more than just pretty in a glass – it’s a flavor-packed powerhouse that’s perfect for sipping all summer long.

First, the flavor profile is on point. You get the signature warmth of chai spices – cinnamon, cardamom, cloves – beautifully balanced by the rich sweetness of ripe cherries. It's both soothing and invigorating in the best way.

It’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need fancy barista gear or hard-to-find ingredients. A saucepan, a strainer, and a blender (or immersion blender) are really all you need.

This recipe is also very adaptable. Want it sweeter? Add honey or maple syrup. Need it dairy-free? Use almond, oat, or coconut milk. Trying to cut caffeine? Opt for rooibos chai or herbal alternatives.

And finally, it’s downright stunning. Whether you serve it over crushed ice or in a tall glass with a cherry garnish, it’s a showstopper that’s as lovely to look at as it is to drink.

Next, let's take a closer look at what goes into this spiced cherry refreshment.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this drink lies in how a few well-chosen ingredients come together to create layers of flavor. Here’s what makes this Iced Cherry Chai shine.

Cherries are the star here. Fresh, pitted sweet cherries are ideal, especially in peak summer months. If you're making this out of season, frozen cherries work beautifully too – just thaw them first so they blend smoothly into the drink.

Chai tea forms the spiced backbone of the drink. I like to use a good-quality loose-leaf chai or strong chai tea bags. You’ll simmer it briefly to extract those bold flavors, and it’s worth the extra steeping time.

Sweetener is optional but recommended. Depending on the cherries' ripeness, you might want to add honey, maple syrup, or agave. Taste and adjust – this drink is super forgiving.

Milk or milk alternative gives the drink its creamy body. I love unsweetened oat milk for its smooth texture and subtle flavor, but feel free to use whole milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk for a tropical twist.

You'll also need a saucepan, blender, and fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. If you’re serving it fancy, don’t forget the ice and optional garnishes like whipped cream or cherry syrup.

How To Make This Iced Cherry Chai

Creating this delicious Iced Cherry Chai is a breeze once you’ve prepped your ingredients. Let’s walk through the process.

Start by making your chai base. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan and add your chai tea or tea bags. Let it steep for 5–7 minutes to get a deep, aromatic brew. While it’s hot, stir in your sweetener of choice so it dissolves fully.

While your tea is steeping, pit and roughly chop your cherries. Add them to a blender along with just a splash of the cooled chai mixture. Blend until you have a thick, smooth cherry puree.

Strain the cherry puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the skins and pulp. You’ll be left with a smooth, intensely cherry-flavored syrup – the perfect companion to those warm spices.

In a large glass or pitcher, combine the remaining cooled chai, the cherry syrup, and milk. Stir well to combine. Adjust sweetness as needed – a little extra honey at this stage is totally okay.

Serve over ice in tall glasses. For an extra flair, garnish with a few whole cherries or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. You can even add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cardamom for extra complexity.

Altogether, the process takes about 20–25 minutes from start to finish. The result is a creamy, fruity iced chai that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (or want to make a batch ahead), this Iced Cherry Chai stores beautifully. Pour any unused mixture into an airtight glass jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Just give it a good shake or stir before serving, as the cherry sediment may settle at the bottom. You can also freeze cherry puree or chai concentrate separately for up to a month – great for prepping ahead during cherry season.

Avoid freezing the full drink once milk is added, as dairy and plant-based milks don’t always thaw smoothly.

To reheat for a warm cherry chai, gently warm the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. It’s lovely served hot on cooler mornings too.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can switch things up based on what you have or what flavors you love most.

Try using frozen cherries during the off-season. They blend just as well and still provide that vibrant cherry flavor, especially if thawed thoroughly before use.

Go dairy-free with oat milk, coconut milk, or almond milk. Each will bring its own personality – oat milk is creamy, coconut milk is tropical, and almond milk adds a nutty edge.

Swap in different fruit like raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches for a twist on the original. Raspberry chai is another personal favorite with a tart punch that works beautifully with chai spices.

If you’re avoiding caffeine, use herbal chai or rooibos chai blends. They retain the spiced warmth without the buzz, making this a perfect evening treat.

Want to make it fancy? Turn it into a Cherry Chai Frappe by blending the final drink with ice. Add a little whipped cream and a cherry on top, and it’s basically dessert in a glass.

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