Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

If you’re someone who loves a refreshing twist on classic chai, you’re going to adore this Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe. It brings together the warm spices of chai tea and the playful, sweet cherry flavor in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. I absolutely love how this turns out—smooth, creamy, with a lively cherry cream foam sitting on top that makes every sip feel special.

What makes this iced cherry chai particularly worth trying is how easy it is to make at home with just a few ingredients but captures that Starbucks magic perfectly. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a sunny afternoon or a fun, fruity caffeine boost, this recipe works beautifully. Plus, it’s customizable depending on your milk preference and cherry syrup choice—you’ll find that making your own copycat version gives you so much satisfaction!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients is the key to nailing this Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe. Each component works together to create that smooth, fruity, and spiced experience.

• Heavy cream: For the cherry cream cold foam, it whips up beautifully to give you that lush texture.
• Cherry syrup: This adds the signature cherry flavor, so opt for one with real cherry juice if you can.
• Whole milk: Helps balance the foam’s richness; you can substitute with any milk you love.
• Chai tea concentrate: The heart of the chai flavor—concentrate saves time without losing any spice punch.
• Milk of choice: 2% milk works well, but almond, oat, or soy milk make tasty swaps.
• Freeze-dried cherries: Crushed for a little extra cherry pop on top, and a lovely visual touch.
• Ice: Keeping it chilled is key for this refreshing drink.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe to tailor it exactly to my mood or dietary needs. Give these variations a try to find your perfect sip.

• Dairy-Free Option: I switched to oat milk and coconut cream for the foam once, and it was just as dreamy.
• Extra Cherry Flavor: Adding a splash more cherry syrup makes it feel like a cherry bomb—perfect if you love strong fruity notes.
• Spice Boost: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra warm spice kick, which my family really enjoys in cooler months.
• Less Sweet Version: Reduce the cherry syrup or swap for a sugar-free syrup for a lighter, more subtle sweet chai.

How to Make Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cherry Cream Cold Foam

Start by combining the heavy cream, cherry syrup, and whole milk in a small glass or container. I use a handheld milk frother here—it only takes about 20-30 seconds of frothing to get a thick, luscious foam that’s not too thick to pour but thick enough to float beautifully on your chai.

Tip: Make sure your cream and milk are cold beforehand; this helps the foam stay firm longer. Set this aside, preferably in the fridge, while you prep the iced chai base.

Step 2: Assemble the Iced Cherry Chai

Fill your favorite glass with ice—lots of it! Then pour in the chai tea concentrate and milk of choice. I like a 1:1 ratio, but feel free to adjust depending on how strong or creamy you want your drink.

Once mixed, give it a gentle stir. You’ll notice the sweet and spicy chai aroma rise—it’s such a comforting scent that gets me every time.

Step 3: Top and Garnish

Now for the fun part—layer the cherry cream cold foam right on top of your iced chai latte. It should sit like a cloud floating over the drink. Finally, sprinkle some crushed freeze-dried cherries over the foam. This adds a subtle tartness and an irresistible pop of color.

This finishing touch is what makes this Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe feel truly special and café-worthy at home.

How to Serve Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this iced cherry chai, I like to keep it simple with the crushed freeze-dried cherries because they add that extra cherry punch without watering down the drink. Occasionally, I throw in a cinnamon stick for stirring, which adds a subtle hint of spice aroma as you sip.

Side Dishes

Pair this drink with buttery croissants or a warm almond biscotti—it balances the fruity sweetness wonderfully. For a heartier treat, a slice of cinnamon swirl coffee cake is a favorite in my house when we enjoy this iced cherry chai together.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this layered iced cherry chai in glass mason jars with striped paper straws and a sprig of fresh mint. It feels festive and inviting, perfect for brunches or small gatherings where everyone can appreciate the pretty layers and cherry crunch on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of the chai concentrate, it stores great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. However, the cherry cream cold foam is best enjoyed fresh—once made, it tends to lose its airy texture after a few hours.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the chai concentrate before, and while the flavor stays intact, the texture can change slightly after thawing, so I prefer making fresh batches for best results. The foam definitely doesn’t freeze well, so whip it fresh when you’re ready to drink.

Reheating

This recipe is traditionally served iced, so reheating isn’t really necessary. But if you want a warm twist, gently warm the chai concentrate before mixing with milk and omit the ice. I recommend skipping the cold foam in that case and instead topping with a dash of steamed milk foam.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe has become one of my go-tos when I want a drink that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The balance of creamy, spiced chai with that bright cherry cream foam on top just makes me smile every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and trust me, once you try this at home, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation, too. Give it a whirl and let your taste buds thank you!

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