Dreamy, vibrant, and utterly cooling, Iced Cherry Chai is about to become your new go-to summer sip. Imagine the warmth of spiced chai swirling together with the playful tartness of cherries, all topped with a decadent cherry cream cold foam that just begs you to take another sip. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, winding down after work, or simply craving something special in your glass, this delicious twist on classic iced chai is as beautiful as it is easy to make – trust me, you’ll never look at your afternoon pick-me-up the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Iced Cherry Chai lies in its beautifully simple ingredient list. Every element plays its part – from the chai’s deep spice to the cherry’s summery pop, and the indulgent foam that crowns it all. Here’s what you’ll gather:

Heavy cream: This forms the luxurious base for your cold foam, giving your drink a rich, velvety finish.
Cherry syrup: Adds both color and the bold, fruity cherry punch that steals the show in every sip.
Whole milk: Used in the foam for that perfect pourable yet pillowy texture; don’t skip it!
Chai tea concentrate: Brings robust spices and depth; store-bought or homemade both work wonders here.
Milk of choice: 2% gives that classic creaminess, but oat, almond, or coconut milk make fun twists too.
Freeze-dried cherries: Crushed and sprinkled on top, these add a burst of color and a tangy finish.
Ice: Essential for chilling your drink to the ultimate level of refreshment.

How to Make Iced Cherry Chai

Step 1: Froth the Cherry Cream Cold Foam

Combine the heavy cream, cherry syrup, and whole milk in a small glass or container. Grab your favorite milk frother (or even a tiny whisk, if that’s what you have!) and froth those ingredients for about 20–30 seconds, until the mixture is light, glossy, and thick enough to float atop your finished drink. Pop it in the fridge to keep cool while you move on to the chai.

Step 2: Build the Chilled Chai Base

Choose a tall glass and fill it with as much ice as you’d like – the more, the better for ultra-cold sips! Pour in the chai tea concentrate, followed by your chosen milk. Give it a little stir so the spiced tea and creamy milk are perfectly mingled, creating a deliciously balanced base for your Iced Cherry Chai.

Step 3: Assemble and Top Off Your Iced Cherry Chai

Now for the fun part! Gently spoon the cherry cream cold foam right on top of the iced chai mixture. It should float like a dreamy, rosy cloud. Finally, take a pinch of those crushed freeze-dried cherries and scatter them across the foam. They add a tangy snap and a hint of drama, making this drink just as gorgeous as it is tasty. Time to drink up!

How to Serve Iced Cherry Chai

Garnishes

For that signature Iced Cherry Chai look, don’t skip the crushed freeze-dried cherries – they add a splash of color and extra cherry flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, try topping the foam with a whole cherry on the rim or even a dash of cinnamon or grated nutmeg for a warming finish.

Side Dishes

This sweet-and-spicy drink pairs beautifully with brunch fare like almond croissants, scones, or buttery toast. It’s also lovely with a late afternoon snack of biscotti or a simple fruit salad. The Iced Cherry Chai is versatile, equally at home alongside sweet or savory bites!

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Iced Cherry Chai by serving it in tall, clear glasses to highlight the mesmerizing layers. For parties, create a “chai bar” with different syrups and toppings. Or, freeze small cherry syrup cubes and use them in place of plain ice so your drink gets more cherry-forward as it chills.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have extras, keep the chai/milk base and cherry cold foam in separate containers in the fridge. The foam may lose some puffiness after a few hours, but it’ll still taste fantastic when you stir it back in or give it a quick re-froth.

Freezing

Freezing the full Iced Cherry Chai isn’t recommended, as the dairy may separate. However, you can absolutely freeze cherry syrup or chai concentrate in ice cube trays to have instant flavor boosters ready for future drinks!

Reheating

Since Iced Cherry Chai is all about being refreshingly cold, reheating isn’t really necessary. If you want to try it warm for a cozy twist, gently heat the chai and milk base, then top with the cold cherry foam for a fun contrast.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk and cream for a vegan version?

Absolutely! Swap in coconut cream or a thick oat milk creamer for the cold foam, and use any plant milk in place of the 2%. The result will still be decadently creamy and just as flavorful.

How sweet is the Iced Cherry Chai?

The cherry syrup provides just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the spices. Feel free to add more or less syrup to perfectly match your taste buds.

Can I make this drink without a milk frother?

Yes! You can vigorously shake the cold foam ingredients in a small mason jar (lid tightly on!), or whisk by hand until lightly thickened. It might be a little more rustic, but still delicious.

What if I can’t find freeze-dried cherries?

No worries. Try using another tart dried fruit, like cranberries, or simply skip this garnish – the cherry flavor from the syrup will still shine through in your Iced Cherry Chai.

Is this recipe good for a crowd?

Definitely! You can batch the iced chai and milk in a pitcher ahead of time. Just prepare the foam and toppings right before serving so each glass gets that signature luscious layer on top.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a drink that’s bold, beautiful, and delightfully different, don’t wait to try Iced Cherry Chai. It’s cool, creamy, and completely irresistible – just the thing to brighten up any day. Share it with friends or savor it solo, and fall in love with your new refreshment obsession!