Cherry Chai Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Cherry Chai Tea Latte Recipe

You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients-but you do need a few flavor-packed essentials. Here’s the lineup:

Chai Base

These are the warm and spicy components that give this latte its classic chai depth.

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags (Assam or Darjeeling work great)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 2-3 slices fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• 1 star anise (optional, but highly recommended for a more aromatic touch)
• 1 tsp black peppercorns (just a few for a subtle kick)

Cherry Element

Here’s where things get fun and fruity.

• ¾ cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1-2 tbsp cherry juice or concentrate (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1-2 tsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to your taste)

Creamy Component

You need that dreamy, frothy finish. Choose what you love.

• 1 cup milk or milk alternative (oat milk and almond milk work beautifully)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but elevates the flavor)

How To Make Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

Ready to bring it all together? Here’s a step-by-step that’s as fun as it is foolproof:

‍ Step 1: Brew The Chai

1. In a small saucepan, add 2 cups of water and all your chai spices-cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, star anise, peppercorns.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
3. Add the black tea bags and steep for another 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
4. Strain the mixture and set the brewed chai aside.

Step 2: Make The Cherry Base

1. In another small saucepan, combine the cherries, cherry juice (if using), and sweetener.
2. Cook on medium heat until the cherries break down and the mixture becomes syrupy-about 5-7 minutes.
3. Mash the cherries with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
4. Strain if you want a clear liquid or leave it slightly chunky for a more rustic feel.

Step 3: Heat & Froth The Milk

1. In a milk frother or saucepan, gently heat your milk and vanilla extract until hot but not boiling.
2. Froth it using a handheld frother, whisk, or even by shaking it in a mason jar with a lid (hello, arm workout!).

☕ Step 4: Assemble The Latte

1. In your favorite cozy mug, add:

   • About ½ cup of cherry mixture
   • About ½ to ¾ cup of brewed chai
   • Top with frothy milk
2. Give it a little stir, sprinkle with cinnamon or dried cherries if you’re feeling fancy, and sip away!

Expert Tips

Want to take this from ’pretty great’ to ’mind-blowingly perfect’? Here are a few insider tricks:

• Simmer, don’t rush: Letting your spices steep for long enough ensures a rich, deep chai flavor.
• Balance your flavors: Taste as you go! Add more cherry juice for brightness or more spice for warmth.
• Fresh vs. frozen cherries: Both work! Frozen cherries tend to release more juice and are super convenient year-round.
• Use a blender for creaminess: Want that ultra-lux texture? Blend the cherry-chai mixture with milk before frothing.
• Make a concentrate: Brew a big batch of chai base and cherry syrup, store them in the fridge, and just mix and heat when you want a latte in a flash!

Recipe Variations

This is such a customizable drink, you can practically reinvent it every time. Here are some inspired twists:

Coconut Cherry Chai Latte

• Use coconut milk for a tropical flair. The combo of spice + cherry + coconut? Next level.

Chocolate Cherry Chai Latte

• Stir in 1 tsp cocoa powder or a splash of chocolate syrup for a decadent dessert-like version.

Iced Cherry Chai Latte

• Let everything cool, then pour over ice. Top with cold frothy milk. Summer-approved and totally refreshing.

Honey Rose Cherry Chai Latte

• Add a splash of rose water with the cherries and use honey for a floral, elegant twist.

Autumn Spiced Cherry Chai

• Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of pumpkin spice to the chai base for major fall vibes.

Final Words

If you’re someone who lives for flavor fusions, or even if you just need a reason to try something new and comforting, this Cherry Chai Tea Latte is calling your name. It’s equal parts nostalgic and adventurous, spicy and sweet, cozy and refreshing.

You can make it your ritual, your weekend treat, or your conversation-starting brunch beverage. Trust me, once you’ve had your first sip of that juicy cherry mingling with warm chai spices and creamy milk-you’ll wonder where this drink has been all your life.

FAQs

What Is A Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

A cherry chai tea latte is a variation of the traditional chai latte, which combines spiced chai tea with a rich cherry flavor. The drink typically includes black tea, spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, along with steamed milk and cherry syrup or juice for a sweet and fruity twist.

How Do I Make A Cherry Chai Tea Latte At Home?

To make a cherry chai tea latte, brew a strong chai tea using chai tea bags or loose-leaf tea, then add cherry syrup or fresh cherry puree. Sweeten to taste and mix with steamed milk. You can also top it with whipped cream and a cherry for an extra indulgent touch.

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

You will need chai tea (either loose-leaf or bagged), cherry syrup or cherry juice, milk (dairy or plant-based), sweetener (like honey or sugar), and optional toppings such as whipped cream or a maraschino cherry.

Can I Use Fresh Cherries In My Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries in your cherry chai tea latte. Simply puree fresh cherries and strain them to remove any pulp, then add the juice to your chai tea mixture. For a smoother result, cherry syrup might be easier to incorporate.

Is There A Way To Make The Cherry Chai Tea Latte Dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make a dairy-free cherry chai tea latte, simply substitute regular milk with a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. You can also use dairy-free whipped cream as a topping if desired.

Can I Make A Cold Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

Yes! To make a cold cherry chai tea latte, brew your chai tea and let it cool to room temperature. Mix it with ice, cherry syrup, and cold milk. You can also blend it into a smoothie-like texture if you prefer a frozen version.

How Can I Sweeten My Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

You can sweeten your cherry chai tea latte with honey, sugar, maple syrup, or any sweetener of your choice. The cherry syrup itself often provides some sweetness, so adjust to your taste preferences.

What Spices Are Typically Found In A Chai Tea Blend?

A traditional chai tea blend contains spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. These spices create a warming, aromatic base that pairs beautifully with the cherry flavor.

Can I Add Any Other Flavors To My Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

Yes, you can customize your cherry chai tea latte with additional flavors like vanilla, almond, or even chocolate. A sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of turmeric can also enhance the flavor profile.

Is The Cherry Chai Tea Latte Healthy?

A cherry chai tea latte can be a relatively healthy beverage, especially when made with unsweetened milk and a moderate amount of sweetener. The chai spices have potential health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties, while cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Just be mindful of added sugars if you want to keep it lighter.