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Imagine this: the warm, comforting spices of chai tea blended with the bright, sweet tang of cherries, all chilled down and served over ice. Sounds like a dream, right? The Iced Cherry Chai Tea Latte is exactly that-a luscious marriage between the traditional, aromatic chai and the playful burst of cherry flavor, making it perfect for warmer days when you crave something both soothing and refreshingly cool.
Chai lattes, in general, have an almost magical ability to warm your soul thanks to their blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. But when you add cherries, you get this vibrant, fruity pop that lifts the drink to a whole new level. Plus, making it iced gives it a crisp, invigorating twist that’s ideal for summer afternoons, brunches with friends, or even a mid-day pick-me-up.
So, if you love chai but want to switch things up or you’re just curious about mixing fruit flavors with tea, this recipe will become your new go-to favorite. Let’s get to know what goes into this delicious drink!
Alright, before we jump into the “how-to”, it’s crucial to gather the right ingredients. Quality ingredients make all the difference here, so pay attention!
The star of the show! Look for a robust chai blend with those classic warming spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, black pepper, and star anise. You want a chai that’s strong enough to shine through once iced.
If cherries are in season, fresh is ideal. Otherwise, frozen cherries work wonderfully too. They bring that sweet, slightly tart essence that pairs beautifully with chai spices.
Whole milk for creaminess, or oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk if you prefer dairy-free. Oat milk, in particular, adds a natural sweetness and smoothness that’s fantastic here.
Honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup. The choice is yours! This balances the spices and cherry tartness without overpowering the natural flavors.
Just a splash adds depth and enhances the creamy, sweet notes.
Lots of them. To chill the drink and keep it refreshingly cool without diluting the flavors too fast.
For brewing the chai tea.
Now, the fun part – creating this gorgeous, tantalizing beverage step by step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!
Okay, let me spill some pro tips that’ll take your iced cherry chai latte from ’meh’ to wow:
This recipe is super versatile! Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
Iced Cherry Chai Tea Latte isn’t just a drink; it’s a vibrant experience that perfectly balances warmth and chill, spice and fruitiness, creaminess and refreshment. It’s ideal for those who adore chai but want to shake things up with a luscious cherry surprise. Whether you make it for a relaxing solo afternoon or impress your friends at brunch, this drink is guaranteed to please.
The beauty lies in its adaptability – tweak the sweetness, spice level, milk choice, and cherry intensity to fit your personal taste perfectly. Plus, making your own cherry syrup means you can control the quality and sweetness, making the whole drink feel like a handcrafted luxury.
To make an iced cherry chai tea latte, you need chai tea concentrate or brewed chai tea, cherry syrup or cherry juice, milk or a milk alternative, ice cubes, and optionally sweetener such as honey or simple syrup.
Yes, store-bought chai concentrate works perfectly and saves time. You can dilute it with milk and add cherry syrup to create the iced cherry chai tea latte.
To make chai tea concentrate, simmer black tea leaves or bags with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper in water. Add sweetener and steep until flavorful, then strain and cool before use.
You can use any milk or milk alternative such as whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Oat milk and almond milk are popular dairy-free options that blend well with chai flavors.
Typically, 1 to 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup per serving is recommended, but you can adjust the amount based on your preferred sweetness and cherry intensity.
Yes, simply use a plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk and ensure the chai concentrate or tea and cherry syrup do not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Yes, you can prepare the chai concentrate and cherry syrup in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the drink with milk and ice just before serving to keep it fresh and cold.
Serve the drink over a glass filled with ice cubes. Pour the chai and cherry mixture over the ice, add milk, and stir gently. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or fresh cherries for an elegant presentation.
Yes, fresh cherries can be blended into a puree or muddled and mixed with sweetener to substitute cherry syrup, but this may alter the sweetness and consistency slightly.
You can adjust sweetness by varying the amount of cherry syrup, adding sweeteners like honey or simple syrup, or choosing unsweetened milk alternatives to better control the overall flavor.