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Iced Cherry Chai Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]

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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.

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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!

Ingredients For Iced Cherry Chai Tea Latte Recipe

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!

  • Chai Tea Bags Or Loose Leaf Chai Tea

    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.

  • Fresh Or Frozen Cherries

    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.

  • Milk (or Milk Alternative)

    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.

  • Sweetener

    Honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup. The choice is yours! This balances the spices and cherry tartness without overpowering the natural flavors.

  • Vanilla Extract (optional But Recommended)

    Just a splash adds depth and enhances the creamy, sweet notes.

  • Ice Cubes

    Lots of them. To chill the drink and keep it refreshingly cool without diluting the flavors too fast.

  • Water

    For brewing the chai tea.

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How To Make Iced Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

Now, the fun part – creating this gorgeous, tantalizing beverage step by step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!

  1. Brew The Chai Tea

    • Start by boiling about 1 cup of water.
    • Steep 2-3 chai tea bags or about 2 tablespoons of loose leaf chai for 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong and spicy you want it.
    • Remove the tea bags or strain the loose leaves, and allow the chai concentrate to cool to room temperature.

  2. Prepare The Cherry Syrup

    • In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh or frozen cherries with 1/4 cup water and 2 tablespoons of sweetener (adjust to taste).
    • Simmer on low heat, gently mashing the cherries to release their juices, for about 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and turns syrupy.
    • Strain the syrup through a fine sieve to remove the cherry solids, leaving you with a smooth, fragrant syrup.

  3. Assemble Your Iced Latte

    • Fill a tall glass halfway with ice cubes.
    • Pour in 1/2 cup of the cooled chai concentrate.
    • Add 1/4 cup of cherry syrup (or more, if you love cherry flavor!).
    • Pour 1/2 cup of your chosen milk over the top.
    • Stir gently to combine.

  4. Optional Touch

    • Add a drop of vanilla extract and give it another stir.
    • Garnish with a few fresh cherries or a cinnamon stick for that fancy café look!

Expert Tips

Okay, let me spill some pro tips that’ll take your iced cherry chai latte from ’meh’ to wow:

  • Brew Stronger Tea: Because the drink is served iced and diluted with milk and ice, brewing a stronger chai concentrate ensures the spices don’t get lost.
  • Use Sweetened or Unsweetened Milk Wisely: Some milk alternatives (like vanilla oat milk) are already sweetened, so adjust your syrup accordingly to avoid over-sweetening.
  • Cherry Syrup Substitute: If you’re in a pinch, good-quality cherry preserves or jam can be gently warmed with water to make a quick syrup.
  • Chill Everything: For the best experience, chill your brewed tea and cherry syrup before assembling. This helps avoid melting ice too quickly and watering down your drink.
  • Customize the Spice Level: Add extra ground cinnamon or fresh grated ginger if you love that spicy kick.
  • For Creamier Texture: Use half and half or add a splash of heavy cream for a richer latte experience.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are some fun ways to mix it up:

  • Vegan Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk and sweeten with maple syrup or agave.
  • Cherry Vanilla Iced Chai: Add a bit more vanilla extract and a splash of vanilla syrup for a dessert-like treat.
  • Spiced Cherry Latte: Toss in a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy surprise.
  • Sparkling Cherry Chai: Swap out the milk for sparkling water and reduce the syrup slightly to create a refreshing tea soda.
  • Cherry Mocha Chai: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the syrup for a chocolate-cherry chai twist.
  • Iced Cherry Chai Float: Top the latte with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a decadent summer dessert.

Final Words

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.

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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.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed To Make An Iced Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

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.

Can I Use Store-bought Chai Concentrate For This Recipe?

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.

How Do I Make Chai Tea Concentrate At Home?

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.

What Type Of Milk Works Best In An Iced Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

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.

How Much Cherry Syrup Should I Add To The Chai Latte?

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.

Is It Possible To Make This Drink Vegan And Dairy-free?

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.

Can I Prepare The Iced Cherry Chai Tea Latte In Advance?

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.

What Is The Best Way To Serve Iced Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

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.

Can I Substitute Fresh Cherries Instead Of Cherry Syrup?

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.

How Can I Adjust The Sweetness Level Of My Iced Cherry Chai Tea Latte?

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.

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