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This zingy Iced Cherry Chai blends spicy chai with luscious cherry tones, making a cool summer drink that beats anything you'd buy at a café. I nailed this look-alike version after too many pricey Starbucks trips, and now I can sip this fancy drink at home whenever I want.
I came up with this drink during an extra hot summer when I still craved chai despite the heat. After playing with different flavor mixes, this cherry version quickly became our family's go-to drink we enjoy whatever the season.
What You'll Need
- Cherry Cream Cold Foam: Go for heavy cream to get that silky smooth layer that sits perfectly on your drink
- Cherry syrup: Gives you real cherry taste without going overboard grab a good brand or try making your own
- Whole milk: Makes everything creamier but keeps the foam light enough to stay on top
- Iced Cherry Chai: Grab chai tea concentrate for quick and reliable flavor try Oregon Chai or Tazo brands
- Milk of choice: Pick whatever suits you from regular cow's milk to any plant option that fits your diet
- Freeze dried cherries: They look pretty and boost the cherry kick pick bright red ones for the best look
How To Make It
- Whip Up Your Cherry Cream Cold Foam:
- Mix heavy cream, cherry syrup, and whole milk in a small cup. Whip it with a handheld frother for about 30 seconds until you get a thick, smooth texture. Your foam should form soft peaks but still pour easily. If you're using a regular whisk, you'll need to work it for 1-2 minutes to get enough air in there.
- Put Together The Main Drink:
- Take a 16oz glass and fill it about 2/3 with ice. Bigger ice chunks work better since they won't water down your drink as fast. Pour chai tea concentrate over the ice, then add your milk. Don't mix it yet - pouring them in creates a pretty layered look all by itself.
- Top It Off:
- Carefully spoon your cherry cream foam onto your drink so it sits on top. You want about 1/2 inch of foam. Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried cherries on the foam right before you serve it so they don't get soggy. The bright red cherry bits will slowly sink into the foam, making it look amazing while adding extra flavor.
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This drink has turned into my go-to summer party offering. Those freeze-dried cherries are really the hidden gem that gets everyone asking how I made it. I stumbled across them while browsing a fancy food shop and now use them in tons of recipes their super strong cherry flavor without adding moisture makes them perfect for so many things.
Picking A Good Chai Concentrate
Your drink will only be as good as the chai concentrate you start with. Go for brands that actually list real spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger near the top of their ingredients. Stay away from ones with tons of added sugar since your cherry syrup already sweetens things up. For a stronger spice kick, try Oregon Chai Extra Spicy or Dona Chai. Want to make your own? Just steep black tea with whole spices like star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods, then strain it and keep it in the fridge.
Non-Dairy Options
You can easily turn this into a dairy-free treat with a couple of swaps. Use thick coconut cream that's been chilled overnight and scooped from the top of the can instead of heavy cream. Switch out whole milk for oat milk if you want it creamy, or almond milk for something lighter. The cherry foam works really well with coconut cream, which adds a hint of tropical flavor that goes great with cherry. If you're using those special barista plant milks, use a bit less than called for since they foam up more aggressively.
Custom Tweaks
Play around with different flavors to match what you love. Add espresso for a cherry chai with an extra caffeine boost. Try swapping cherry syrup for raspberry, blackberry, or even lavender syrup for totally different tastes. During fall, throw a bit of pumpkin spice into your cold foam for a seasonal touch. Having friends over? A splash of amaretto turns this into a grown-up drink that's perfect for brunches or afternoon get-togethers.
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One sip of this cool treat and you'll wonder why you ever paid those coffee shop prices!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different milk for the cherry cold foam?
Though whole milk creates the creamiest texture, you can try half-and-half or even non-dairy options like coconut cream, but your foam might turn out slightly different.
- → Where can I find chai tea concentrate?
You'll find chai tea concentrate at most supermarkets (brands like Tazo or Oregon), or you can brew your own strong chai tea and add sweetener as you like.
- → What can I substitute for freeze-dried cherries?
When you can't get freeze-dried cherries, try using some cherry powder, a fresh cherry on top, or just skip it since most of the cherry taste comes from the syrup anyway.
- → How do I make cherry syrup at home?
Mix 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 cup pitted cherries in a pot. Heat until boiling, then lower the heat and cook for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool before using.
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
You can make the cherry syrup days ahead, but it's best to whip up the foam and put the drink together right before drinking so it stays the right texture and temperature.
- → What tool works best for creating the cold foam?
A small handheld milk frother does a great job with cold foam. If you don't have one, you can also use a French press by quickly pushing the plunger up and down to make foam.