Iced Cherry Chai Latte – Fruity, Spiced, and Totally Refreshing

Why I Love This Iced Cherry Chai Latte Recipe

When I first started playing around with chai at home, I never imagined I’d land on something as refreshing and creative as this iced cherry chai latte. My kitchen in Brooklyn quickly became a little test café—stacked with jars of homemade cherry syrup, frothy cream, and too many mugs to count. This drink brings together the warming spices of chai and the juicy brightness of cherries in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.

What I love most about this iced cherry chai latte is how effortlessly it balances flavors. The bold chai tea concentrate adds that signature spice, while the cherry syrup brings a natural sweetness that doesn’t overpower. Topped with cherry cold foam and a sprinkle of crushed cookies and freeze-dried cherries, each sip tastes like a fancy café drink—but it’s simple enough for any day of the week.

I also appreciate how customizable this iced cherry chai latte is. Use oat milk or almond milk, add more or less cherry syrup depending on your mood, or try it with cherry powder for a different twist. Whether I’m sipping it while writing or treating a friend, this iced cherry chai latte never disappoints.

If you’re already a fan of fruity drinks, you might also enjoy pairing it with mulberry jam toast or even a circle galaxy cookie for a little afternoon delight.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making an Iced Cherry Chai Latte

Making an iced cherry chai latte at home is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. This recipe brings together creamy milk, bold chai concentrate, sweet cherry syrup, and a dreamy cherry cold foam—all in one refreshing and layered drink. Each component adds its own flavor, and when combined, they create a café-style iced cherry chai latte you’ll want to make again and again.

Make the cherry syrup

To start your iced cherry chai latte, you’ll need cherry syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until the cherries soften and burst. Strain it using a fine mesh sieve, pressing down to extract as much juice as possible. Let the syrup cool completely. This cherry syrup isn’t just great in an iced cherry chai latte—it also works beautifully in cocktails, teas, or over sweet braided bread.

Make the cherry cold foam

Next, it’s time to make the cherry cold foam. In a jar, combine ¾ cup milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of the homemade cherry syrup. Shake or stir until well blended. To turn it into foam, use an electric frother, hand blender, or just shake it vigorously in a sealed mason jar. The cherry cold foam will add lightness and flavor to your iced cherry chai latte—and it’s easy to keep extra in the fridge to whip up later.

Assemble your iced cherry chai latte

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in 3 oz of chai tea concentrate.
3. Add 4 oz of your preferred milk—regular or oat milk works great.
4. Spoon on about 3 oz of cherry cold foam.
5. Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried cherries and vanilla cookie crumbs for a playful crunch.

That’s it! Your iced cherry chai latte is ready to sip. The layered look is beautiful, but the taste is what makes it a go-to. You get that spiced chai base, cherry-sweet foam, and a creamy body—all in one refreshing drink.

If you’re making this for a brunch or a treat-yourself moment, pair it with a circle galaxy cookie or even some dark chocolate strawberries for something extra special.

How to Serve Your Iced Cherry Chai Latte

One of the best parts of making an iced cherry chai latte at home is how pretty and fun it is to serve. To get that café-style look, grab a tall glass and fill it with ice. Pour in your chai tea concentrate and milk first, letting them mix gently. Then, slowly spoon your cherry cold foam over the top so it forms a smooth, fluffy layer.

Just before serving, add a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried cherries and a pinch of crumbled vanilla cookies. These toppings don’t just make your latte look special—they also add a bit of texture with every sip.

For make-ahead convenience, keep the cherry syrup and sweet cream in the fridge in separate containers. That way, when you’re ready for a quick iced cherry chai latte, all you need to do is froth and pour.

If you’re planning a light brunch or snack, this drink pairs well with spiced baked goods like a slice of gingerbread or something crunchy like air fryer veggie chips. It also goes great with soft, subtly sweet bites like sweet braided bread or toast topped with strawberry freezer jam.

Easy Variations to Customize Your Iced Cherry Chai Latte

This iced cherry chai latte is already delicious as-is, but there’s so much room to make it your own. Whether you’re changing ingredients for dietary reasons or just mixing it up for fun, these tweaks can keep things fresh while still hitting all the flavor notes.

Swap the milk

Use oat milk for a rich, creamy base or almond milk if you prefer something lighter. Coconut milk also works great and adds a subtle tropical twist that complements the cherry and spices nicely.

Use cherry powder instead of syrup

If you’re out of fresh or frozen cherries, a cherry powder makes a great backup. Just stir a small amount into the milk and cream before frothing. It’s an easy way to keep that cherry flavor without simmering syrup.

Make it warm

Yes, this iced cherry chai latte can go hot! Just heat your milk and chai concentrate in a saucepan, pour into a mug, and top with warm cherry cold foam. It’s perfect for chilly mornings or cozy afternoons.

Add a floral touch

Want something unexpected? Add a few drops of rose or orange blossom water to your cherry syrup. The floral notes bring out the sweetness and make the drink feel extra special.

Switch up the toppings

If you don’t have freeze-dried cherries or vanilla cookies, try crushed cherry candy, chopped dried cherries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also skip the toppings entirely and still enjoy the creamy, fruity experience.

Try a protein boost

Stir in a scoop of collagen powder or unflavored protein to turn your iced cherry chai latte into a post-workout treat. Blend it into the milk before assembling to keep the texture smooth.

For more unique drink ideas, check out recipes like lemon herb air fryer salmon (a great savory pairing) or grab a cozy slice of neiman marcus chicken casserole for a comforting contrast to your fruity latte.

How to Store Your Iced Cherry Chai Latte and Its Components

Although this iced cherry chai latte is best when served immediately, you can prepare most of the parts ahead of time so it’s always just a few steps away.

Storing the cherry syrup

Make a batch of cherry syrup and pour it into a clean glass jar or sealed container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 10 days. The syrup may thicken slightly as it cools, so stir or shake it before using it in your next iced cherry chai latte. This syrup also works great in teas, over pancakes, or even in a fruity vinaigrette.

Storing the cherry cold foam mixture

Mix the milk, heavy cream, and cherry syrup in advance to create the sweet cream base. Store this mixture in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed jar. Froth it just before topping your iced cherry chai latte so it stays fresh and fluffy. A quick shake before frothing helps re-blend any separation.

What about the full drink?

It’s not ideal to store a fully made iced cherry chai latte. The cold foam will deflate and the ice will dilute the flavors. However, you can prepare the chai and milk portion and refrigerate that for up to 24 hours. Just add the cherry cold foam and toppings right before serving.

If you’re prepping for a busy week, it’s smart to keep both the syrup and cream base ready to go. That way, assembling an iced cherry chai latte takes just seconds when you’re in the mood.

For more smart make-ahead ideas, try something savory like this cowboy casserole or preserve extra produce with this canning jalapeños recipe.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a drink that’s just as pretty as it is flavorful, this iced cherry chai latte checks all the boxes. With bold chai spices, fruity cherry syrup, and creamy cold foam, each sip is layered, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to pull together at home.

This recipe isn’t just a copy of what you’d find at a café—it’s better. You can control the sweetness, choose your milk, and get creative with toppings. Once you’ve made it once, it’ll quickly become your go-to for spring brunches, afternoon pick-me-ups, or whenever you want something that feels like a treat without the effort.

The iced cherry chai latte is more than a trendy drink—it’s a flavor experience that’s easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress. For more simple, sippable ideas, check out recipes like mulberry jam toast or whip up a quick cottage cheese smoothie to enjoy alongside your latte.