Iced Cherry Chai Recipe

There's something utterly magical about the first sip of an Iced Cherry Chai on a hot afternoon. It's a swirl of warming spice, bright cherry sweetness, and that irresistible chill that makes every sip feel like a little moment of calm in your day.

I first crafted this drink during a weekend experiment with leftover spiced chai and some frozen cherries I had tucked away. One stir led to another, and now it’s become my go-to drink for porch-sitting, book-reading, and everything in between.

Whether you're looking for a bold iced tea to shake up your summer routine or just want something a bit more exciting than lemonade, this fruity, spicy refresher is a must-try.

Why You'll Love This Iced Cherry Chai

Cool, spicy, and sweet all in one glass — this drink hits every craving. Here's why this iced cherry chai will earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation:

It’s refreshingly different.
If you're tired of the same old iced coffee or sweet tea, this drink wakes up your taste buds with its balance of fruit and spice. The subtle heat of chai meets the juicy brightness of cherry in the most unexpected, delicious way.

Ready in minutes.
You don’t need to brew anything fancy from scratch — unless you want to! This recipe works just as well with store-bought chai concentrate and frozen or jarred cherries, making it an ultra-convenient option when time is short.

Naturally sweetened and customizable.
You control the sweetness. Prefer things light and tea-forward? Skip the sweetener. Want it dessert-like? Add honey, maple syrup, or even a splash of vanilla simple syrup.

Perfect for entertaining.
Serve it in a pitcher with floating cherries and cinnamon sticks, and you’ve got an instant showstopper. It’s just as lovely in a single glass on a quiet afternoon as it is served to friends at a summer brunch.

Cherry-spiced and chill to the core, this drink is about to become your favorite sip of the season.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Iced Cherry Chai is that it uses easy-to-find ingredients while still feeling a bit luxurious. Each part brings something special to the table.

Chai tea is the soul of this drink. You can brew your own using chai tea bags or loose-leaf blends, but store-bought chai concentrate (like Tazo or Oregon Chai) also works beautifully. The spices—usually a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, and black pepper—create that signature warmth that pairs so well with fruit.

Cherry juice or concentrate adds the fruity foundation. Look for 100% tart cherry juice for the best flavor. If you only have sweet cherry juice, reduce the sweetener elsewhere. You can also use thawed frozen cherries blended with a little water if you want a thicker, smoothie-like base.

Sweetener is optional, but a drizzle of honey, agave, or even maple syrup rounds out the flavor nicely. The type of sweetener can slightly change the flavor profile—honey adds floral notes, while maple syrup brings cozy richness.

Milk or cream is an optional addition, but highly recommended if you want a creamier take. Oat milk and almond milk work well, but whole milk or half-and-half turn this into a cherry chai latte situation, which is never a bad thing.

No fancy tools required—just a cocktail shaker or mason jar with a lid, a spoon for stirring, and a tall glass for serving. If you're going all-out, a milk frother or handheld blender can elevate things even more.

How To Make This Iced Cherry Chai

Making this flavorful drink is as satisfying as sipping it. Here's how to put together your new summer favorite.

Start by brewing your chai tea if you're making it from tea bags or loose leaf. Let it steep for about 5–7 minutes to bring out those bold, spicy flavors. If you're using a concentrate, measure out about ½ cup per serving and chill it ahead of time for the best result.

While the chai is cooling, pour cherry juice into a shaker or jar with ice. Add your chosen sweetener and give it a good stir or shake until well combined. The ice will chill the juice quickly while diluting it just enough to mellow any tartness.

Add the cooled chai tea to the cherry mixture. If using milk or cream, pour it in now. For a layered effect, add the milk last and give it a gentle swirl rather than a full stir—it looks beautiful in the glass and offers a fun, café-style touch.

Taste and adjust sweetness as needed. Pour the mixture over fresh ice in a tall glass. Garnish with whole cherries, a cinnamon stick, or even a few fresh mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, especially if you're working with chilled ingredients. Once it’s in your glass, all that’s left to do is sip and enjoy.

Storage Options

While this Iced Cherry Chai is best served fresh, you can prep components in advance for quick assembly.

The brewed chai can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it in a sealed mason jar or bottle to retain its flavor.

If using homemade cherry juice (from blended frozen cherries), keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in an ice cube tray for longer storage.

Pre-mixed iced cherry chai (without milk) will keep for 2 days in the refrigerator. If you've added dairy or a milk alternative, try to drink it within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.

To reheat the chai for a warm version, simply microwave or heat it on the stovetop, then add warm cherry juice or concentrate and sweetener to taste.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable—here’s how to make it your own:

Make it sparkling.
Swap half the cherry juice with cherry-flavored sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy twist. Serve immediately to preserve the bubbles.

Turn it into a latte.
Use more milk and froth it before pouring over the cherry-chai base for a chilled latte vibe. This works especially well with oat milk or a splash of coconut cream.

Go herbal.
Not a fan of caffeine? Use rooibos chai instead of traditional black chai. You’ll still get all the spice without the buzz.

Try other fruits.
Swap cherry for pomegranate, raspberry, or blackberry juice. Each adds its own flair, and the warm chai notes play nicely with most red fruits.

Make it boozy.
A splash of bourbon, dark rum, or cherry liqueur turns this into an unforgettable evening cocktail. Just don’t forget the garnish!

Don’t be afraid to experiment. This recipe invites play, and you’ll find your own perfect version before long. Whether you're sipping it under the sun or pairing it with a good book indoors, Iced Cherry Chai is one drink that never gets old.

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