Nothing quite hits the spot on a warm day like this delightful Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte Recipe. It’s the perfect balance between spicy chai tea, tart cherry juice, and creamy milk, creating a refreshing and satisfying drink that you’ll want to whip up again and again. This homemade version captures all the magic of the original, without a pricey coffeehouse stop, making it a total game-changer for your iced latte cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays a crucial role — the chai tea provides bold spice, the cherry juice adds a natural fruity zing and vibrant color, the milk brings luscious creaminess, and the optional sweetener ties it all together with just a touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup water: The perfect base to steep your chai tea, extracting fragrant spices that make this latte distinctive.
- 1 chai tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf chai: Choose your favorite chai blend — this is where those warm cinnamon and clove notes come alive.
- 1/2 cup cherry juice (100% juice, no sugar added): Adds a fresh, tart burst of cherry flavor and a gorgeous rosy hue.
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based): This lends creaminess and richness; oat or whole milk work beautifully for extra indulgence.
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional): A gentle sweetener that balances the tartness if you prefer a sweeter iced cherry chai latte.
- Ice cubes: Essential for that refreshingly cold finish we love about this drink.
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Chai Tea
Start by bringing your water to a boil, then remove it from heat. Drop in your chai tea bag (or loose-leaf chai in an infuser) and let it steep for 5 to 7 minutes. This time allows the spices to fully infuse, giving you that warm, comforting chai flavor. Once done, remove the tea bag and let the tea cool to room temperature. If you want to speed things up, pop it in the fridge until chilled.
Step 2: Mix Cherry Juice and Milk
In a glass, combine the cooled chai tea with the cherry juice and your choice of milk. This blend is where the magic begins — the bright cherry juice brightens the deep spices, while the milk adds smoothness. If you’re craving a bit more sweetness, stir in maple syrup or honey to taste.
Step 3: Assemble Over Ice
Fill a serving glass generously with ice cubes. Pour the cherry chai mixture over the ice, then gently stir to meld all those lovely flavors together. This last step chills the drink perfectly and ensures every sip is delightfully balanced.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Drink
Grab a straw or sip straight from the glass — no matter how you enjoy it, this Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte Recipe delivers a refreshing, spicy, fruity treat that’s perfect all year round.
How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your iced cherry chai latte by adding a few whole cherries on top or a light dusting of cinnamon. A cinnamon stick can double as a charming stirrer that infuses even more aroma with every swirl.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs wonderfully with light baked goods like almond biscotti, buttery scones, or a simple slice of banana bread. The spicy-sweet flavors of the drink complement these treats beautifully, creating a cozy mini-afternoon break.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, serve your latte in a clear glass mug to show off the lovely layered colors. You can also rim your glass with a mix of sugar and finely ground cinnamon for a festive flair that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra chai tea concentrate after making this Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you have the perfect start to your next iced chai creation ready in a snap.
Freezing
While freezing the fully mixed latte is not recommended due to milk texture changes, you can freeze leftover brewed chai tea concentrate in ice cube trays. Pop out the cubes as needed and mix with fresh cherry juice and milk for a quick refresh.
Reheating
This drink is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not usually advised. However, if you prefer a warm chai cherry twist, gently warm the chai concentrate and cherry juice on the stovetop, then add warmed milk before serving—skip the ice!
FAQs
Can I use any type of milk in the Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte Recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer dairy like whole or skim milk, or plant-based options such as oat, almond, or soy, each offers a unique creaminess that works well. Oat milk tends to make the creamiest version, perfect if you like it rich.
Is it necessary to sweeten this iced cherry chai latte?
Not at all. The sweetness depends on your cherry juice’s tartness and personal preference. You may find it delicious without added maple syrup or honey, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
How long does the Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte Recipe last in the fridge?
Once assembled, it’s best enjoyed immediately for peak freshness and flavor. However, the chai concentrate on its own can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making quick afternoon iced lattes super convenient.
Can I make this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients to make a large batch of chai concentrate and mix with cherry juice and milk in a pitcher. Serve over ice for an easy, crowd-pleasing beverage at your next gathering.
What chai tea should I use?
Go for a robust chai blend with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves — store-bought tea bags or loose-leaf both work well. If you love more spice, add a pinch of ginger or black pepper to your steeped tea for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little coffeehouse magic into your own kitchen, this Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte Recipe is a must-try. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and so easy to make that it quickly becomes a favorite for warm days or whenever you need a comforting, delicious pick-me-up. Cheers to your next sip of homemade bliss!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte is a refreshing and flavorful drink combining the spicy notes of chai tea with the sweet and tart taste of cherry juice, balanced with creamy milk and a touch of natural sweetness. Perfect for warm days, this homemade iced latte offers a delightful alternative to your usual iced beverages with easy preparation.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 1 cup water
- 1 chai tea bag (or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf chai)
Liquid Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cherry juice (100% juice, no sugar added)
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
Sweetener and Additions
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Steep the chai tea: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove the water from heat and steep the chai tea bag or loose-leaf chai for 5 to 7 minutes to fully extract the flavors.
- Cool the tea: Remove the tea bag or strain the loose leaves. Allow the brewed chai tea to cool to room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator to avoid melting the ice too quickly when served.
- Mix the latte: In a glass, combine the cooled chai tea with 1/2 cup cherry juice and 1/2 cup of your chosen milk. Add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter drink. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
- Serve over ice: Fill a serving glass with ice cubes and pour the cherry chai latte mixture over the ice. Stir gently once more to chill the drink evenly.
- Enjoy immediately: Sip and enjoy your refreshing, homemade iced cherry chai latte right away for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a creamier latte, opt for oat milk or whole milk.
- You can prepare a larger batch of chai tea ahead and store it refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Sweetness levels can be adjusted depending on the tartness of the cherry juice and personal taste preferences.
- Use 100% cherry juice with no added sugar for the best natural flavor profile.
