Iced Cherry Chai Recipe

There’s something magical about the first sip of an iced cherry chai on a warm afternoon. The spiced aroma of chai mingles with the sweet-tart burst of cherries, creating a refreshing yet comforting drink that feels like a summer hug in a glass.

this Recipe

This recipe came to life during a particularly hot June day when I found myself craving my usual cup of chai—but without the heat. With fresh cherries on hand, I experimented and stumbled upon a combo that was too good not to share. It’s now my go-to drink for backyard hangs and lazy weekend brunches.

Let me show you why this Iced Cherry Chai belongs in your regular rotation.

Why You'll Love This Iced Cherry Chai

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite cold drink. This Iced Cherry Chai isn’t just tasty—it’s a flavor-packed refresher that works all year round.

First, it’s refreshingly unique. The combo of bold chai spices and juicy cherry flavor delivers something special you won’t find in most café menus. It’s both vibrant and soothing—a rare balance that makes every sip memorable.

It’s also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re brewing from scratch or using store-bought chai, you can throw this together in minutes. No need for fancy tools or ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a handful of cherries.

Budget-friendly? Absolutely. A homemade version costs just a fraction of what you’d pay for a specialty iced drink out. Plus, you can control the sugar and quality of ingredients, which is always a win.

And let’s not forget its versatility. Serve it over ice with a splash of oat milk, blend it into a creamy smoothie-style treat, or even spike it for a weekend twist. There are endless ways to enjoy this base recipe.

Ready to give it a try? Let’s take a closer look at what goes into making it.

Ingredients Notes

The charm of this Iced Cherry Chai lies in its layered flavor—spicy, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. With a few quality ingredients, you’ll be sipping something seriously crave-worthy.

Cherries are the star of the show here. Fresh, pitted cherries offer the best flavor, especially when they’re in season. You can also use frozen cherries—just thaw them before using. Tart cherries give a tangy kick, while dark sweet cherries create a smoother, richer drink.

Chai tea forms the spiced foundation of this recipe. You can brew your own using black tea and whole spices (like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger), or go the shortcut route with a quality store-bought chai blend. Either way, make it strong so it holds up against the cold and cherries.

Honey or maple syrup adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness. You can skip this if your cherries are especially ripe, but I find a touch of sweetener brings everything together nicely.

Milk or dairy-free alternative creates that creamy finish. I love oat milk for its subtle flavor and smooth texture, but almond, soy, or regular dairy milk all work beautifully.

You’ll also need a blender or immersion blender to puree the cherries and a fine-mesh strainer if you want a smoother finish. A cocktail shaker or mason jar makes mixing a breeze, especially when chilling the chai.

How To Make This Iced Cherry Chai

Making this iced cherry chai is a breeze—and totally worth the tiny bit of prep. Here’s how I bring it together at home.

Start by brewing your chai. If you’re using tea bags or loose-leaf chai, steep it in hot water for at least 5 minutes for full flavor. Let it cool to room temperature, or pop it in the fridge to speed things up. I usually make a double batch and keep it chilled in a jar for instant iced chai access.

While the chai cools, prep your cherries. Pit them and toss them into a blender with your sweetener of choice. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a pulp-free drink, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar or cup. If texture doesn’t bother you, you can skip this step.

Once your chai is cold, combine it with the cherry puree in a large mason jar or cocktail shaker. Add ice and your milk of choice, then shake it well. You want the flavors to marry and the drink to chill all the way through.

Pour it into a tall glass filled with fresh ice, and give it a final stir. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a few halved cherries or a cinnamon stick for a little flair.

From start to finish, this drink comes together in under 15 minutes (even faster if you have pre-brewed chai). Expect a gorgeously pink drink with a creamy top and a bold, fruity finish.

Storage Options

You can make this drink ahead of time by prepping the cherry puree and storing it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it in a sealed jar or container to lock in freshness.

Brewed chai tea will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so feel free to double or triple your batch if you want to enjoy iced cherry chai all week long.

Once mixed with milk, it’s best enjoyed fresh. The milk can separate over time, especially with fruit acids in the mix. If you do have leftovers, shake them well before drinking and use within 24 hours.

To reheat any leftover chai (without cherry), warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. This turns it into a lovely warm cherry chai latte if you’re feeling cozy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the base ingredients to suit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs.

Try different fruits in place of cherries. Strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches blend beautifully with chai spices. Just follow the same puree and strain method.

Play with the milk. For a richer flavor, use coconut milk or half-and-half. Want to lighten things up? Unsweetened almond milk or rice milk gives a more subtle background that lets the cherries shine.

Use a chai concentrate if you're short on time. These pre-sweetened blends are ready to mix with milk and ice—just adjust the added sweetener to taste, since many are already sugary.

Add a boost of spice with extra ginger or a pinch of ground cardamom. It heightens the chai's flavor and plays beautifully with the cherries’ natural tartness.

You can even make this drink boozy by adding a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or cherry liqueur. It turns this into a grown-up iced chai cocktail that’s perfect for summer evenings.

Feel free to make this drink your own. Play with proportions, swap ingredients, and enjoy discovering your perfect blend.

Print