As I stood in my kitchen on a sweltering afternoon, the thought of warming up with a traditional chai seemed far from enticing. Instead, I was captivated by the idea of creating a refreshing spin—a Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte. This delightful concoction harmonizes the spiced notes of chai with luscious cherry, transforming a classic favorite into a chilling treat that’s perfect for those sunny days. Not only is it easy to whip up in the comfort of your own home, but it also opens the door to endless customization options. Farewell to long lines and overpriced drinks! Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a well-deserved moment of self-care, this iced beverage promises to satisfy your cravings for something both cozy and fruity. Curious about how to bring this café-worthy drink to life? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why make a Starbucks Copycat drink?

Refreshing Twist: This Iced Cherry Chai Latte takes a beloved classic and adds a burst of fruity flavor that’s perfect for summer.

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Customizable: Tailor this recipe to your tastes with different milks or syrups, just like you would at your favorite café.

Cost-Effective: Save money while still enjoying the café experience from the comfort of your home, and skip those long lines.

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll have your drink ready in no time.

Impressive Treat: Whether it’s for entertaining friends or a little self-indulgence, this beverage is sure to wow. Need a sweet pairing? Try it with a delicious light pastry for an afternoon treat!

Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte Ingredients

For the Base

Cherry Syrup – This key ingredient adds a sweet and vibrant cherry flavor; you can opt for homemade or store-bought.
Chai Concentrate – The warm spice blend is essential for the chai flavor; my go-to is Oregon Chai.
Oat Milk – Provides a creamy texture and is a great non-dairy option; feel free to substitute with any milk you prefer.

For the Cold Foam

2% Milk – This enhances the creaminess of the cold foam; try whole milk for an even richer texture.
Heavy Cream – Creates a thick, luxurious cold foam; you can swap this for dairy-free cream for a lighter touch.

Extras

Ice Cubes – Keep your drink refreshingly chilled!
Chocolate Crunchy Topping (optional) – Adds visual appeal and a delightful crunch; can be omitted if desired.
Red Sprinkles (optional) – Perfect for a festive pop of color on top!

Dive into this Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte and enjoy a delightful beverage experience right at home!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte

Step 1: Mix Chai and Milk
Begin by combining 1 cup of chai concentrate with ¾ cup of oat milk in a tall glass. Stir the mixture thoroughly for about 30 seconds, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully together. The creamy, spiced chai base should be well integrated with the oat milk to set the stage for your refreshing Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte.

Step 2: Add Ice
Next, fill the glass with clear ice cubes, leaving about ½ inch of space from the top. This will keep your drink nice and cold without diluting it too quickly. Aim for a heaping glass of ice to provide the perfect chill, allowing the vibrant colors of the chai blend and cherry syrup to showcase as they mingle.

Step 3: Prepare Cold Foam
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cherry syrup, 2 tablespoons of 2% milk, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Use a hand whisk or an electric frother for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and fluffy. The cold foam should appear light and frothy, creating a delightful topping for your blended chai drink.

Step 4: Assemble Drink
Now it’s time to layer your creation! Carefully spoon the Cherry Cold Foam over the iced chai latte, allowing it to float gently on top for a beautiful presentation. With the rich, spiced chai below and the sweet cherry topping above, your Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte is already looking irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish
For a touch of fun and visual appeal, sprinkle your drink with chocolate crunchy topping and red sprinkles if desired. This optional step adds a delightful crunch and festive pop of color, making your iced latte even more tempting and eye-catching for any occasion.

Step 6: Serve Fresh
Lastly, serve your refreshing Iced Cherry Chai Latte immediately to enjoy it at its best. If you’re not consuming it right away, store the chai and oat milk mixture separately to maintain the flavor and prevent dilution from melting ice or foam. Savor this delightful drink as a perfect summer indulgence!

Make Ahead Options

These Iced Cherry Chai Latte preparations are a lifesaver for busy home cooks! You can mix together the chai concentrate and oat milk up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator to keep the flavors vibrant. Additionally, prepare the cherry syrup and store it separately to preserve freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte, simply fill a glass with ice, pour in your chilled chai mixture, and whip up the cold foam using 2% milk and heavy cream just before serving for optimal texture. This way, you’ll have a delightful café-style drink ready in no time, without the fuss!

Expert Tips for Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte

Milk Matters: Use barista-style oat milk or almond milk for a thicker, creamier texture in the cold foam.
Watch the Foam: For best results, serve immediately; if stored with ice or foam too long, the flavor and texture will dilute significantly.
Customize Wisely: Feel free to substitute cherry syrup with other flavors like vanilla, but note that classic chai complements cherry best in this recipe.
Serve Fresh: Prepare the chai and milk mixture separately from the cold foam if not enjoyed right away to avoid compromising its taste.
Condiments Count: Enhance visual appeal with toppings like chocolate crunch and red sprinkles, elevating both taste and aesthetics for your iced latte.

Storage Tips for Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte

Fridge: Store leftover chai concentrate and oat milk mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day to maintain freshness.

Freezer: While I don’t recommend freezing the completed iced latte, you can freeze extra cherry syrup for up to 3 months in ice cube trays, making it easy to use later.

Reheating: If you choose to enjoy a hot version later, simply heat the chai and oat milk today, but remember to mix your fresh cold foam as needed to keep that delightful texture.

Assembling Later: For the best taste and experience, combine chilled chai and milk just before serving, ensuring you enjoy your Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte at its finest!

Variations & Substitutions for Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte

Feel free to get creative and tailor this drink to your tastes—your imagination is the only limit!

Dairy-Free: Swap out regular milk for almond, coconut, or soy milk for a non-dairy alternative. Each milk provides a unique flavor twist! The creamy texture of oat milk is also a fantastic option, giving you that rich mouthfeel without dairy.
Flavored Syrup: Instead of cherry syrup, try vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel syrup to create a different flavor profile that suits your mood. You could even mix syrups to invent your own magical flavor combination!
Spiced Chai: Use a flavored chai concentrate like vanilla chai or pumpkin spice for an exciting twist on the classic spiced notes. It’s a fantastic way to create seasonal variations, especially around fall!
Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cherry syrup according to your taste preferences. You can also use agave syrup or honey for a more natural sweetener alternative.
Iced Coffee Twist: For a caffeine boost, mix in some cold brew coffee or add a shot of espresso to your drink. This will keep the rich and spicy notes of chai while incorporating that lovely coffee flavor.
Fruit Garnish: Top your Cherry Chai Latte with fresh cherries or berries for a refreshing fruit burst. It not only looks beautiful but also enhances the fruity flavor!
Hot Version: If you’re craving a warm beverage, simply heat the chai concentrate and milk before serving, skipping the ice entirely. Sip it slowly on a chilly day for a cozy delight.
Extra Creaminess: For an unbelievable cold foam, blend the 2% milk and heavy cream with a bit of cream cheese until fluffy. This will add a lovely tang and a silkiness that’s absolutely luscious.

When indulging in your homemade creation, consider pairing it with a delicate pastry or light treat for an afternoon delight that feels like a café experience at home!

What to Serve with Iced Cherry Chai Latte

Looking to create the perfect spread to accompany your refreshing iced beverage?

Light Pastries: Flaky croissants or sweet danishes pair beautifully, enhancing the drink’s fruity notes while providing contrasting textures.
Fruit Scones: The soft, crumbly texture of scones filled with seasonal berries complements the lightness of the Cherry Chai Latte, making them a delightful match.
Savory Quiche: A slice of fresh quiche, with its rich, creamy filling, offers a heartier option that balances the sweet notes of the latte.
Mixed Berries: Serve a bowl of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a juicy, refreshing contrast that brightens your drink even more.
Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses and crackers introduces savory flavors that perfectly offset the sweetness of the chai.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Pairing your latte with a glass of homemade lemonade or a light iced tea can elevate your entire experience, adding a refreshing tang.

Indulge in these tasty companions and enjoy a perfect afternoon escape with every sip of your Iced Cherry Chai Latte!

Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte Recipe FAQs

What kind of cherry syrup should I use?
You can use either homemade or store-bought cherry syrup for this recipe. If you opt for homemade, combine fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and water, simmering until it thickens. Store-bought varieties can save time and still deliver great flavor, so go with what suits your schedule best!

How should I store leftover iced chai latte ingredients?
Store leftover chai concentrate and oat milk mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. It’s crucial to keep the ingredients separate from any ice or foam to prevent dilution and maintain their freshness. When ready to enjoy, mix them again before serving for the best flavor.

Can I freeze the cherry syrup?
Absolutely! You can freeze extra cherry syrup in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. This way, you can easily pop out a cube and stir it into your iced chai latte whenever the cravings hit, without needing to start from scratch.

What if my cold foam doesn’t thicken properly?
If your cold foam isn’t thickening, ensure that you’re using heavy cream and whisking it thoroughly. If you have a frother, that works wonders for creating light, airy foam. For an even thicker foam, try using barista-style oat or almond milk, which is designed for frothing.

Is this Iced Cherry Chai Latte suitable for those with dairy allergies?
Yes, you can easily make this beverage dairy-free! Substitute the oat milk for almond or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free cream alternative for the cold foam. Just remember to choose a cherry syrup that meets your dietary requirements. Enjoy customizing this drink to your needs!

Can I make a hot version of this drink?
Definitely! To prepare a hot version of your Starbucks Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte, simply heat the chai concentrate and oat milk together before adding any cherry syrup. Skip the ice and cold foam steps, but don’t forget to whisk the cold foam separately as needed for that lovely texture!