Iced Cherry Chai Recipe

There's something magical about sipping a tall glass of Iced Cherry Chai on a warm afternoon. The bold spices of chai swirl together with the juicy sweetness of cherries, creating a perfectly refreshing drink with layers of flavor and aroma.

this Recipe

I first experimented with this recipe after picking up a bag of fresh cherries from the farmer’s market. With a leftover batch of strong brewed chai sitting in the fridge, the inspiration hit—and let’s just say, it’s been on repeat in our house ever since.

This iced tea is not only vibrant and full of character, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and adaptable for any taste. Whether you're serving it at a summer brunch or sipping it solo on the porch, this is one chilled drink you'll want to keep in your rotation.

Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Iced Cherry Chai

Get ready to meet your new favorite warm-weather beverage. This Iced Cherry Chai is so much more than just another iced tea—it's a bold, refreshing twist on a classic.

First of all, it’s ridiculously simple. With just a handful of pantry staples and some fresh or frozen cherries, you can have a batch ready in under 20 minutes. Most of that time is hands-off, giving you room to multitask or just relax.

This drink is also bursting with flavor. The deep, spiced warmth of traditional chai tea is perfectly balanced by the bright, sweet tartness of cherries. A touch of honey or maple syrup rounds everything out for a naturally sweet sip.

It’s budget-friendly, too. Cherries are often on sale in the summer, and you can even use frozen ones without sacrificing flavor. Chai tea bags are inexpensive and widely available, making this a wallet-conscious indulgence.

And did I mention how versatile it is? Serve it over ice with a splash of milk for a creamy twist, or top it with sparkling water for a fizzy chai spritzer. You can even make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Ready to see what goes into this cooling concoction?

Ingredient Notes

What makes this Iced Cherry Chai truly shine is the balance of strong, spicy tea and sweet, fruity cherry syrup. Let’s take a closer look at the key players.

Chai tea is the backbone of this drink. I like using strong black chai tea bags with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. You can brew it double strength to ensure the flavors hold up even when served over ice.

Cherries bring the perfect amount of natural sweetness and a rich, ruby color. Fresh cherries are ideal in the summer months, but frozen cherries work beautifully year-round. Just simmer them down to make a quick homemade cherry syrup.

Sweetener is optional but adds depth. A touch of honey, maple syrup, or agave can complement the cherry’s tartness and mellow out the chai’s spice. Adjust to your taste.

Lemon juice gives this drink a pop of brightness. Just a splash enhances both the tea and the cherries, tying the flavors together with a zesty finish.

You won’t need much special equipment—just a small saucepan for the cherry syrup, a teapot or saucepan to brew the tea, and a strainer if you're using loose-leaf tea or whole cherries.

How To Make This Iced Cherry Chai

Creating this vibrant drink is easier than you might think—and the aroma while it simmers is half the pleasure.

Start by brewing a strong cup of chai tea. You’ll want to steep 2–3 chai tea bags (or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf) in 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for at least 7–10 minutes for full flavor, then remove the tea and let it cool.

Meanwhile, prepare the cherry syrup. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of pitted cherries (fresh or frozen) with ¼ cup of water and 2–3 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and the syrup thickens slightly.

Strain the syrup if you prefer a smooth texture, or leave the cherry bits in for a more rustic feel. Let it cool to room temperature.

Once both the tea and syrup have cooled, it’s time to assemble. In a tall glass filled with ice, combine equal parts cooled chai tea and cherry syrup (usually ½ cup each). Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, then stir to combine.

Taste and adjust as needed—add more syrup for sweetness, more tea for spice, or a splash of milk if you want a creamy cherry chai twist.

From start to finish, the process takes about 15–20 minutes, with most of that time being simmering and steeping. It’s an easy reward for very little effort.

Storage Options

This drink is excellent for prepping ahead, making it a go-to for hosting or for weekly meal prep.

Store leftover cherry syrup in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. It can also be used on pancakes, yogurt, or stirred into sparkling water.

Chai tea can be brewed in larger batches and stored in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Just keep it unsweetened and mix with the cherry syrup when you're ready to serve.

Once assembled, the Iced Cherry Chai is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can mix the tea and syrup together in advance and refrigerate as a concentrate. Just pour over ice and top with lemon juice or milk when serving.

To reheat any leftover syrup or soften chilled cherries, just microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm briefly in a saucepan.

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Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Iced Cherry Chai is how easy it is to make your own. Here are a few of my favorite twists and swaps.

Swap the cherries for other fruits like raspberries, plums, or even blueberries. Each offers a unique spin on the base recipe and works beautifully with chai’s warm spices.

Try using green chai tea instead of black for a lighter, more delicate flavor. It’s especially refreshing in the summer months and still pairs well with the cherry notes.

For a creamy twist, add a splash of coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk to your glass. It softens the spices and creates a more indulgent, almost dessert-like drink.

Want a fizzy version? Top your iced chai with sparkling water or club soda for a cherry chai soda that’s as fun as it is flavorful.

If you’re avoiding caffeine, use decaffeinated chai tea or an herbal spiced tea blend for a gentler, nighttime-friendly option.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. This is a flexible recipe designed for personal flair, so trust your palate and have fun with it!

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