Refreshing Starbucks Cherry Chai Recipe You Can Make at Home

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Cherry Chai offers a perfect balance of spices and sweetness, with the richness of chai tea and the fruity kick of cherry syrup. It’s a simple yet indulgent drink that brings a unique twist to the traditional chai latte. Whether you enjoy it iced with cold foam or prefer a warmer, creamier option, this recipe is customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy your favorite Starbucks drink without ever leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chai tea concentrate (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy for dairy-free options)
• 2 tablespoons cherry syrup or cherry juice concentrate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added depth)
• Ice cubes for serving

Optional:

• Whipped cream or cherry cold foam topping

For homemade cherry cold foam:

• ¼ cup cold milk or dairy-free milk (oat or almond work best)
• 1 tablespoon cherry syrup
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or sugar (optional)
• Small pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chai Base:
   • If using store-bought chai concentrate, pour 1 cup into a glass or mug.
   • For homemade concentrate, brew strong chai tea by steeping 2 tea bags in ¾ cup hot water for 5–7 minutes and sweeten to taste.
2. Add Cherry Flavor:
   Stir in 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup or juice concentrate until fully combined. This is the key to giving your drink that refreshing cherry twist.
3. Add Milk:
   Pour in ½ cup of your preferred milk. If serving iced, use cold milk; for a hot version, gently warm the milk before adding it to the chai.
4. Add Ice (if serving cold):
   Fill your glass with ice cubes to chill the chai mixture.
5. Top with Cold Foam or Whipped Cream:
   • To make the cold foam, combine ¼ cup cold milk or dairy-free milk with 1 tablespoon cherry syrup, 1 teaspoon maple syrup or sugar (optional), and a small pinch of salt. Use a frother or whisk to blend the ingredients until frothy.
   • Spoon the cold foam over the top of the drink.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Add a cherry on top or a light dusting of cinnamon for garnish, and your Cherry Chai is ready to enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a little extra maple syrup or sugar to the cold foam or the chai base.
• Dairy-Free Options: Substitute with oat, almond, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option, and use a non-dairy whipped topping if desired.
• Cold Foam with Flavors: Experiment by adding other flavors to the cold foam, such as a touch of vanilla or cinnamon for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

This Cherry Chai is best enjoyed immediately, especially if you’re serving it iced with cold foam. However, if you have leftover chai concentrate, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat with your preferred milk or serve it chilled over ice.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without chai concentrate?

Yes, you can brew your own strong chai tea by using chai tea bags and adjusting the sweetness to your liking.

2. Can I use regular milk instead of non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any milk of your choice, whether it’s dairy or non-dairy.

3. How do I make this drink extra sweet?

Increase the amount of cherry syrup or add more sugar to taste, both in the chai base and cold foam.

4. Can I make a larger batch?

Yes, simply scale up the recipe. For a larger batch, multiply the chai concentrate, milk, and cherry syrup by the number of servings.

5. How can I make this drink stronger?

If you want a stronger chai flavor, brew your own chai tea using more tea bags or increase the amount of chai concentrate in the recipe.

6. Can I make this drink hot instead of iced?

Yes, simply skip the ice and warm the milk before combining it with the chai concentrate. Add the cold foam or whipped cream as usual.

7. How do I make homemade chai concentrate?

To make homemade chai concentrate, brew 2 chai tea bags in ¾ cup of hot water and sweeten to taste. You can also steep the tea with cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and ginger for extra depth of flavor.

8. What other toppings can I add to this drink?

Top with whipped cream, cinnamon, a cherry, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra flavor.

9. How can I make a vegan Cherry Chai?

Use any plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and non-dairy whipped cream or skip the cream altogether for a lighter version.

10. How can I store leftover cold foam?

Store leftover cold foam in the refrigerator and whisk or froth it again before serving.

Conclusion

This refreshing Starbucks Cherry Chai recipe brings a unique twist to your traditional chai latte. The combination of spiced chai and cherry syrup creates a deliciously fruity and comforting drink, perfect for any time of year. Whether you prefer it hot or iced with a frothy topping, this homemade version is easy to make and customizable to your taste. Enjoy the flavors of fall with this delightful treat!

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