Iced Cherry Chai Recipe

There’s something magical about the way the tart sweetness of cherries mingles with the warm, spicy aroma of chai. When poured over ice, this drink becomes the ultimate summer refresher—fruity, bold, and impossibly smooth.

I first experimented with this Iced Cherry Chai on a sweltering afternoon, trying to cool off without turning to yet another plain iced tea. With a little leftover cherry juice and my favorite masala chai blend, I created a drink that’s now a warm-weather staple in our house. It's fancy enough to impress guests, yet easy enough to whip up on a whim.

Let’s dive into why this drink deserves a permanent spot in your fridge.

Why You'll Love This Iced Cherry Chai

Get ready to sip your new go-to summer drink. Iced Cherry Chai combines rich tea flavors with bright fruit notes, delivering a cooling experience that’s as refreshing as it is beautiful.

First, it's an incredibly easy recipe to make. You’ll just brew some chai, mix in cherry juice, and chill. With minimal prep and a short ingredient list, you’re only minutes away from sipping bliss.

It’s also naturally sweetened and customizable. Depending on your preference, you can use unsweetened cherry juice, add honey or maple syrup, or go with a sugar-free sweetener. It adapts beautifully to different dietary needs without losing its charm.

Budget-friendly? Absolutely. Skip the expensive coffee shop versions and make a full pitcher at home for a fraction of the cost. Using pantry staples and frozen cherries or bottled juice keeps things affordable.

Finally, this recipe is easily batchable. You can brew a larger amount and store it in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for hosting or for a week's worth of cool sipping. The flavors even deepen after sitting overnight—like a reward for your patience.

Ready to get brewing? Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

This Iced Cherry Chai comes together with just a handful of ingredients, but each plays an essential role in delivering that layered, refreshing flavor profile. Think of it as a harmony between bold spice and bright fruit.

Chai tea is the backbone of this recipe. You can use either loose-leaf masala chai or high-quality chai tea bags. I personally prefer loose-leaf for its deeper flavor, but tea bags offer a convenient shortcut. Look for a blend with black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.

Cherry juice adds the fruity twist that makes this drink sing. Opt for 100% tart cherry juice for a deep, slightly sour contrast to the spicy chai. If you prefer a sweeter profile, go for dark sweet cherry juice. You can even blend your own from frozen cherries for full control over the flavor.

Sweetener is optional but recommended if you like your drinks on the dessert-like side. I usually go for a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup per serving. If you're watching sugar intake, monk fruit or stevia works great here too.

Milk or non-dairy milk creates a smoother, creamier finish. Oat milk is my favorite for its richness and neutral flavor, but almond, soy, or even regular whole milk all work beautifully. For a thinner, more tea-forward drink, feel free to skip the milk entirely.

To bring it all together, you’ll need a few basic items: a saucepan or kettle for boiling water, a strainer if using loose-leaf tea, and a large jar or pitcher to mix and chill the drink.

How To Make This Iced Cherry Chai

Making this Iced Cherry Chai is a breeze—and you'll be rewarded with a glass full of vibrant, aromatic refreshment in no time.

Start by brewing your chai tea. Bring about two cups of water to a boil, then add in your tea (either bags or loose-leaf). If using loose-leaf, I recommend 1 tablespoon for every two cups of water. Let it steep for 5–7 minutes for maximum flavor.

Once the tea is brewed, strain if needed, and immediately stir in your sweetener while the liquid is still hot. This helps it dissolve completely. Then, let the mixture cool slightly on the counter before transferring it to the fridge. It’s important to let the tea chill fully—lukewarm tea over ice just doesn’t hit the same.

After the tea is cold, combine it with cherry juice. I use equal parts chai and juice for a bold, balanced flavor. Feel free to adjust the ratio to suit your taste—more cherry juice if you want fruit-forward, or more chai for spice-lovers.

If you're adding milk, stir it in at this point. You’ll notice the drink turn a beautiful creamy blush color, especially if using oat or almond milk. Add just a splash for subtlety or go half-and-half with the tea blend for a more latte-style experience.

To serve, pour the mixture over a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with a few frozen cherries or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy. Sip slowly and enjoy every cooling, spicy-sweet note.

From start to finish, the whole process takes under 15 minutes (not including chilling time). You’ll have a pitcher of chilled delight ready to go whenever the heat hits.

Storage Options

This drink stores surprisingly well, which makes it ideal for prepping ahead. Simply keep the chai-cherry mixture in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld together more fully the longer it sits.

If you’re adding milk, try to keep it separate until just before serving. This helps prevent any curdling or separation, especially if you're using plant-based milks.

For an extra time-saving trick, freeze leftover chai tea in ice cube trays. You can then use these cubes in your glass instead of regular ice to prevent the drink from diluting.

Reheating isn’t necessary for this one, but if you do want to enjoy it warm during cooler months, you can gently heat the mixture in a small saucepan. Just skip the ice and pour it into a mug instead.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is delightfully flexible. Whether you're out of an ingredient or just want to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

Try green chai instead of black for a lighter, more floral take. Green chai has all the spice you love, but with a fresher, more delicate base that pairs beautifully with cherry.

Switch out the cherry juice for pomegranate, raspberry, or even cranberry. Each will bring its own tart, juicy character to the drink while still complementing the chai's spice.

For a creamy twist, blend the iced drink with crushed ice to make a sort of frozen cherry chai frappe. It’s especially great on those scorching summer days when you want something icy and indulgent.

Don’t want to add any sweetener? Let the natural sugars in the fruit juice shine through. Or, if you love bold sweetness, add a touch of vanilla extract to give it a rounded, dessert-like finish.

Feel free to play with spice intensity as well. Brew your tea longer for a bolder profile, or even add a pinch of extra cinnamon or cardamom when steeping for more depth.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy this recipe. Think of it as a starting point—and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect glass.

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