Iced Cherry Chai Recipe

There's something enchanting about the clink of ice against glass on a hot summer afternoon. Add the sweet-tart flavor of cherries and the warm spice of chai, and you’ve got a drink that’s equal parts refreshing and comforting—Iced Cherry Chai.

I first tried this blend when I had leftover cherry syrup from a dessert and a half-finished pitcher of chai concentrate. With one curious swirl, it became a new seasonal obsession—fruity, bold, and endlessly sippable. Whether you're lounging on the porch or need a midday pick-me-up, this recipe hits the spot.

With a fruity twist and easy prep, it’s become my go-to summer beverage for entertaining or self-care days. Let’s dive into what makes this chilled spiced tea so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Iced Cherry Chai

This isn’t your average iced tea. Iced Cherry Chai brings together spicy and sweet in the most delightful way—and you’ll find yourself craving it long after cherry season ends.

First, it’s incredibly refreshing with a twist. The deep spice of chai paired with bright cherry flavor creates a cooling drink with a layered complexity that beats anything from a café.

Second, it’s easy to make ahead. You can prep both the cherry syrup and the chai concentrate in advance, meaning all you need to do is pour, ice, and sip whenever the craving hits.

Third, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to pricey specialty drinks. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh or frozen cherries, you’ll get multiple servings for a fraction of the cost.

Finally, it’s aesthetic and Instagram-worthy. That ruby red hue swirling through the amber chai? Gorgeous. Garnish with a cherry or cinnamon stick, and it’s ready to wow your guests—or just make your afternoon feel a little extra special.

Ready to brew up some bliss? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

At the heart of this recipe are ingredients that blend warm spices with fruity brightness, creating a drink that’s bold yet perfectly balanced.

Chai tea forms the base of this drink. You can use loose-leaf chai or high-quality chai tea bags—just make sure it includes a good mix of black tea and warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. For the most robust flavor, steep it strong to stand up to the cherry syrup and ice.

Fresh or frozen cherries bring the sweet-tart pop that makes this drink special. Fresh cherries in season are unbeatable, but frozen work just as well, especially when simmered into a syrup. Choose dark sweet cherries for best flavor.

Sugar is used to create a simple syrup with the cherries. You can adjust the amount depending on your sweetness preference, but I find a 1:1 ratio of cherries to sugar gives a rich, jammy flavor that shines through the chai.

Spices like cinnamon and ginger are added to the cherry syrup for an extra flavor boost. They echo the chai spices and bring everything into harmony—skip them and the drink loses some of its magic.

You’ll also need a fine mesh strainer, a saucepan for the syrup, and a large jar or pitcher for chilling the tea. A cocktail shaker is optional but fun if you like your drinks extra frothy.

How To Make This Iced Cherry Chai

Making this Iced Cherry Chai is a two-part process: one for the cherry syrup, and one for the chai. Both are easy, and once they’re done, you can mix up drinks in under a minute.

Start by preparing your cherry syrup. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, a splash of water, and a pinch of cinnamon or grated ginger. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the cherries have broken down and the syrup thickens slightly. Strain it through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract all the juices, then let it cool completely.

While the syrup cools, make the chai concentrate. Boil water and steep your chai tea bags or loose-leaf chai for a good 10 minutes to extract maximum flavor. If you're using tea bags, 2-3 per cup of water should do. Let the tea cool slightly, then chill it in the fridge.

To assemble, fill a tall glass with ice. Add 1-2 tablespoons of cherry syrup (depending on how sweet you like it), then top with the chilled chai. Stir well to combine. You can garnish with a cherry, a slice of orange, or even a cinnamon stick for flair.

The whole process takes about 30 minutes, with most of that being hands-off simmering or chilling time. Once prepped, the syrup and concentrate can be stored and used throughout the week.

Storage Options

You’ll love how well this recipe keeps, making it perfect for batch prep.

The cherry syrup stores beautifully in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 10 days. You can even freeze it in ice cube trays if you want portioned servings ready to go.

The chai concentrate lasts about 5 days in the fridge, so you can brew a big batch and enjoy throughout the week. Just be sure to shake or stir before using, as some of the spices can settle.

Once assembled, it’s best to enjoy the Iced Cherry Chai fresh, as the ice can dilute the flavors over time. But you can always prep your glass a few hours ahead and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.

To reheat (if you want a warm version!), simply skip the ice and warm both the chai and cherry syrup on the stove or in the microwave. It’s like a cozy hug in a mug on cooler days.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own depending on what’s in your pantry or your personal taste.

If you don’t have fresh or frozen cherries, cherry juice or even preserves can be used to make the syrup. Just reduce the sugar slightly to keep it from being too sweet.

For a caffeine-free version, try making it with rooibos chai instead of black tea. It’s naturally sweet and earthy, and pairs beautifully with cherries.

You can make this a creamy treat by adding a splash of milk or non-dairy creamer. Oat milk chai with cherry syrup is dreamy and dessert-like.

Add a little sparkle by topping your glass with club soda or tonic after mixing. It turns into a lightly fizzy cherry chai spritz that’s perfect for brunches or mocktail hour.

And yes—this can totally go grown-up. Add a shot of bourbon, dark rum, or brandy for a boozy twist that’s great for summer evenings on the patio.

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