If you’ve ever found yourself swooning over Starbucks’ delightful cherry-inspired drinks, I have a treat that will brighten your day—the Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe. This luscious blend brings together the cozy, spiced warmth of chai with the sweet, tart burst of cherry, all topped with a dreamy cherry cream cold foam that feels like a little celebration in every sip. It’s an irresistible drink that’s refreshingly cool, yet packed with flavor complexity, perfect for any occasion where you want a special pick-me-up without leaving your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, creamy pink mousse with a swirl pattern on top, placed on a white marbled surface with gold veins. The mousse has a light, airy texture with small bubbles visible. The bowl is round and shallow, showing the mousse evenly spread inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but relies on ingredients that each play a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and that gorgeous look. From the creamy base to the fruity cherry elements, every component feels thoughtfully chosen, making the magic happen in your glass.

3 tbsp heavy cream: Provides rich, velvety texture that transforms into the cherry cream cold foam.
1 ½ tbsp cherry syrup: Adds the perfect sweet and tart cherry flavor that shines throughout the drink.
1 tbsp whole milk: Helps lighten the cream for the foam, making it silky but not overly thick.
½ cup chai tea concentrate: The spicy heart of the drink, delivering warming cinnamon and cardamom notes.
½ cup milk of choice: Acts as the creamy base for the chai, customizable according to your preference (2% milk works beautifully).
½ tsp freeze-dried cherries (crushed): A lovely garnish that adds a pop of cherry flavor and visual appeal.
Ice: Essential to keep your Iced Cherry Chai refreshingly cool and perfectly chilled.

How to Make Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cherry Cream Cold Foam

Start by combining the heavy cream, cherry syrup, and whole milk in a small glass or container. Froth the mixture for 20-30 seconds until it turns into a thick, luscious whipped foam. This cherry cream cold foam is what will truly elevate your drink, bringing lightness and that signature Starbucks-like charm right to your cup. Set it aside while you prepare the chai base.

Step 2: Assemble the Iced Cherry Chai

Fill a glass generously with ice to get that cool, refreshing vibe. Pour in the chai tea concentrate followed by your milk of choice. This layering creates a creamy, spiced base that perfectly contrasts the fruity cherry foam topping. Stir gently if you like, or keep it layered for a pretty aesthetic.

Step 3: Top with Cherry Cream and Garnish

Now for the star of the show! Spoon the cherry cream cold foam over your iced chai latte until it crowns the drink beautifully. Finish it off with a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried cherries. These little bits add a burst of intensified cherry flavor and a charming, colorful touch. And just like that, your homemade Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

A tall clear glass filled with a light brown creamy drink that has soft swirling patterns inside, topped with a thick layer of light pink foam sprinkled evenly with bright red small crumb-like pieces. The glass sits on a white marble coaster, placed on a white marbled surface. Around the glass, there are dark red cherries with green stems scattered lightly and a small white bowl filled with cherries in the background. To the right, there is a green leafy plant, and in the far back, a cream-colored jug adds a soft touch. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freeze-dried cherries is the perfect finishing flourish, but feel free to experiment with a light dusting of cinnamon or even a few edible flower petals for an elegant touch. The garnishes not only enhance the look but complement the chai’s spices and cherry sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This drink pairs wonderfully with buttery shortbread cookies, almond biscotti, or even a light slice of cherry almond cake. Because the Iced Cherry Chai bursts with flavor and creaminess, choose sides that either highlight its spiciness or bring a sweet, buttery contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Iced Cherry Chai in a tall, clear glass to showcase the layers of chai and foam—the visual difference makes it feel extra special. For gatherings, prepare the cherry cream cold foam in a decorative jar and let guests add their own, turning the experience into a fun and interactive affair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra cherry cream cold foam, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 24 hours, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the fluffiest texture. The chai concentrate and milk are best mixed just before serving to maintain their freshness and taste.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the cherry cream cold foam because it will lose its texture and become watery upon thawing. However, you can freeze chai tea concentrate in ice cube trays for easy portioning later—just thaw cubes as needed for a quick refreshment.

Reheating

This drink is designed to be served cold, so reheating isn’t typical. But if you prefer a warm twist, gently warm the chai concentrate and milk on the stove before combining—just skip the ice and cold foam for best results.

FAQs

Can I use any kind of milk in the Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use dairy or any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. Each will subtly change the flavor and creaminess, so pick the one you love most or have on hand.

Where can I find chai tea concentrate?

Chai tea concentrate is available at most grocery stores in the tea or coffee section. You can also make your own by brewing extra-strong chai tea and reducing it slightly to concentrate the flavors.

Is the cherry syrup difficult to make at home?

While store-bought cherry syrup works perfectly here, you can easily make your own by simmering cherries with sugar and a splash of water until it thickens. This adds a homemade vibe and lets you control the sweetness.

Can I make this drink vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based milk and substitute the heavy cream with a coconut cream or another non-dairy creamer that froths well. Just pick a cherry syrup that’s vegan-friendly, and you’re all set.

How long does the cherry cream cold foam last?

For the best texture, drink the cherry cream cold foam within a few hours of frothing. It may separate or lose its fluffiness if left too long, so timing is key to that perfect foam experience.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this Iced Cherry Chai (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe in your back pocket, get ready to impress yourself and your friends with a drink that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to sip. It’s a wonderful way to cozy up with the flavors of chai and the brightness of cherry, all in a refreshingly chilled treat. Give it a whirl—you just might find a new favorite at-home coffeehouse indulgence.