Copycat Iced Cherry Chai Latte – Easy Homemade Recipe
This copycat iced cherry chai latte is a quick, homemade version of the coffee shop favorite, made with real cherry syrup and bold chai spices. Ready in under 5 minutes, it’s a refreshing and delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup frozen or fresh pitted cherries
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup chai concentrate or strong brewed chai
- ½ cup milk of your choice
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Optional: cinnamon stick, whole cherries, or cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Cherry Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of frozen or fresh pitted cherries, ¼ cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries have softened and released their juices.
- Strain the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a small bowl or liquid measuring cup. Pour the cherry mixture through the strainer, pressing down on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids. Let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Your Glass: Fill a tall glass or mason jar with 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Assemble the Latte: Pour the cooled cherry syrup over the ice. Add 1 cup of chai concentrate (or strong brewed chai, cooled). Stir gently. Slowly pour ½ cup of milk over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. Stir until the color is uniform.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick, and add a few whole cherries on a cocktail pick. Serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
The cherry syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. For a vegan version, use oat milk and maple syrup. For a caffeine-free version, use caffeine-free chai tea bags. Adjust sweetness by reducing honey or maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (16 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: iced cherry chai latte, copycat recipe, cherry chai, homemade latte, chai latte, cherry syrup, iced drink