If you love Starbucks but don’t love spending $6 on a drink, this Iced Cherry Chai Latte is about to be your new favorite homemade treat!
It’s creamy, spiced, and has a hint of sweet cherry that makes it extra special.
The best part?
You only need a few simple ingredients, and it comes together in minutes.
Perfect for slow mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or just because you deserve something delicious!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 chai tea bag (or 1 teaspoon loose chai tea)
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons cherry syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup ice cubes
Tools
- Mug or heatproof cup
- Spoon for stirring
- Small pitcher or glass
- Tall serving glass
- Straw (optional)
Pro Tips
✅ Make it extra creamy – Use half-and-half or oat milk for a richer, creamier texture.
✅ Adjust the sweetness – Add more or less cherry syrup depending on your taste.
✅ Brew your chai strong – Let the tea steep longer for a bolder chai flavor.
✅ Chill your tea – Let it cool before mixing for the best iced latte experience.
✅ Make it fancy – Top with whipped cream and a cherry for a coffee shop vibe.
Substitutions & Variations
- No cherry syrup? Try raspberry or strawberry syrup for a different fruity twist.
- Want it caffeine-free? Use a decaf chai tea bag or rooibos chai.
- Prefer a hot latte? Skip the ice and warm everything together.
- No maple syrup? Honey or simple syrup works great too.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brew the chai tea and chill it in the fridge for quick assembly later.
- Make a batch of cherry syrup and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
How to Make It
1. Brew the Chai Tea
Steep the chai tea bag in ½ cup of hot water for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and let it cool.
2. Mix the Sweeteners
In a small pitcher or glass, combine 2 tablespoons cherry syrup, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir well.
3. Assemble the Latte
Fill a tall serving glass with ½ cup ice cubes. Pour in the cooled chai tea, followed by the sweetened cherry mixture.
4. Add Milk & Swirl
Pour 1 cup of milk over the top and watch the beautiful swirls form. Stir gently if needed.
5. Enjoy!
Add a straw, give it a little stir, and sip your homemade Starbucks-style Iced Cherry Chai Latte.
Leftovers & Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the chai tea mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Keep extra cherry syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Final Thoughts
This Iced Cherry Chai Latte is the perfect mix of cozy and refreshing, and the homemade version tastes even better than Starbucks! Try it out and let me know in the comments how you liked it—or what fun twists you added. ☕🍒✨
