Iced Cherry Chai Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet cherries and warm chai spices, especially when served ice-cold on a sweltering afternoon. This Iced Cherry Chai blends bold tea, juicy cherry flavor, and cozy spices into one irresistible drink.

I first created this drink during cherry season when I had a surplus of fresh cherries to use up. One experiment led to another, and soon I was sipping on what has now become my go-to summer refresher. It’s like a cherry pie met a glass of chai—fragrant, fruity, and deeply satisfying.

Let’s dive into what makes this chilled treat so special.

Why You’ll Love This Iced Cherry Chai

Get ready to meet your new favorite iced tea. This Iced Cherry Chai is bold, fruity, and perfect for everything from brunch to backyard lounging.

First of all, it’s incredibly refreshing. The combination of black tea and spices with the burst of cherry flavor creates a cooling, thirst-quenching drink that hits the spot on hot days.

It’s also surprisingly easy to make. No fancy equipment or barista skills required—just a saucepan, a strainer, and a few pantry staples. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a pitcher full of deliciousness ready to chill.

Budget-friendly? Absolutely. You can use fresh or frozen cherries depending on what’s available, and the rest of the ingredients are simple and inexpensive. A single batch easily serves four to six people, making it ideal for gatherings.

Plus, this recipe is totally customizable. Prefer green tea over black? Want to sweeten with honey instead of sugar? Go for it! It adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Ready to gather your ingredients? Let’s look at what goes into making the perfect Iced Cherry Chai.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Iced Cherry Chai lies in how its ingredients balance fruity brightness with deep spice. Each plays a key role in delivering that unique, comforting-yet-cooling flavor profile.

Cherries are the star of the show. I recommend using sweet cherries—fresh during summer or frozen when out of season. They add natural sweetness and a beautiful red hue to the tea. If you're feeling adventurous, a handful of tart cherries can offer a zippy contrast.

Black tea forms the base. Choose a bold variety like Assam or Darjeeling to hold up against the spices and fruit. Tea bags work just fine here, though loose leaf tea can offer a deeper flavor if you have it on hand.

Whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves bring the classic chai warmth. You’ll simmer these with the cherries to infuse the tea with their aromatic essence. Don’t worry if you don’t have every spice—just a few can still create a delicious blend.

Sweetener is optional but recommended. I typically use a few tablespoons of maple syrup or brown sugar for depth. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste or skip it entirely if your cherries are super ripe.

To pull it all together, you’ll need a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for removing the solids after steeping, plus a large pitcher or mason jar for chilling the tea.

How To Make This Iced Cherry Chai

Making Iced Cherry Chai is a simple process that fills your kitchen with the dreamy aroma of simmering spices and fruit.

Start by adding your pitted cherries, spices, and sweetener to a medium saucepan with water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This draws out all the flavor from the cherries and spices while creating a rich tea base.

Once your cherries have softened and the mixture smells heavenly, add your black tea bags directly into the pot. Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for about 5–7 minutes. Be sure not to oversteep, as it can make the tea bitter.

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl or pitcher. Press the cherries gently to release any extra juice but don’t mash them into pulp. Discard the solids or compost them.

Let the tea cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. Chill it for at least 2 hours—or overnight if you have time—for the flavors to fully develop and the drink to become nice and cold.

When you're ready to serve, pour the Iced Cherry Chai over ice and garnish with a few fresh cherries or a cinnamon stick if you're feeling fancy. The total process takes about 20 minutes of hands-on time and a few hours to chill, making it an easy prep-ahead beverage.

Storage Options

One of the best things about Iced Cherry Chai is how well it stores. You can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long.

Store any leftover tea in a sealed glass pitcher or mason jar in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 5 days, although the flavors are most vibrant in the first 3 days.

If you prefer your chai stronger, feel free to steep the tea for a bit longer and dilute with ice or water just before serving.

This recipe also freezes well! Pour any extra into ice cube trays and freeze for flavorful tea cubes. Use them to chill future glasses without watering them down.

To reheat (if you ever want a warm version), simply pour into a small saucepan and heat over low until just warmed through. It transitions beautifully from summer to fall.

Variations and Substitutions

This Iced Cherry Chai is already a flavor bomb, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Here are a few fun ways to make it your own.

Swap out the black tea for green tea or rooibos for a caffeine-free version. Each brings a different nuance to the flavor—green tea is grassy and light, while rooibos adds earthy depth.

Use hibiscus petals in place of or alongside the tea for a tangy twist and a punchy red color that pairs wonderfully with the cherries.

Replace the cherries with plums, strawberries, or raspberries if that’s what you have on hand. These fruits simmer beautifully with the chai spices and give the tea a lovely fruit-forward finish.

Want it creamy? Stir in a splash of coconut milk or oat milk after chilling. This adds a rich, silky mouthfeel and turns your tea into more of a treat.

Experiment with different spices—try adding star anise, ginger, or even a tiny pinch of black pepper for a little extra warmth. Chai is forgiving and thrives on personalization.

Whether you stick to the original or try a creative spin, this Iced Cherry Chai is sure to become a staple in your iced drink rotation. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a second batch before the first one’s gone!

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