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This iced cherry chai has become my summer obsession, offering the perfect balance of spicy chai and sweet cherry flavor in every refreshing sip. The cherry cream cold foam creates a beautiful layered effect while adding a luxurious creaminess that elevates this drink beyond your standard iced chai.
I discovered this combination during a particularly hot weekend when I wanted something special but didn't want to leave the house. After experimenting with different flavor combinations, the cherry chai pairing was an instant winner that my friends now request whenever they visit.
Ingredients
- Cherry syrup: Provides the signature sweet-tart flavor look for all-natural varieties with real cherry juice for the best flavor
- Heavy cream: Creates the perfect consistency for the cold foam choose organic for the richest taste
- Chai tea concentrate: Delivers deep spice notes without the work I recommend Tazo or homemade for best results
- Freeze-dried cherries: Add visual appeal and bursts of intense cherry flavor find these in the snack aisle or health food stores
- Milk of choice: Makes this recipe adaptable to any dietary preference oat milk creates an exceptionally creamy version
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the cherry cream cold foam:
- Combine the heavy cream, cherry syrup, and whole milk in a small container. Use a handheld frother to whip for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is light and airy with soft peaks. The cold foam should hold its shape but still be pourable. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk and briefly froth again.
- Build the iced chai base:
- Fill your favorite glass generously with ice cubes. Large ice cubes melt slower, preventing dilution. Pour the chai concentrate over the ice, followed by your milk of choice. The layering creates a beautiful gradient effect in the glass.
- Assemble the final drink:
- Gently spoon the cherry cream cold foam over the top of the iced chai, allowing it to create a distinct layer. Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried cherries for a pop of color and concentrated cherry flavor. For best results, serve immediately before the foam begins to settle.
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The freeze-dried cherries are my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered them while browsing specialty food stores and now keep them stocked specifically for drinks and desserts. They add intense cherry flavor without the moisture that would dilute the cold foam.
Make It Ahead
While this drink is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, you can prepare components ahead of time for quick assembly. The cherry syrup can be made in larger batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also pre-brew and refrigerate a batch of strong chai tea if you prefer not to use concentrate. The cold foam should always be made fresh, as it will lose its airy texture if prepared too far in advance.
Flavor Variations
The basic formula of this drink opens up endless possibilities for customization. Replace the cherry syrup with raspberry, blackberry, or even peach for seasonal variations. For a more indulgent treat, add a tablespoon of white chocolate sauce to the chai base before adding the cherry foam. During fall months, I love adding a quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the cold foam mixture for a warming spice note that complements the chai beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This iced cherry chai makes a stunning addition to brunch spreads or afternoon gatherings. Serve alongside almond biscotti or shortbread cookies for a delightful contrast of textures. For a complete cafe experience at home, present the drink in clear glasses to showcase the layers, with a metal straw and perhaps a fresh cherry as garnish when in season. The visual appeal of this drink makes it perfect for social media photos too.
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Enjoy this refreshing drink as your go-to summer indulgence that's easy to prepare and impossible to resist!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use plant-based milk instead of dairy for this cherry chai?
Yes! You can substitute the dairy milk with almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk. For the cold foam, a barista-grade plant milk will produce the best frothy texture. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free version that still maintains a creamy consistency.
- → How can I make chai concentrate at home?
Make homemade chai concentrate by simmering 4 black tea bags, 3 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, 5 cardamom pods, 1 star anise, and 1-inch ginger in 2 cups water for 15 minutes. Add ¼ cup sugar, stir until dissolved, strain, and store refrigerated for up to a week. Use equal parts concentrate and milk.
- → What can I substitute for cherry syrup?
If cherry syrup isn't available, you can make your own by simmering 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries with ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup water for 10 minutes, then straining. Alternatively, use grenadine, pomegranate syrup, or another fruit syrup and add a few drops of cherry extract for flavor.
- → Can I prepare the cherry cream cold foam in advance?
The cherry cream cold foam is best prepared fresh just before serving for optimal texture and presentation. However, you can mix the ingredients together up to 8 hours ahead and store refrigerated, then froth right before using. Give it a quick re-whip if it separates.
- → What tools can I use to froth the cold foam if I don't have a frother?
Without a dedicated frother, you can use a small whisk and vigorously whip by hand, use a blender on low speed for 20 seconds, shake vigorously in a jar with a tight lid until frothy, or use an immersion blender at low speed. The goal is to incorporate air without over-mixing.
- → What spices can I add to enhance the cherry chai flavor?
Enhance your cherry chai by adding a pinch of ground cardamom, a dash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a tiny amount of almond extract. For a more complex flavor, try adding star anise or a few crushed pink peppercorns which pair beautifully with cherry.