Creamy Cherry Chai Delight

This refreshing Iced Cherry Chai combines the warm spices of traditional chai with sweet cherry notes for a perfectly balanced summer drink. The luxurious cherry cream cold foam creates a beautiful layered effect while adding a rich, fruity dimension to each sip.

I created this recipe during a particularly hot summer when I was craving my usual chai but needed something cooler. The cherry addition was inspired by the tree in my backyard, and it's now become my signature drink when hosting friends for summer brunches.

Ingredients

• Heavy cream provides the perfect texture for the cold foam, look for high quality cream with at least 36% fat content
• Cherry syrup adds natural sweetness and color, select a pure variety without artificial flavors
• Whole milk creates richness in the foam, organic preferred for best flavor
• Chai tea concentrate delivers authentic spice flavor without brewing, select a high quality brand with real spices
• Milk of choice allows customization based on dietary preferences, oat milk creates extra creaminess
• Freeze dried cherries offer concentrated flavor and visual appeal, find these in specialty stores or online

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the cherry cream cold foam

Combine heavy cream, cherry syrup and whole milk in a small container. The proportions are crucial here for the perfect texture. Use a handheld frother or small whisk and work in circular motions for 20 to 30 seconds until the mixture becomes light and airy with soft peaks. The foam should be thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable.

Assemble your iced chai base

Fill your favorite glass completely with ice cubes. Using clear ice cubes creates a more elegant presentation. Slowly pour the chai tea concentrate over the ice, aiming for the side of the glass to prevent splashing. Follow with your chosen milk, pouring gently to create natural layers in the drink.

Add the cherry cold foam topping

Carefully spoon the prepared cherry cream cold foam over the top of your iced chai. Start from the center and work outward to create an even layer that's approximately 1 inch thick. The foam should float beautifully on top of the drink.

Garnish and serve

Sprinkle a small amount of crushed freeze dried cherries across the top of the foam. Be gentle here as the particles will slowly sink into the foam creating a beautiful red speckled effect. Serve immediately with a straw and small spoon for the perfect sipping experience.

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The freeze dried cherries are truly the secret ingredient that elevates this drink from good to exceptional. I discovered them while experimenting with natural food colorings, and their concentrated cherry flavor provides that perfect finishing touch without watering down the drink like fresh cherries would.

Seasonal Variations

This refreshing cherry chai can be adapted throughout the year to match seasonal ingredients and flavors. In autumn, try adding a hint of cinnamon and using apple syrup instead of cherry for a harvest inspired version. Winter calls for warming additions like a sprinkle of nutmeg and perhaps a touch of vanilla. Spring can be celebrated with floral notes such as a lavender infused simple syrup instead of cherry. The base recipe remains versatile enough to adapt to your seasonal cravings.

Storage Tips

The cherry cream cold foam can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Keep it in a sealed container and re whip for approximately 10 seconds before using. The chai base can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 48 hours, though ice should only be added just before serving. For entertaining, prepare individual components separately and assemble drinks as needed to maintain the beautiful layering effect and optimal texture of the cold foam.

Serving Suggestions

Present this stunning iced cherry chai in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. For an elegant touch, serve with a small plate of shortbread cookies or biscotti on the side. This drink pairs wonderfully with breakfast pastries or as an afternoon pick me up alongside light finger sandwiches. For special occasions, consider adding a fresh cherry on a cocktail pick or a cinnamon stick as a stirrer for an elevated presentation that doubles as a functional stirring tool.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use non-dairy milk for this cherry chai?

Absolutely! You can substitute the whole milk in both the drink base and cold foam with alternatives like oat, almond, or coconut milk. For the cold foam, choose a barista-grade non-dairy option that froths well. Just note that the foam might have a slightly different texture depending on the milk alternative used.

→ Where can I find freeze-dried cherries?

Freeze-dried cherries are typically available at specialty grocery stores like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, in the dried fruit or snack section. You can also find them online through retailers like Amazon. If unavailable, you could substitute with a small amount of cherry preserves or a fresh cherry as garnish.

→ What is chai tea concentrate and can I make it at home?

Chai tea concentrate is a strong brewed tea infused with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. While store-bought options like Tazo or Oregon Chai are convenient, you can make it at home by simmering black tea with spices and sweetener, then straining and cooling the liquid. Homemade concentrate will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week.

→ How long does the cherry cream cold foam last?

The cherry cream cold foam is best used immediately after frothing as it will gradually deflate and lose its airy texture. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can store the unfrothed mixture in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and then froth just before serving your drink.

→ Can I make this without a frother for the cold foam?

Yes! If you don't have a frother, you can create the cherry cream cold foam by vigorously shaking the ingredients in a tightly sealed jar for about 30-60 seconds until frothy, or use an immersion blender on low speed. You can also use a French press by adding the ingredients and rapidly moving the plunger up and down several times to incorporate air.

→ What kind of cherry syrup works best?

For the best flavor, use a high-quality cherry syrup like Torani or Monin. Alternatively, you can make homemade cherry syrup by simmering 1 cup pitted cherries with 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water until reduced, then straining. In a pinch, you could also use the syrup from a jar of maraschino cherries, though the flavor profile will be different.