Copycat Starbucks Cherry Chai Recipe

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I couldn’t resist the lure of this new offering. The Iced Cherry Chai, with its alluring cherry-flavored crunch topping and the delicate dance of floral and almond notes, had me spellbound from the first sip. But as much as I adore my ritualistic cafe visits, there’s a unique charm in recreating Starbucks Cherry Chai magic from the comfort of my kitchen.

How to make Starbucks Cherry Chai

Starbucks Cherry Chai is a drink that offers a fruity twist on the classic Iced Chai Latte by incorporating cherry flavors. It features an iced chai latte base topped with cherry cream cold foam, which includes subtle floral and almond notes and is finished with a cherry-flavored crunch topping.

Ingredients:

To create a homemade version of the Starbucks Cherry Chai, you’ll need:

• Chai Tea Concentrate: 1/2 cup (stronger if you prefer more spice)
• Milk of Choice: 1/2 cup (almond milk or another nut milk would work well to complement the almond notes)
• Cherry Syrup: 2-3 tablespoons, depending on your taste preference (you can find this at many grocery stores or specialty food shops, or create your simple cherry syrup)
• Ice cubes: Enough to fill your serving glass

For the cherry-flavored crunch topping, which is a key feature:

• Dried Cherries: finely chopped
• Sliced Almonds: slightly toasted for extra crunch
• Sugar Crystals: (optional for added crunch and sweetness)
• A pinch of Edible Flower Petals: (optional for a subtle floral note)

Instructions:

Chai Mixture:

1. Brew your chai tea concentrate according to the instructions on the label, or steep your own blend of chai tea spices for a more authentic touch. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
2. Once cooled, mix in the cherry syrup with the chai tea concentrate. Stir well to combine the flavors.

Cherry Crunch Topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped dried cherries, toasted sliced almonds, and if you’re using them, sugar crystals and edible flower petals. The idea is to get a mix of textures and flavors that will mimic the crunch topping from Starbucks.

Assembling the Starbucks Cherry Chai:

1. Fill your serving glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the cherry syrup-infused chai mixture over the ice.
3. Gently add your milk of choice. You can stir it for a uniform blend or pour it slowly and watch the beautiful swirls form—whichever you prefer.
4. Sprinkle a generous amount of your cherry crunch topping over the drink.

Tips:

• If you’re making your cherry syrup, simply simmer pitted cherries with equal parts sugar and water until the cherries are softened and the liquid has taken on a strong cherry flavor. Mash the cherries and strain the syrup for a smooth texture.
• You can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some may prefer a less sweet version, while others might enjoy a little extra cherry syrup.
• When creating the cherry crunch topping, the idea is to emulate the texture you’d get from Starbucks. The sizes of the chopped ingredients should be small enough to be sipped through a straw but offer that delightful crunch.
• While edible flower petals are optional, they can mimic the subtle floral notes that the Starbucks version boasts. If you choose to use them, make sure they are food-grade and free from pesticides.
• For an iced drink, it’s all about layering. Slowly adding the milk over the back of a spoon can help create beautiful layers before you mix it all together.

What to serve with

Pairing your homemade Starbucks Cherry Chai with complementary snacks can elevate your coffee break into a delightful experience, merging the lines between a simple beverage and a full sensory indulgence.

Sweet Companions:

• Cherry Almond Scones: The nutty, sweet, and slightly tart characteristics of cherry almond scones make them a perfect match for Cherry Chai. They echo the drink’s key flavors, creating a cohesive tasting experience.
• Dark Chocolate Croissants: The bitterness and richness of dark chocolate works wonders against the sweet and spiced notes of the Cherry Chai, offering a delightful contrast that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
• Vanilla Bean Madeleines: These light, buttery French cakes with a hint of vanilla can act as a soft backdrop to the chai’s complexity, offering a neutral yet delicious palate cleanser between sips.
• Fruit Tartlets: Choose tartlets filled with fresh fruits complementing cherry, like berries or stone fruits, to mirror and enhance the fruity dimension of your beverage.

Savory Pairings:

• Cheese & Fruit Platter: A selection of cheeses (think Brie, goat cheese, or aged cheddar) alongside fresh fruits (such as grapes, figs, and, of course, cherries) can balance the chai’s spiciness with their creaminess and natural sweetness.
• Savory Scones or Biscuits: Opt for flavors that can stand up to the chai, like rosemary walnut or cheddar-chive, to introduce a savory element that contrasts nicely with the drink’s sweetness.
• Quiche with a Flaky Crust: A savory quiche with ingredients like spinach and feta or mushroom and Gruyère offers a hearty option that complements the warming spices of the chai.

Light & Healthful:

• Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Cherries: Layer Greek yogurt with granola, fresh cherries (or a cherry compote), and a drizzle of honey for a healthful accompaniment that mirrors some of the Cherry Chai’s flavors.
• Almond Butter on Whole Grain Toast: The nuttiness of almond butter on top of robust whole grain bread provides a simple yet satisfying option that complements the almond notes in the Cherry Chai.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making your version of Starbucks Cherry Chai at home allows for personalization and ingredient substitutions, making it a versatile option for any palate or dietary need.

Chai Tea Base

Original: The base is typically a concentrate or strongly brewed chai tea, which is a blend of black tea and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and ginger.

Substitutions:

• For a caffeine-free version, you can use a rooibos chai, which offers a similar spicy profile without the caffeine.
• If you have individual spices and black tea, you can make your homemade blend tailored to your taste preference.

Cherry Flavor

Original: Cherry syrup is used to add that distinct cherry flavor.

Substitutions:

• Fresh cherry juice or a cherry puree can offer a more natural and less sweet alternative.
• Consider using cherry extract for a more concentrated flavor without added sugar. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Milk

Original: Starbucks might use 2% milk by default, but any of their options, from skim to whole milk, can be applied here.

Substitutions:

• For dairy-free options, almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used. These can alter the flavor subtly, with almond milk enhancing the nutty tones and coconut milk adding a tropical flair.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, consider using half and half or a mix of milk and a splash of heavy cream.

Sweetener

Original: The drink’s sweetness largely comes from the cherry syrup, but additional sugar or syrups can be added.

Substitutions:

• For a healthier option, use honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners offer additional flavor nuances.
• Stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener are great alternatives for those monitoring their sugar intake.

Spices

Original: Additional spices might be added on top of the chai blend for extra warmth and complexity.

Substitutions:

• If you prefer certain spices over others or are sensitive to them, you can adjust the quantities, omit some, or add alternatives like nutmeg or allspice for different flavor profiles.
• Ground spices can be used, but for a fresher, more vibrant flavor, consider toasting whole spices briefly in a dry pan and then grinding them yourself.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your homemade tribute to the Starbucks Cherry Chai! Remember, this is about enjoying the craft and savoring the flavors, so don’t hesitate to adjust ingredients and proportions to suit your taste.

More Starbucks Recipes:

• Starbucks Premium Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Coffee Beverage Recipe
• Starbucks Premium Mix Matcha Latte Recipe
• Copycat Starbucks Dubai Matcha Recipe
• Starbucks Strawberry Cold Foam Coffee Recipe
• Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Creamer Recipe