Ingredients
Main Drink
- 3 oz chai concentrate
- 4 oz 2% milk (or dairy alternative)
- Ice for serving
Cherry Cold Foam
- 3 oz cherry cold foam (prepared as below)
Cherry Syrup
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Cold Foam Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cherry syrup (for cold foam)
- ¾ cup 2% milk (for cold foam)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Toppings
- Freeze-dried cherries, crushed (for topping)
- Vanilla cookies, crushed (for topping)
Instructions
- Make the Cherry Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen cherries, granulated sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes until the cherries are softened and the syrup has thickened slightly.
- Strain the Syrup: Carefully strain the cherry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids, pressing gently to extract maximum liquid. Let the syrup cool completely before using. Store any extra syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prepare the Cherry Cold Foam: In a jar or frothing pitcher, mix ¾ cup of 2% milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of the prepared cherry syrup. Froth vigorously until a thick, foamy consistency forms. This cherry cold foam adds a creamy, fruity topping to the latte.
- Assemble the Drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in 3 ounces of chai concentrate followed by 4 ounces of 2% milk (or your choice of milk or dairy alternative).
- Add the Cold Foam: Spoon or pour 3 ounces of the cherry cold foam on top of the latte, allowing it to float and create a beautiful layered effect.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried cherries and vanilla cookie crumbs over the cold foam to add texture, flavor, and an attractive presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your refreshing cherry chai latte right away for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use 2% milk or any dairy alternative such as almond or oat milk for a vegan option.
- The cherry syrup can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to a week.
- To froth the cold foam without a frother, shake vigorously in a tightly sealed jar or whisk rapidly.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of cherry syrup used in the foam and drink.
- Crushed vanilla cookies enhance the texture but can be omitted for a gluten-free version—substitute with gluten-free cookies or skip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American