Some drinks are a warm hug, and Cherry Chai Latte is without a doubt one of them. Even if you’re curled up on a rainy day, and want something to boost your taste buds with flavor and a little caffeine, this drink checks all the cozy boxes.
Here, we’re always experimenting for bold pairings, and cherry and chai might just be the duo you needed. The sweet depth of cherry pairs delightfully with the blend of spices in chai, forming a drink that feels nostalgic, and just a little bit exciting. So grab your favorite mug, this one’s worth sipping slow.
Do Cherry and Chai Go Together?
Short answer? Oh, absolutely. And here’s why.
Chai, most of all traditional masala chai, is built on bold flavors like cinnamon and ginger. These warming spices form a rich base. Now, enter cherry: sweet, slightly tart, and fruity with just the right touch of brightness.
Together, the pairing works great. Cherries bring fruitiness that cuts through the spice, while the chai provides warmth that grounds the whole drink. We think of it as the flavor equivalent of a cozy blanket and a pop song, unexpected but delightful.
And if you’re wondering whether it’s “too much,” we get it. Fruity plus spicy can sound a little chaotic. But with the perfect cherry syrup, and a chai that’s not strong, it’s smooth and full of character.
Our barista recommends trying it iced in summer and hot in winter. It adapts to your mood and your season!
Does Cherry Chai Latte Have Caffeine?
Yes, Let’s break it down:
Traditional chai is made of black tea which contains caffeine, but generally less than coffee. A standard cup of chai has anywhere from 30–50 mg of caffeine, according to how strong it’s brewed.
If you’re making a Cherry Chai Latte with just chai tea and steamed milk, you’ll get a little caffeine boost, great for late mornings or early afternoons when you need a lift but not espresso rush.
That said, some shops (and even home baristas like us!) use a dirty chai base, which means adding a shot of espresso. In that case, your Cherry Chai Latte will for sure be more caffeinated, falling around 100 mg+ of caffeine per cup.
If you’re caffeine-sensitive or enjoying one as an evening treat, you can always go for a decaf chai blend. That way, you get all the flavor and none of the jittery feels.
What Is In a Cherry Chai Latte?
This is where things get fun, A Cherry Chai Latte usually includes:
- Chai tea: Mostly black tea along spices such as cinnamon and black pepper
- Milk: Dairy or any plant-based options, Oat milk introduces more creaminess, and almond milk feels lighter
- Cherry syrup or puree: This is the game-changer. A hint of tart cherry syrup transforms the drink into something magical
- Sweetener: It is optional based on how sweet your cherry element is
- Optional extras: Whipped cream, a hint of cinnamon, or even a bit of cherry sauce on top
Several cafes for their ease also use chai concentrate, because it is more consistent in flavor and easier to mix.
Pro tip from our barista: Look for cherry syrups with real juice or puree listed in the ingredients. The flavor is deeper, not just candy-like.
Cherry Chai Latte Starbucks Calories
If you’ve seen this beauty pop up on the Starbucks secret menu or customized it yourself, you’re not alone.
A grande (16 oz) Cherry Chai Latte from Starbucks typically clocks in at around 200–270 calories, depending on your milk and how sweet you go, Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Ingredient | Calories |
| Chai concentrate | ~120 |
| 2% Milk (grande) | ~100 |
| Cherry syrup (2 pumps) | ~50 |
| Total | ~270 |
Swap to almond milk or oat milk and you can shave off or add 20–30 calories. Go for sugar-free cherry syrup and reduce another 40–50.
But let’s be real, it’s a treat, and it’s worth every sip. Just know what’s going in your cup.
Cherry Chai Latte Calories (Homemade Version vs. Starbucks)
Here’s where homemade magic shines. When you make a Cherry Chai Latte at home, you are in full control of all the ingredients. And honestly? It can be just as delicious at a fraction of the calories.
Let’s compare:
Homemade Cherry Chai Latte (with unsweetened almond milk + homemade cherry syrup)
- Chai tea brewed strong: 0 cal
- Almond milk (1 cup): 30 cal
- Homemade cherry syrup (1 tbsp, reduced sugar): 40 cal
- Optional honey: 10–20 cal
Homemade Total: 70–90 calories
That’s less than half of the Starbucks version, yet still full of flavor. Also, when you make your syrup, which is cherries, water, and a touch of sweetener, you get to skip all the preservatives and artificial flavors.
Our barista recommends freezing cherry syrup into ice cubes and blending them into your summer latte.
Cherry Chai Latte Recipe (Hot and Iced)
Ready to give it a go in your own kitchen? Here’s our no-fuss, super flavorful recipe.
Hot Cherry Chai Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 chai tea bag (or 2 tsp loose chai)
- 3/4 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp cherry syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: honey, cinnamon, whipped cream
Instructions:
- Brew chai tea in 1/4 cup hot water for 3–5 minutes.
- Heat your milk until warm and frothy (don’t boil).
- Stir in cherry syrup and sweetener to the brewed chai.
- Pour into a mug, top with warm milk.
- Add any fun toppings you love. Sip and smile.
Iced Cherry Chai Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 chai tea bag
- 3/4 cup cold milk
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 tbsp cherry syrup
- Ice
Instructions:
- Brew the chai in 1/4 cup hot water, let it cool
- Fill a glass with ice
- Pour in cherry syrup, cooled chai, then top with cold milk
- Stir gently. Add a cherry on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Final Sip: Why We Love It
The Cherry Chai Latte isn’t just another seasonal sip, it’s a flavor adventure, and one that fits both morning routines and dessert cravings. It’s got spice. It’s got sweetness. And it’s got enough personality to make you say, “Where has this been all my life?”
We’ll be honest, we’re obsessed. And once you try it, we think you’ll get why it truly steals the show among flavored lattes.
Our barista recommends pairing it with a buttery almond croissant or a slice of cherry almond cake. Trust us, it’s a moment.
Looking for more adventurous, flavorful cups to make your day fruitful? you must try our Blueberry Latte and an aromatic brew; Healthy Homemade Vanilla Bean Latte.