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cherry chai starbucks recipe

Cherry Chai Latte Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 black tea bags
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh pitted cherries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water (for syrup)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Combine 1 cup pitted cherries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, strain through a fine mesh strainer, and set aside to cool.
  2. Bring 1 cup water to just below a boil in a small saucepan. Add 2 black tea bags, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cardamom, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp cloves, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Steep on low for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags without squeezing.
  3. Heat 1 cup whole milk in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until it reaches 150°F (65°C). Froth with a handheld frother for 20 to 30 seconds, or whisk vigorously.
  4. Pour 3 tbsp cherry syrup into a warm mug, add the chai concentrate, then pour the steamed milk over slowly. Spoon foam on top and dust with ground cinnamon. Add fresh cherries as garnish.

Notes

The cherry syrup is the part you can do in advance — make it the night before and the rest of the drink comes together in about 5 minutes in the morning. If your cherries are especially sweet, add the lemon juice gradually and taste as you go. This recipe makes enough chai concentrate for 1 generous mug, but it scales up easily if you're making it for two.