Starbucks Review: Cherry Iced Chai
This one sounds like it could go either really well or completely wrong, and honestly… it lands somewhere in the middle but leans good.
Visually, it’s actually really nice. You get that layered look with the chai base and the cherry element sitting through it, which makes it stand out more than a regular iced chai.
The first sip is chai-forward. You get those warm spice notes right away — cinnamon, a bit of clove, that typical chai profile.
Then the cherry comes in, and this is where it gets interesting.
It’s not a super strong cherry flavour. It sits more in the background and adds a slightly sweet, slightly tart note that changes the chai just enough to make it feel different.
It doesn’t taste like straight fruit tea or anything artificial-heavy, but it also doesn’t fully commit to a bold cherry either.
The balance is what makes it work. If the cherry was stronger, it probably would’ve clashed. Keeping it lighter lets the chai still be the main focus.
Texture is smooth and easy to drink, exactly what you expect from an iced chai.
It’s sweet, but not overly. It stays pretty controlled.
This is one of those drinks that’s more about trying something new than becoming a regular order.
Final Verdict:
A subtle twist on chai. The cherry adds interest without overpowering, but it doesn’t fully steal the show either.