Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a delightful way to elevate your coffee experience. With its luscious cherry flavor complemented by smooth vanilla notes, this drink brings a touch of summer bliss to any day. Whether you sip it leisurely on a sunny afternoon or whip it up for a quick pick-me-up, each glance at this beautiful pink creation will brighten your mood and make your heart flutter. It’s like a cozy café visit without ever leaving your kitchen—a true crowd-pleaser!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

I stumbled upon this recipe one hot afternoon when a craving for something luscious yet refreshing hit me hard. After a bit of experimenting, I discovered that combining cherries and vanilla with coffee creates a harmonious drink you won’t easily forget. The sweetness of cherries pairs perfectly with the rich coffee flavors, making for a drink that is as indulgent as it is refreshing! I can’t wait for you to try making this Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte yourself. It’s genuinely a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 10 minutes, this drink is an effortless way to impress your friends.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ripe cherries and creamy vanilla creates a dream-like taste that dances on your palate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant pink color is not only beautiful but also fun to serve at gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a morning boost, an afternoon treat, or even a delightful dessert.
Diet-Friendly Options: Customize the sweetness with monk fruit for a healthier alternative!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cherries, pitted: Fresh or frozen, cherries are the star of this show. If using fresh, pick ripe, juicy ones for the best flavor.
½ cup sugar or monk fruit: This sweetener balances the tartness of the cherries. Use monk fruit for a zero-calorie option.
½ cup water: Just enough to make a syrup—no need for anything fancy!
½ cup cold brew (or 2 shots chilled espresso): Cold brew is smooth and refreshing, while espresso gives a bolder flavor. Choose based on your caffeine preference!
½ cup vanilla almond milk: I love Califia Farms for its creaminess, but feel free to use any brand you prefer.
2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer: Adds an extra layer of vanilla goodness. Again, Califia Farms is a solid choice.
2-3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup: Add more or less based on your sweet tooth. This syrup will tie everything together beautifully.

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Prepare the Cherry Simple Syrup: Begin by combining 2 cups of cherries, ½ cup of water, and ½ cup of sugar or monk fruit in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir this mixture lightly, pressing down on the cherries as the sugar dissolves, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without burning.

Simmer Until Thickened: Bring the mixture to a slight simmer, keeping a watchful eye. You want the sugar to completely dissolve while the cherries bubble gently, creating a fragrant syrup. This should typically take about 5-7 minutes, but just watch for a nice thick consistency before removing it from the heat.

Strain the Syrup: Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the syrup into a resealable glass container, leaving the cherries behind. Let the syrup cool completely before using it in your iced latte.

Assemble Your Iced Latte: Grab your favorite glass and fill it with ice. Pour in your desired amount of the homemade cherry syrup. I recommend starting with 2-3 tablespoons, depending on how sweet you like it!

Froth the Milk and Creamer: Next, pour ½ cup of vanilla almond milk and 2 tablespoons of vanilla almond creamer into a separate container. If you have a milk frother, froth these together until light and airy. If not, a good shake will do the trick—just make sure to seal it tightly!

Finish with Cold Brew: Now it’s time to bring this masterpiece together! Pour the frothed milk and creamer mixture over the cherry syrup and ice. Then, gently pour in ½ cup of cold brew or your chilled espresso shots.

Mix and Enjoy: Stir the contents with a spoon to create a lovely pink hue, and watch the colors blend into a delightful treat. Serve immediately and enjoy every sip of your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte!

Storing & Reheating

Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Use a sealed container to maintain flavor and freshness. If you prefer to save the cherry syrup, it can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw before use. Reheat the syrup gently in a saucepan, though the flavors are most vibrant when served cold!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to pit the cherries thoroughly if using fresh ones, as it’s easy to miss a few.
Adjust the sweetness of the syrup according to your preference—taste as you go!
If you love a richer flavor, try using espresso instead of cold brew. The bolder taste complements the cherries beautifully.
Experiment with the milk and creamer varieties to discover your favorite combinations.
Consider making the cherry syrup in larger batches for use in other drinks and desserts throughout the week.

Indulging in a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is not just about savoring a delicious drink, but also about embracing a delightful experience. The vibrant colors, the heavenly aroma, and the robust flavors all come together to create something truly special. You can easily make this drink your own and adapt the sweetness, creaminess, and even the cherry influence to your liking. So, whether it’s for a whimsy summer treat or a cozy winter pick-me-up, the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is here for you. Enjoy it often!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! You can use regular cow’s milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk of your choice. Just remember that each will slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.

How can I customize the sweetness of the drink?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less of your homemade cherry simple syrup. If you find it’s still not sweet enough, feel free to add a little more sugar or monk fruit to the syrup when making it.

Can I make the cherry syrup in advance?

Yes! The cherry syrup can be made ahead of time. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or you can freeze it for up to three months. Just ensure it’s in a well-sealed container.

How do I make this drink vegan-friendly?

To make the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte vegan, simply stick with the almond milk and almond creamer, ensuring they are labeled dairy-free. You can also substitute the sugar with a plant-based sweetener like agave or coconut sugar.

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Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: To taste
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte combines the rich taste of cold brew with fruity cherry syrup, making it a delightful treat. Perfect for warm days, this easy recipe features key ingredients like cherries, vanilla almond milk, and a hint of sweetness, ensuring a delicious and refreshing sip every time.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cherries, pitted (use frozen if desired)
½ cup sugar or monk fruit
½ cup water
½ cup cold brew (or 2 shots chilled espresso)
½ cup vanilla almond milk (recommend Califia Farms)
2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer (recommend Califia Farms)
2–3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup (adjust for sweetness preference)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cherry Simple Syrup: Combine cherries, water, and sugar or monk fruit in a pot over medium heat.
Allow the mixture to reach a slight simmer, stirring lightly and pressing down on the cherries until the sugar dissolves.
Once dissolved and thickened, strain the syrup into a resealable glass container, discarding the cherries, and let it cool.
For the latte, fill a glass with ice, then add your desired amount of cherry syrup.
Froth the milk and creamer together (a frother is recommended but optional).
Pour the frothed milk mixture into the glass, then add the cold brew or chilled espresso.
Stir gently to combine, watching the pretty pink color develop. Enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh or frozen cherries to suit your preference.
Adjust the amount of cherry syrup based on desired sweetness.
Experiment with different types of plant-based milks for varied flavor.