Indulging in a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte feels like savoring a cozy summer afternoon, even on the busiest days. Picture yourself, sipping a refreshing drink that’s a beautiful blend of sweet cherries and creamy vanilla, with your taste buds dancing in delight. This concoction isn’t just another iced coffee; it’s a delightful pick-me-up that elevates the ordinary to something extraordinary. The vibrant colors and a hint of fruitiness make this latte a visual treat as well as a flavorful one.

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 first whipped up this charming drink one lazy Sunday, needing to cool off while juggling a busy weekend schedule. After just a few simple steps and ingredients, I found myself transported to a café vibe right in my own kitchen. It’s incredible how just a little cherry syrup can transform cold brew coffee into an irresistible treat that feels so indulgent yet is so easy to make. Ready to embark on your cherry-infused coffee adventure? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip this delightful drink up in just about 10 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy mornings.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet cherry syrup with rich vanilla almond milk creates a luscious flavor profile you won’t be able to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This drink doesn’t just taste good; it looks stunning, with its vibrant pink hue that’s sure to impress.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a refreshing breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a sweet treat anytime you’re craving something special.
Diet-Friendly Options: Using almond milk and monk fruit makes it a great choice for dairy-free and lower-sugar diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cherries, pitted: Fresh or frozen, these are the stars of our cherry syrup. Frozen cherries work wonderfully, as they’re often picked at peak ripeness and are a convenient option.
½ cup sugar or monk fruit: Sweetness is key! Traditional sugar adds classic sweetness, while monk fruit is a healthier, low-calorie alternative if you’re watching your sugar intake.
½ cup water: This helps create your cherry simple syrup; using filtered water can enhance the overall taste.
½ cup cold brew: Choose your favorite cold brew or, for an espresso punch, go with 2 shots of chilled espresso for that essential kick.
½ cup vanilla almond milk: California Farms makes a delicious version that adds a creamy, dairy-free touch without overpowering the flavors.
2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer: Adding a splash of creaminess and extra vanilla flavor enhances the overall indulgence, making every sip delightful.
2-3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup: Adjust the sweetness to fit your taste buds, and remember, you can always add more!

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Make the Cherry Simple Syrup: Combine 2 cups of pitted cherries, ½ cup water, and ½ cup sugar or monk fruit in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently, pressing down on the cherries to help release their juices while the sugar dissolves completely.

Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a slight simmer and keep an eye on it. Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened, you’ll have your vibrant cherry simple syrup ready!

Strain the Syrup: Remove the pot from the heat and strain the cherry syrup into a resealable glass container. Leave out the cherries, allowing your syrup to cool down before using it in your drink.

Ice and Cherry Syrup: Fill your favorite glass generously with ice, then pour in your desired amount — say, around 2-3 tablespoons — of the charming homemade cherry syrup.

Froth the Milk and Cream: In a separate mixing bowl, froth together ½ cup of vanilla almond milk and 2 tablespoons of vanilla almond creamer. If you don’t have a milk frother, you can shake it in a jar or whisk it vigorously!

Combine: Pour your frothed milk and creamer over the ice and cherry syrup mixture, followed by ½ cup of cold brew or 2 shots of chilled espresso.

Mix and Enjoy: Give your drink a gentle stir and watch as the beautiful pink color and rich flavors meld together. Then, take a moment to enjoy this delightful Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your cherry simple syrup fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is an option; pour it into ice cube trays and freeze for up to three months. This way, you can pop a cube into your drink anytime you desire that cherry goodness. If you choose to reheat it, just warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat until it’s nice and comforting, but remember, flavors may mellow.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious not to overcook your cherry syrup; simmering it lightly will help retain a vibrant flavor without turning it mushy.
Pre-chill your glass and ingredients for a frostier experience; your iced latte will stay cold longer!
Experiment with different types of milk — oat or coconut milk can add a unique flavor twist.
Adjust the sweetness gradually, since everyone’s taste preferences differ.
Make a larger batch of cherry syrup and store it for up to two weeks to have it ready for future iced lattes or even dessert toppings!

One sip of this delightful Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte brings a wave of refreshment and flavor that brightens any day. Whether you’re enjoying a well-deserved break or surprising a friend during a cozy morning hangout, this drink is bound to impress. Don’t hesitate to add your personal twists, perhaps a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a hint of almond extract. Grab those ingredients and treat yourself today!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries work beautifully for the syrup. Just be sure to pit and chop them before cooking. The flavor might be slightly different due to the natural sweetness of fresh cherries, but they’ll create a delightful syrup nonetheless.

How do I make it without sugar?

You can easily substitute the sugar with monk fruit, agave syrup, or any other preferred sugar alternative. Just keep in mind to adjust the quantity based on the sweetness levels of the substitute you’re using.

Can I make this drink vegan?

Yes! All ingredients used in this recipe are vegan, especially if you choose to make your cherry simple syrup without animal products. Just double-check the almond milk and creamer make sure they are also dairy-free.

How can I customize my Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?

Feel free to experiment! You can play around with different milks, such as coconut or oat milk, or even add different spices like a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor. Adding chocolate syrup can create a luscious twist too!

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Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: N/A
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy a delightful Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte that combines the sweetness of cherries with creamy almond milk. This refreshing drink is simple to make and perfect for a warm day. Made with cold brew or chilled espresso, it’s an easy and captivating treat for coffee lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cherries, pitted (I use frozen)
½ cup sugar or monk fruit
½ cup water
½ cup cold brew (or 2 shots chilled espresso)
½ cup vanilla almond milk (I use Califia Farms)
2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer (I use Califia Farms)
2–3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup (more or less to taste depending on sweetness preference)

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Instructions

Prepare the cherry simple syrup by combining cherries, water, and sugar or monk fruit in a pot over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a slight simmer, stirring gently and pressing the cherries as the sugar dissolves.
Once the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture thickens, remove from heat.
Strain the syrup into a resealable glass container, discarding the cherries, and let cool before using.
For the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, fill a glass with ice and pour your desired amount of cherry syrup over it.
Froth the vanilla almond milk and creamer together using a milk frother, or skip this step if you don’t have one.
Pour the frothed milk and creamer over the ice and syrup, then add the cold brew or chilled espresso.
Mix thoroughly to blend the colors, creating a beautiful drink. Enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the amount of cherry syrup to suit your sweetness preference.
Using frozen cherries can save time and still yield great flavor.
You can substitute the vanilla almond milk with regular milk or any other preferred milk alternative.