Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a glorious combination of fruity sweetness, creamy richness, and coffee’s exhilarating kick. Imagine sipping on a delightful iced beverage that marries the tartness of cherries with the smooth notes of vanilla and coffee. Every sip feels refreshing, especially on warm days when you’re yearning for something to both awaken and indulge your senses. This homemade version outshines anything you’ll find in coffee shops, where prices are sky-high and flavors can be bland.

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 Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte recipe during a hot summer afternoon, craving something special yet simple. What truly captures my heart is the ease of making it at home, turning fresh or frozen cherries into vibrant syrup that elevates the ordinary iced coffee experience. With just the right touch of sweetness and a touch of whimsy in color, this drink not only satisfies your caffeine fix but also feels like a little celebration in a glass. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this delicious drink in just about 10 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tangy cherries and smooth vanilla makes every sip a joy.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful pink hue will impress anyone who sees it, making it perfect for gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a tasty pick-me-up during the day, or a fun treat after dinner!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for those looking for dairy-free choices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cherries, pitted: Fresh or frozen cherries deliver a burst of flavor; pitted for easy blending. Frozen cherries are great—just thaw a bit before using.
½ cup sugar or monk fruit: Use regular sugar for classic sweetness or monk fruit for a no-calorie twist, perfect for a lighter option.
½ cup water: This helps create a luscious cherry syrup; feel free to use filtered water for the best results.
½ cup cold brew (or 2 shots chilled espresso): Cold brew saves time and gives a smooth taste, while chilled espresso adds a robust flavor.
½ cup vanilla almond milk: Almond milk complements the flavors beautifully without overpowering; brands like Califia Farms are creamy and delicious.
2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer: For an extra creamy finish, this adds an indulgent touch; check that it’s dairy-free if you’re following that diet.
2-3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup: Adjust to taste; this syrup is the heart of the drink, bringing everything together.

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Prepare the Cherry Simple Syrup: Combine 2 cups pitted cherries, ½ cup water, and ½ cup sugar or monk fruit in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir gently as the mixture heats, pressing down lightly on the cherries to release their juices.

Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir occasionally. Let it simmer just until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Strain the Syrup: Once ready, remove from heat. Strain the syrup into a resealable glass container, leaving the cherry pulp behind. Let the syrup cool before you use it for your drinks.

Fill the Glass with Ice: Grab your favorite glass and fill it high with fresh ice. The ice helps keep everything chilled and fun to sip on!

Add Cherry Syrup: Drizzle in your desired amount of cherry syrup, adjusting to your taste preference. The deeper the color, the more vibrant the flavor!

Froth the Milk and Creamer: In a separate bowl or container, froth together ½ cup vanilla almond milk and 2 tablespoons of vanilla almond creamer. This step adds an enchanting creaminess; however, if you don’t have a frother, you can simply mix it well.

Pour in the Cold Brew: Gently pour in ½ cup of cold brew or your chilled espresso on top of the frothy milk mixture. This creates a beautiful layered effect!

Mix and Enjoy: Take a spoon and give it a gentle mix, marveling at the stunning pink color that swirls together. Sip and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors!

Storing & Reheating

You can store any leftover cherry simple syrup in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s perfect for adding to other drinks or desserts. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Simply thaw your desired amount in the refrigerator or on the counter when you’re ready to use it again. Note that when reheated, the syrup may lose some of its original texture; a quick stir after warming can help bring it back to life.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to stir the cherry mixture frequently to prevent sticking or burning, especially as the mixture thickens.
Use fresh cherries when in season for the best flavor; frozen works great in a pinch.
Don’t skip the frothing step as it adds a delightful texture that elevates the drink!
For deeper flavor, a splash of almond extract can enhance the vanilla notes.
You can easily scale the recipe up for a crowd by simply multiplying the ingredients—perfect for brunch gatherings!

Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a delightful way to kick start your day or wind down during a warm evening. This drink not only taps into nostalgia with its fruit-forward flavor but also invites a refreshing twist to your routine. Don’t hesitate to mix in your own favorite flavors or experiment with different milk options to make this drink uniquely yours. It’s quick to make, deeply satisfying, and simply looks enchanting. I encourage you to enjoy every sip!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries will work wonderfully for this recipe. Just make sure they are ripe and sweet, and remove the pits before cooking for your syrup. The flavor will be fantastic!

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Simply use almond milk and almond creamer, as stated in the recipe. Since both options are plant-based, you’ll have a delicious vegan version of the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte that everyone will enjoy!

What if I don’t have a milk frother?

No worries! If you don’t have a frother, you can shake the milk and creamer in a sealed jar until frothy or whisk it vigorously in a bowl, which will also create a nice texture.

Can I store the cherry syrup for later use?

Yes, you can! The homemade cherry simple syrup can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or frozen in ice cube trays for up to three months. Just thaw and enjoy whenever you’re ready for your cherry vanilla treat!

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Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

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Author: Peter
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

This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte combines the irresistible flavors of cherries and vanilla almond milk, making it a delightful treat for coffee enthusiasts. With easy preparation and refreshing taste, it’s great for any warm day or as a delightful pick-me-up!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cherries, pitted
½ cup sugar or monk fruit
½ cup water
½ cup cold brew (or 2 shots chilled espresso)
½ cup vanilla almond milk
2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer
2–3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup

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Instructions

To make the Cherry Simple Syrup, combine 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 is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens, remove from heat.
Strain the syrup into a resealable glass container, discarding the cherries, and let it cool before using.
To prepare the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, fill a glass with ice and pour in your desired amount of cherry syrup.
Froth together the vanilla almond milk and creamer, skipping this step if you don't have a frother.
Pour the frothed milk and creamer into the glass followed by the cold brew or chilled espresso.
Mix well and enjoy the delightful pink color and flavor.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness of the cherry syrup to fit your taste preferences.
Store any leftover cherry syrup in the fridge for up to a week.
Feel free to substitute regular milk if you don’t have vanilla almond milk.