Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is your new favorite treat for warm days or any time you’re craving something refreshing. This delightful beverage combines the sweetness of cherry with the comforting velvety touch of vanilla, resulting in an irresistible drink that feels both indulgent and homemade. The moment you take a sip, you’ll be greeted by vibrant cherry flavors dancing alongside smooth almond milk and a hint of espresso. With its beautiful pink hue, it’s not just delicious; this drink is beautiful to look at too!

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 still remember the first time I crafted a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte. I had some fresh cherries and a bit of vanilla almond milk leftover from another recipe, and it was a warm afternoon. I decided to get creative and combined the two along with cold brew. The first taste was pure bliss, and ever since then, making this iced latte has become a delightful ritual for any sunny day. It captures the essence of summer’s bounty, and who can resist a homemade beverage that rivals anything you’d find at a coffeehouse? I can’t wait for you to try this invigorating drink!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in about 10 minutes, making it a go-to for a speedy refreshment.
Irresistible Flavor: The unique blend of sweet cherries, rich vanilla, and espresso creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its stunning pink color, along with the frothy milk topping, adds that Instagram-worthy flair.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, warm afternoons, or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable, this recipe is gluten-free and can be made vegan with plant-based ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cherries, pitted: Fresh or frozen works; cherries add a lovely sweetness and color.
½ cup sugar or monk fruit: Adjust sweetness to your preference; monk fruit is a great low-calorie alternative.
½ cup water: Just enough to create a syrup from the cherries and sugar.
½ cup cold brew (or 2 shots chilled espresso): Your caffeine kick; cold brew offers a smoother taste.
½ cup vanilla almond milk: A creamy, dairy-free option; Califia Farms is a great choice for flavor.
2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer: Enhances the creamy texture and adds more vanilla flavor; also from Califia Farms.
2-3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup: The star of this recipe; add to taste.

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Make the Cherry Simple Syrup: In a pot over medium heat, combine 2 cups pitted cherries, ½ cup water, and ½ cup sugar or monk fruit. As the mixture heats, gently press the cherries while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow it to simmer until it thickens slightly—this will take about 5-7 minutes.

Strain and Cool: Once your simple syrup has a nice consistency, strain it into a resealable glass container to remove the cherry solids. Let it cool to room temperature before using. This syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a week—great for quick drinks!

Prepare Your Glass: Grab your favorite glass and fill it with ice cubes. Pour in your desired amount of the cherry syrup, typically 2-3 tablespoons, adjusting based on your sweetness preference.

Froth Milk and Creamer: In a separate container, froth together ½ cup vanilla almond milk and 2 tablespoons vanilla almond creamer. If you don’t have a frother, no worries! You can simply whisk it together vigorously or shake it in a sealed jar until frothy.

Combine and Stir: Pour the frothed milk mixture over the ice and syrup, followed by ½ cup cold brew or 2 shots of chilled espresso. Give it a gentle stir and watch the mesmerizing pink magic come to life!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover cherry simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you plan to enjoy it later, you can also freeze it in ice cube trays for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can refresh your iced latte with a splash of cold milk or a few extra ice cubes if it becomes too sweet.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to use ripe cherries for the best flavor; they should be sweet and firm.
Avoid overcooking the syrup to prevent it from becoming too thick.
If you prefer a less sweet version, start with less sugar and add more until you find your perfect balance.
If you don’t have almond milk, substitute with coconut milk or regular dairy milk for a different twist.
Try experimenting with different milk alternatives like oat milk for a creamy touch.
Make the cherry syrup a day in advance to save time on busy mornings!

Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is simply delightful for anyone looking to indulge their tastebuds in a unique way. Not only is it easy and quick to whip up, but it’s also an opportunity to savor the legendary combination of cherries and vanilla in a refreshing drink. Explore with the sweetness based on your preference, and who knows—you might just find yourself creating your own breakfast or brunch tradition with this iced indulgence. Sipping this beautiful concoction is not just a treat for your palate but also a feast for your eyes!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries will give you a wonderful flavor and texture. Just be sure to wash and pit them before using.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can easily adjust the sweetness based on your taste by modifying the amount of sugar or monk fruit used in the syrup. Start with less and add more if needed.

Can I make this drink dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut, oat, or any other plant-based milk in place of vanilla almond milk, and avoid any dairy creamer to keep it fully dairy-free.

How long does the cherry simple syrup last?

Homemade cherry simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in a sealed container, making it perfect for quick and easy iced lattes over several days!

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Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: NO DATA
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 offers an irresistible blend of cherries and vanilla almond milk. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a refreshing beverage. Enjoy a quick pick-me-up with homemade cherry syrup and cold brew coffee, making this drink a must-try 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 lightly and pressing down on the cherries for the sugar to dissolve.
Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture thickens, your syrup is ready.
Strain the syrup into a glass container, discarding the cherries, and let it cool before use.
To make the iced latte, fill a glass with ice and add your desired amount of cherry syrup.
Froth the milk and creamer together using a milk frother, or skip if you don't have one.
Pour in the frothed milk and creamer, then add the cold brew or chilled espresso.
Mix well and enjoy the beautiful pink color!

Notes

Experiment with different types of milk or creamers for varied flavors.
Adjust the sweetness of the cherry syrup to your preference by altering the amount of sugar or monk fruit.
Store any leftover cherry syrup in the refrigerator for future drinks.