Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a delightful drink that combines the bold, rich flavor of cold brew coffee with the sweet and tangy notes of fresh cherries, all elevated by a smooth whisper of vanilla. Picture a sunny afternoon where every sip transports you to your personal café, where the bustling atmosphere is replaced by relaxation and joy. This refreshing iced latte isn’t just any morning pick-me-up; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors.

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
Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

When I first made this Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, the process felt like a little journey. The bright red cherries mixed with vanilla almond milk created such a beautiful contrast in my glass—it was love at first sight! The combination of flavors is not only tasty but also ideal for those warm days when coffee feels like too much of a chore. This drink quickly became an option I turn to when I crave a quick energy boost without heading to a crowded café. Trust me, this easy, budget-friendly recipe will soon have a permanent spot in your summer beverage rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip up this refreshing iced latte in just about 10 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: The vibrant sweetness of cherries and creamy vanilla create a perfect balance that’s utterly satisfying.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its gorgeous pink hue will impress your friends and make your Instagram feed pop!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or an afternoon treat—anytime is a good time for a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte!
Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is easily customizable to be dairy-free or low-sugar, yet remains indulgently delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cherries, pitted: I often use frozen cherries for convenience. Fresh cherries can work too! Choose ripe, sweet ones for optimal flavor.
½ cup sugar or monk fruit: This is to sweeten the cherry syrup. Substitute with your preferred sweetener if needed.
½ cup water: Just plain water to help create our cherry simple syrup.
½ cup cold brew: You can also use 2 shots of chilled espresso if you prefer a stronger kick!
½ cup vanilla almond milk: I like Califia Farms vanilla almond milk, but any brand will do. You can swap for regular milk or another plant-based option.
2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer: Adds richness; I recommend a high-quality brand like Califia Farms for best results.
2-3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup: More or less depending on your taste preference, this syrup is the star of the show!

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Make Cherry Simple Syrup: In a medium pot, combine 2 cups pitted cherries, ½ cup water, and ½ cup sugar or monk fruit. Cook on medium heat, stirring gently while pressing down on the cherries until the sugar dissolves completely. You’re looking for a slight simmer—keep an eye on it!

Thicken Syrup: Allow the mixture to bubble gently, watching it thicken. Once it reaches a syrup-like consistency, remove it from heat. Your kitchen should smell pretty magical right about now!

Strain the Syrup: Carefully strain the syrup into a resealable glass container, leaving the cherries behind. Let the syrup cool before you layer it into your iced latte.

Fill Glass with Ice: Grab your favorite glass and fill it to the brim with ice. Pour in your desired amount of cherry syrup, adjusting the sweetness to suit your taste.

Froth the Milk and Creamer: In a separate container, froth ½ cup vanilla almond milk and 2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer together using a milk frother. If you don’t have one, you can just whisk it together or shake in a lidded jar.

Assemble the Latte: Carefully pour the frothed milk and creamer over the cherry syrup-filled ice. Top off your glass with ½ cup cold brew or 2 shots of chilled espresso for that coffee kick.

Mix and Enjoy: Give your drink a gentle stir, watching that stunning pink color swirl together. Take a sip and savor the delightful flavors!

Storing & Reheating

To store your homemade cherry syrup, keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container; it will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze your cherry syrup for up to 3 months. Just pour it into an ice cube tray for easy portions. When you’re ready to enjoy your latte, simply thaw the syrup in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes. The flavor should remain vibrant, though the texture may slightly change after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious not to overcook the cherry mixture; you want a syrup consistency without burning.
Always taste the syrup as you make it! Adjust sweetness based on personal preference.
For an even creamier drink, chill your almond milk before frothing; this will yield better froth.
To elevate your creation, top with whipped cream or fresh cherries for that extra kick!
Make your cherry syrup in bulk during cherry season to enjoy it all summer long in various drinks!

If there’s one thing I love about this Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, it’s that it’s endlessly customizable. Once you master the base recipe, feel free to experiment with different milk options, or try adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top. The possibilities are truly endless!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries provide vibrant flavor and texture, which will enrich your cherry syrup. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet for the best results.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

Feel free to modify the amount of sugar or monk fruit in the cherry syrup to suit your personal taste. Remember, the syrup will also be mixed with coffee, so taste-testing is key!

What can I substitute for cold brew?

If cold brew isn’t readily available, simply make 2 shots of espresso and chill it. Any strong, brewed coffee will work in a pinch, just ensure it’s cooled down.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cherry syrup a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and whip up the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte when you’re ready to enjoy this refreshing treat!

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Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: NO DATA
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 1 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: Non-Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Treat yourself to a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, featuring the delightful combination of cherries and almond milk. This delightful drink is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it ideal for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or a chilled coffee treat ready in just minutes!

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

Make 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 the cherries as the sugar dissolves.
Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture thickens, then remove it from heat.
Strain the syrup into a resealable glass container, discarding the cherries, and allow it to cool before use.
For the latte, fill your favorite glass with ice and pour in your desired amount of cherry syrup.
Froth the vanilla almond milk and creamer together using a milk frother, if available.
Pour the frothed milk and creamer into the glass, then add the cold brew or chilled espresso on top.
Mix together to reveal the lovely pink color and enjoy your iced latte!

Notes

For added sweetness, adjust the amount of cherry syrup according to your taste.
Feel free to use fresh cherries when in season for an even richer flavor.
If you want a creamier consistency, increase the amount of vanilla almond milk.