There’s nothing quite like the refreshing taste of a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte to brighten your day, especially during those warm afternoons. With its vibrant pink hue, this delightful drink captures the essence of summer in a glass. The combination of sweet cherries and creamy vanilla almond milk creates a luscious flavor that’s both energizing and indulgent. The best part? You can easily whip it up in your own kitchen, leaving the overpriced coffee shop drinks behind.

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

This recipe is more than just a drink; it evokes memories of lazy afternoon gatherings and spontaneous coffee dates. Whether it’s a midday pick-me-up or a way to impress friends at a brunch, the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone smiling. So grab your ingredients and let’s create a cup of joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: It takes just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy afternoons.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and tart combination of cherries mingled with creamy vanilla is simply enchanting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful pink color is a feast for the eyes and sure to impress anyone who sees it.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a refreshing snack, an afternoon treat, or an elegant brunch drink.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable with dairy-free ingredients for vegan and lactose-sensitive friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cherries, pitted: Fresh or frozen, cherries provide a luscious sweetness. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water.
½ cup sugar or monk fruit: This sweetener balances the tartness of cherries. Monk fruit is a great low-calorie alternative if you’re watching your sugar intake.
½ cup water: Essential for creating the cherry syrup; you can also use flavored water for an extra kick.
½ cup cold brew (or 2 shots chilled espresso): Provides a rich coffee flavor. Cold brew is smoother, while espresso adds intensity.
½ cup vanilla almond milk: I prefer using Califia Farms for its creamy texture, but any vanilla almond milk will do.
2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer: This adds extra creaminess and depth to your latte. Feel free to choose your favorite brand.
2-3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup: Adjust according to your sweetness preference; it enhances the overall cherry flavor.

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Make 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 pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally, giving those cherries a gentle press to release their juices. You’ll want to keep an eye on it as it begins to simmer.

Dissolve Sugar: Continue stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. As it thickens, the syrup will transform into a beautiful magenta color, which is a delight to observe. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Strain It Out: Once done, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a resealable glass container, discarding the chunky cherry pieces. Allow the syrup to cool before using; store any leftovers in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Fill Your Glass: Choose your favorite glass and fill it with ice. Drizzle in your desired amount of the homemade cherry syrup—2 to 3 tablespoons should do the trick, adjusting for sweetness as you prefer.

Froth Your Milk: In a separate container, combine ½ cup vanilla almond milk and 2 tablespoons of vanilla almond creamer. Using a milk frother, froth this mixture until it’s light and airy. If you don’t have a frother, simply whisk vigorously by hand for a minute or so.

Combine Everything: Pour the frothed milk mixture over the ice and cherry syrup combo. Following that, add ½ cup of cold brew or 2 shots of chilled espresso on top.

Mix and Enjoy: Stir the beverage to combine the layers, and watch as the lovely pink color blends beautifully. Sip and enjoy your refreshing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover cherry simple syrup at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. The syrup can also be frozen for up to three months—just pour it into an ice cube tray, freeze, and pop out cubes as needed. Though the texture might slightly change upon reheating, a little gentle warming in the microwave should refresh its flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid burning the syrup by stirring frequently and keeping your heat moderate.
For an even richer latte, chill your milk before frothing; it helps achieve that perfect foam.
Adjust your cherry syrup based on your taste buds; some like it sweeter, while others prefer a more tart profile.
If you don’t have vanilla almond creamer, you can use regular cream or even coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Make the cherry syrup ahead of time; it’s perfect for adding to other drinks or desserts!

A Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is not just a drink; it’s an experience, bringing an essence of bright cherry goodness into your day. Feel free to play around with the proportions of cherry syrup and coffee to find your perfect balance. Whether you’re sipping this on a sunny patio or enjoying it during a cozy evening, this latte is bound to turn heads and please taste buds. Enjoy making this refreshing drink, and don’t hesitate to personalize it to suit your fancy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used in place of frozen ones. Just be sure to pit them before cooking to ensure a smooth syrup.

How can I make this recipe sugar-free?

To make a sugar-free Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, substitute regular sugar with monk fruit or a preferred sugar alternative. Just note that sweetness levels may vary, so adjust accordingly.

Is it possible to make this iced latte vegan?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by sticking to almond milk and avoiding any dairy products. Ensure your cherry syrup is made with a suitable sweetener too!

How long can I store the cherry simple syrup?

You can store homemade cherry simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container, and you’ll have delicious syrup ready for your lattes or other drinks!

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Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

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

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Description

This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte combines the irresistible flavors of cherries and vanilla almond milk for a refreshing drink. It’s simple to prepare, perfect for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or a delightful treat any time of day. Enjoy a homemade beverage that’s bursting with flavor!

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 to a slight simmer, mixing lightly and pressing down on the cherries as the sugar dissolves.
Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has thickened, strain the syrup into a glass container, leaving out the cherries and let cool.
For the latte, fill a glass with ice and pour in your desired amount of cherry syrup.
Froth the milk and creamer together for a creamy texture, or skip if you don't have a frother.
Pour in the frothed mixture and top with cold brew or chilled espresso.
Mix well to enjoy the beautiful pink color.

Notes

For a sweeter latte, adjust the amount of cherry simple syrup based on your taste preference.
Using frozen cherries is a great option for convenience, and it helps keep your drink cold.
Experiment with different types of milk for varied flavors!