Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a refreshing take on a classic coffee beverage that marries the sweetness of cherries with the rich creaminess of vanilla almond milk. Each sip is a delightful experience, where the tartness of cherries beautifully balances the smoothness of the coffee. This Iced Latte is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual feast, boasting a lovely blush hue reminiscent of a summer sunset.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte while experimenting with iced coffee recipes during one particularly hot summer. The first taste instantly transported me to my favorite quaint café, yet it was made right in my own kitchen! What’s more, this easy-to-make drink doesn’t require any coffee shop prices. You can whip it up in just about 10 minutes, which means you’ll be sipping on this sweet concoction in no time. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can have this delicious drink ready in just 10 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of cherry and vanilla creates a uniquely delightful flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant pink hue makes it as beautiful to look at as it is to drink.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or an afternoon treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan or dairy-free diets with almond milk and creamer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cherries, pitted: Fresh or frozen, cherries bring natural sweetness and a rich flavor to the drink.
- ½ cup sugar or monk fruit: This is used to create the simple syrup; monk fruit is a great calorie-free alternative.
- ½ cup water: Needed for the simple syrup; it helps dissolve the sugar or monk fruit.
- ½ cup cold brew: Use your favorite cold brew or 2 shots of chilled espresso for that perfect, rich coffee base.
- ½ cup vanilla almond milk: I recommend Califia Farms for its delicious flavor and creamy texture, but feel free to use any brand you like.
- 2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer: This adds extra creaminess and amplifies the vanilla flavor.
- 2-3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup: Adjust this based on your sweetness preference to enhance the cherry flavor in your latte.
How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Make the Cherry Simple Syrup: In a pot over medium heat, combine 2 cups of pitted cherries, ½ cup of sugar (or monk fruit), and ½ cup of water. Stir the mixture gently and press down on the cherries as the sugar dissolves.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while keeping an eye on it. You’ll want to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. As the syrup cooks, the cherries will begin to break down, combining their natural flavors with the sweetness.
Finish the Syrup: Once the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture has thickened, remove it from heat. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the syrup into a resealable glass container, discarding the leftover cherry solids. Let the syrup cool completely before using it in your drinks.
Prepare Your Glass: To start assembling your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, fill your favorite glass with ice. The amount of ice can be as much or as little as you prefer, but a full glass means a refreshingly chilled drink.
Add Cherry Syrup: Pour in your desired amount of the homemade cherry simple syrup. This syrup is the star of your drink, so feel free to adjust according to how sweet you like it—2-3 tablespoons is a great starting point.
Froth the Milk and Creamer: In a small bowl or a frothing pitcher, combine ½ cup of vanilla almond milk and 2 tablespoons of vanilla almond creamer. Froth the mixture using a milk frother until it has a light, airy texture. If you don’t have a frother, you can simply whisk it vigorously or shake it in a jar with a lid for a minute.
Pour Cold Brew: Next, pour the frothed milk and creamer mixture over the cherry syrup in your glass. Then, gently top it with ½ cup of cold brew or the chilled espresso shots.
Mix & Enjoy: Take a moment to mix everything together, and watch the beautiful pink color swirl beautifully as it combines with the coffee. Now, sit back, soak in the aroma, and enjoy every sip of your homemade Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte.
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftover homemade cherry simple syrup, store it in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the syrup; it will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. The texture and flavor will remain delightful, and you can easily use it for future lattes or desserts.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Quick Tip: Be sure to keep an eye on the cherry syrup while it simmers — you want it thickened, but not burnt!
- Cold Brew Tip: If you prefer stronger coffee flavors, use chilled espresso shots instead of cold brew.
- Sweetness Check: Always taste the cherry syrup before using it; you can adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
- Frothing Secrets: If frothing doesn’t produce the fluffy texture you want, try warming the milk slightly before frothing.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding a splash of almond extract to the milk for an extra layer of flavor.
The Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte perfectly harmonizes the rich flavors of coffee with the sweetness of cherry and vanilla. Plus, it’s an incredibly easy way to impress friends or simply uplift your day. Don’t forget to adjust the syrup to your liking and enjoy pouring it into your favorite glass! You can also explore different flavors and variations, like mixing in a dash of cinnamon or even a swirl of chocolate. Your experiments could lead to something delightful!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes! You can replace sugar with monk fruit, honey, or even a sugar substitute of your choice to keep the sweetness while addressing dietary needs.
What if I can’t find cherry syrup?
If you can’t find cherry syrup, you can use store-bought cherry syrup or even cherry juice as a substitute. Just remember to adjust the sweetness as needed.
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular milk or any other milk variety like oat milk or soy milk based on your preference. The flavor may vary slightly, but the drink will still be delicious.
How do I make a bigger batch?
To serve this drink at a party or gathering, simply multiply the amounts of the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Prepare the cherry syrup ahead of time for easy assembly when you’re ready to serve!
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📖 Recipe Card
Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte blends the sweetness of cherries with the creaminess of vanilla almond milk. It’s a simple yet delightful drink perfect for a hot day, bringing together refreshing flavors in just a few easy steps. Ideal for those searching for easy, homemade beverages.
Ingredients
- 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)
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 lightly and pressing down on the cherries as the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture thickens, the simple syrup is ready.
- Strain the syrup into a resealable glass container, discarding the cherries, and let it cool before use.
- For the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, fill a glass with ice and pour in your desired amount of cherry syrup.
- Froth the vanilla almond milk and creamer together using a milk frother. This step can be skipped if you don't have a frother.
- Pour the frothed milk and creamer into the glass, then top it with cold brew or chilled espresso.
- Mix everything together to reveal a beautiful pink color, then enjoy your drink!
Notes
For a sweeter drink, adjust the amount of cherry simple syrup to taste.
Using frozen cherries simplifies preparation as they can easily be pitted and blended.
Feel free to substitute almond milk with any other non-dairy milk if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
