Imagine sipping on a tall, chilled glass of Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte—where ripe, juicy cherries meet smooth vanilla notes and a robust coffee punch. This delightful treat is not just an iced latte but an experience, a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a summer daydream, no matter the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Refreshing: This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a perfect blend of sweet cherries and a rich vanilla flavor, making every sip wonderfully delightful.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy café-quality indulgence in your own home.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or cherry intensity to perfectly match your taste buds.
- Perfect Summer Treat: This iced latte is the ultimate refreshing drink to keep you cool during those hot days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s dive into the simple yet essential ingredients that make this Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte extraordinary. Each component brings its own charm, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Cherries: These provide the base for our sweet, fruity syrup. Consider using frozen cherries for convenience.
- Sugar or Monk Fruit: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cherries.
- Cold Brew or Chilled Espresso: The backbone of the latte, providing a robust coffee flavor.
- Vanilla Almond Milk: Offers a creamy texture with a subtle vanilla hint, enhancing the latte’s smoothness.
- Vanilla Almond Creamer: Adds extra richness and vanilla flavor to the drink.
Variations
Customizing your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte to suit your personal preferences is a breeze. This recipe is incredibly adaptable whether you’re looking for a different twist or need to adjust to dietary needs.
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a caramel drizzle on top for an extra sweet kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the almond milk and creamer with any dairy-free options of your choice.
- Extra Vanilla: For a more intense vanilla flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or use vanilla-flavored coffee.
How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Simple Syrup
Combine cherries, sugar or monk fruit, and water in a pot. Stir over medium heat and let the cherries dissolve with the sugar as they soften. This will create a luscious syrup base for your latte.
Step 2: Cool and Strain the Syrup
After the syrup has thickened, strain it into a resealable container and let it cool. Discard the cherries or save them for another use.
Step 3: Assemble the Latte
In your favorite glass, add ice and pour in the desired amount of cooled cherry syrup. Froth the almond milk and creamer, then add it to the mix. Top with your cold brew or espresso, stir, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Cherry Forward: Use ripe or high-quality cherries to make your syrup burst with natural flavor!
- Chilled Espresso: Brew your espresso in advance so it’s completely chilled by the time you mix your drink.
- Extra Frothy: Invest in a good milk frother for a creamier texture that elevates your latte.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like your drinks less sweet, start with less cherry syrup and adjust to taste.
How to Serve Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Garnishes
Add a few whole cherries or a twist of lemon for a zesty lift to your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, enhancing both its appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
This iced latte pairs beautifully with a light pastry or breakfast scone, perfect for a leisurely brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in a tall glass with layered colors evident, or opt for a mason jar for a rustic presentation, both showcasing the beautiful hue and inviting aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cherry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, ready to create more delicious Cherry Vanilla Iced Lattes whenever you want.
Freezing
Freeze the cherry syrup in ice cube trays and just pop them out whenever you’re ready for an iced latte, keeping it cool and refreshing!
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary for this recipe, as the refreshing ingredients are meant to be enjoyed chilled.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries will work wonderfully, just ensure they’re ripe to maximize their sweetness and flavor.
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What if I don’t have almond milk or creamer?
No worries, substitute with any dairy or plant-based milk and creamer options you prefer.
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How can I make this recipe calorie-conscious?
Opt for monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and choose unsweetened almond milk to reduce calories.
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What is the best type of coffee to use?
Any strong brewed coffee or espresso will work, but opt for a roast that complements the cherry and vanilla notes.
Final Thoughts
Try your hand at making this delightful Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte at home. It promises to be a rewarding, delicious treat that you’ll find yourself savoring again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it—happy sipping!
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Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 latte
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Experience a refreshing twist on your favorite iced latte with this Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte recipe. Combining sweet cherry syrup, creamy vanilla almond milk, and rich cold brew, this beverage offers a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and smooth coffee flavor, perfect for a hot day or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Cherry Simple Syrup
- 2 cups cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup sugar or monk fruit sweetener
- 1/2 cup water
Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- 1/2 cup cold brew coffee or 2 shots chilled espresso
- 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (such as Califia Farms)
- 2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer (such as Califia Farms)
- 2-3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare 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 down on the cherries to release their juices. Continue simmering until the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Strain and Cool: Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a glass container, discarding the cherries. Let the syrup cool completely before use.
- Assemble the Latte: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of cherry simple syrup over the ice, depending on your sweetness preference.
- Froth Milk and Creamer: Using a milk frother, froth together the vanilla almond milk and almond creamer until light and foamy. If you don’t have a frother, you can gently shake the mixture in a jar or whisk vigorously.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the frothed milk and creamer into the glass with ice and cherry syrup. Top with cold brew or chilled espresso. Stir gently to combine and enjoy the vibrant pink hue and refreshing flavor.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cherries for the syrup; frozen cherries make it easier to mash and release juices.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of cherry syrup added.
- The frothing step is optional but adds a creamy texture to the latte.
- This drink can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk and creamer of your choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte ( approx. 16 oz )
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
