Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Published: May 1, 2025

by Lizzy

A Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a delightful way to enjoy your coffee with a fruity twist. This refreshing drink features a vibrant cherry simple syrup that pairs beautifully with creamy vanilla almond milk and smooth cold brew coffee. Perfect for summer mornings or brunch gatherings, it’s an indulgent treat that satisfies your sweet cravings while keeping things light and cool.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing flavor: The combination of cherry and vanilla creates a light, fruity taste that is perfect for warm days.
Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up this latte in no time.
Versatile sweetness: You control the level of sweetness by adjusting the cherry syrup to suit your taste.
Dairy-free option: Using almond milk makes this latte suitable for those who prefer or require dairy-free beverages.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this latte fits perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline the process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Saucepan
Strainer
Measuring cups
Glass
Frother (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

Saucepan: Used for making the cherry simple syrup; it allows for even heating and easy stirring.
Strainer: Ensures a smooth syrup by removing solid cherry bits after cooking.
Frother: Helps create a creamy texture for the almond milk and creamer mixture, enhancing the overall experience.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Simple Syrup:

2 cups cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)
½ cup sugar or monk fruit sweetener
½ cup water

For the Latte:

½ cup cold brew coffee (or 2 shots chilled espresso)
½ cup vanilla almond milk (such as Califia Farms)
2 tablespoons vanilla almond creamer (such as Califia Farms)
2–3 tablespoons cherry simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Step 1: Make the Cherry Simple Syrup

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar (or monk fruit), and water.
Simmer gently, stirring occasionally while pressing down on the cherries as they heat up.
Once the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly, remove from heat.
Strain the mixture into a resealable glass container, discarding solids. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Iced Latte

Fill a glass with ice and add your desired amount of cherry syrup.
Froth together the almond milk and creamer. If you don’t have a frother, mix them well using a whisk or spoon.
Pour the frothed milk mixture into the glass over the syrup and ice.
Top off with cold brew coffee or chilled espresso.
Stir gently to combine; enjoy the beautiful blush hue and fruity flavor!

How to Serve Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Serving your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte can enhance the experience, making it even more delightful. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this refreshing drink.

With a Sweet Snack

Cherry Muffins – Pair your latte with freshly baked cherry muffins for a delicious treat.
Almond Biscotti – The crunchy texture complements the smoothness of the latte perfectly.
Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast and balances the sweetness of the drink.

Perfect for Brunch

Pancakes or Waffles – Serve alongside fluffy pancakes or waffles topped with syrup for a decadent brunch.
Avocado Toast – A savory option that pairs well with the fruity notes of the latte.
Quiche – A slice of quiche offers a rich, savory taste that contrasts nicely with your sweet drink.

Creative Garnishes

Fresh Cherries – Adding fresh cherries on top not only looks beautiful but enhances flavor.
Mint Leaves – A sprig of mint adds a touch of freshness and aroma.

How to Perfect Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

To achieve the ideal Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, consider these handy tips.

Bold flavors – Use strong cold brew coffee or chilled espresso for a rich coffee flavor that stands out against the sweetness.
Froth milk properly – For a creamy texture, froth your almond milk and creamer until light and airy.
Adjust sweetness – Taste your cherry syrup before adding to ensure it matches your desired sweetness level.
Use quality ingredients – Select high-quality vanilla almond milk and fresh cherries to elevate the overall taste.
Experiment with ratios – Don’t hesitate to adjust the milk-to-coffee ratio based on your personal preference for strength and creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

A Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some options to complement your drink.

Scones – Flaky scones offer a buttery contrast that enhances your coffee experience.
Granola Bars – Chewy granola bars provide an easy grab-and-go snack that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses brings savory elements that balance out the sweetness of the latte.
Chocolate Croissant – Indulge in a flaky chocolate croissant for a delightful treat alongside your drink.
Mini Quiches – Bite-sized quiches are great for brunch and pair beautifully with iced coffee drinks.
Fruit Tart – A light fruit tart adds elegance and echoes the fruity notes in your latte.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using stale coffee: Fresh cold brew or espresso makes a big difference in flavor. Always use freshly brewed coffee for your iced latte.
Skipping the syrup straining: Leaving cherry solids in your syrup can affect texture. Make sure to strain it for a smooth finish.
Not adjusting sweetness: Everyone’s taste is different. Start with less syrup and add more to achieve your desired sweetness.
Overfilling with ice: Too much ice can dilute your latte quickly. Fill your glass halfway to keep the flavor balanced.
Ignoring milk frothing: Frothing adds texture and creaminess. Don’t skip this step; it elevates your drink.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover cherry simple syrup in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Keep your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte in the fridge for no more than 24 hours for optimal taste.

Freezing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Freeze the cherry syrup in ice cube trays for easy future use.
The iced latte itself is not recommended for freezing, as it may alter the texture.

Reheating Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat in an oven-safe container until warm, about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe cup, heat on medium power for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until warm.
Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?

A Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte combines cold brew coffee with cherry simple syrup and vanilla almond milk, creating a refreshing beverage perfect for summer.

How can I customize my Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?

You can adjust the sweetness of the cherry syrup or try different milk alternatives like oat or coconut milk to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make this drink vegan?

Yes! By using almond milk and ensuring the sweetener is plant-based, you can easily keep this drink vegan-friendly.

How long does homemade cherry syrup last?

Homemade cherry syrup lasts up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I serve this latte hot?

Absolutely! Skip the ice and use freshly brewed espresso instead of cold brew for a warm version of this delightful drink.

Final Thoughts

The Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a delightful twist on traditional iced coffee that brings together fruity flavors and creamy textures. This recipe is not only refreshing but also customizable to fit your cravings. Whether you enjoy it as part of breakfast or as an afternoon treat, don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients!

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