A delicious and refreshing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is perfect for hot summer days. This delightful drink combines a sweet cherry syrup with smooth cold brew coffee and creamy vanilla almond milk, making it a fantastic choice for brunches or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy the fruity flavors and vibrant color of this easy-to-make latte that will satisfy your coffee cravings!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For Garnish
- How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Step 1: Make the Cherry Simple Syrup
- Step 2: Prepare Your Iced Latte
- How to Serve Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Garnish Ideas
- Glassware Choices
- Pairing Suggestions
- How to Perfect Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Best Side Dishes for Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Reheating Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?
- Can I make this drink vegan?
- How long does the cherry simple syrup last?
- Can I adjust the sweetness of my Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?
- Is there a way to make this drink hot?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of cherry and vanilla provides a unique twist on traditional iced lattes.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful beverage in under 10 minutes.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the amount of cherry syrup to fit your personal taste preferences.
- Dairy-Free Option: Made with almond milk, this recipe is suitable for those following a dairy-free lifestyle.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this latte fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, you’ll need some essential tools. These will make the process easier and help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Saucepan
- Resealable glass container
- Frother or mixing bowl
- Glass for serving
Importance of Each Tool
- Saucepan: Perfect for simmering the cherry syrup and merging the flavors effectively.
- Frother or Mixing Bowl: Helps create a creamy texture in your almond milk and creamer blend.
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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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 while stirring occasionally. Press down on the cherries as the mixture heats to release their juice.
- Once the sugar has dissolved completely and the syrup thickens slightly, remove from heat.
- Strain into a resealable glass container, discarding any solids. Allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare Your Iced Latte
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in your desired amount of cherry syrup.
- Froth together the vanilla almond milk and vanilla almond creamer. If you don’t have a frother, simply mix them well in a bowl.
- Pour the frothed milk mixture into the glass over the cherry syrup and ice.
- Top with cold brew coffee or chilled espresso.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients and enjoy your beautiful blush-colored drink!
How to Serve Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Serving your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte can enhance its flavors and make your experience even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your coffee drink.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Cherries: Add a few whole cherries on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint can add a lovely aroma and a refreshing touch.
Glassware Choices
- Tall Glass: Using a tall glass showcases the beautiful layers of the latte.
- Mason Jar: For a rustic vibe, serve in a mason jar, perfect for summer picnics.
Pairing Suggestions
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some chocolate syrup on top for an indulgent twist.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds richness and a creamy texture.
How to Perfect Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Making the perfect Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is all about balance and technique. Follow these tips to ensure every sip is delightful.
- Bold Coffee Base: Use strong cold brew or chilled espresso to ensure the coffee flavor stands out against the sweetness.
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality vanilla almond milk and fresh cherries for the best flavor profile.
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with less cherry syrup and gradually add more until you reach your desired sweetness.
- Froth Well: Properly froth the almond milk and creamer to create a light, airy texture that enhances the drink’s mouthfeel.
- Serve Chilled: Make sure all ingredients, especially the coffee, are cold before assembling to keep your latte refreshing.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte can create a well-rounded meal or snack. Here are some delicious options that complement its fruity flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that pairs nicely with the sweetness of the latte.
- Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars offer a satisfying contrast in texture while being easy to grab on-the-go.
- Mini Muffins: Blueberry or banana muffins are perfect sweet treats that balance well with coffee drinks.
- Avocado Toast: The creaminess of avocado toast makes it a savory option that complements the latte’s fruity notes.
- Pancakes: Light, fluffy pancakes topped with syrup or fruit work beautifully alongside this iced coffee treat.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide an interesting contrast to the sweet flavors of your latte.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes will help you create the perfect Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte. Here are some pitfalls to keep in mind:
- Using stale coffee: Always use fresh cold brew or espresso for the best flavor. Stale coffee can ruin your drink.
- Skipping the syrup: The cherry simple syrup is essential for that fruity twist. Don’t skip it; it adds sweetness and depth.
- Overdoing the ice: Too much ice can dilute your latte quickly. Use just enough to chill without overwhelming the flavors.
- Ignoring milk frothing: Frothing the almond milk adds creaminess and texture. Take a moment to froth well, enhancing your latte experience.
- Not tasting before serving: Always taste your latte before serving. Adjust the sweetness if needed with more cherry syrup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep any remaining cherry simple syrup in a separate container, where it lasts about a week.
Freezing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Freeze brewed coffee or espresso in ice cube trays for later use.
- The cherry syrup can also be frozen in small portions for easy access later.
Reheating Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), then place your latte in an oven-safe container until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place the iced latte in a microwave-safe cup and heat for 30 seconds, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently on low heat in a saucepan while stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?
A Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a refreshing coffee drink made with cold brew or espresso, cherry simple syrup, and vanilla almond milk, producing a unique fruity flavor.
Can I make this drink vegan?
Yes! By using almond milk and avoiding dairy-based creamers, this delicious Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte remains completely vegan-friendly.
How long does the cherry simple syrup last?
Homemade cherry simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy multiple lattes!
Can I adjust the sweetness of my Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more or less cherry simple syrup based on your personal taste preference. Experiment until you find your perfect sweetness level!
Is there a way to make this drink hot?
Yes! Skip the ice and use freshly brewed espresso instead of cold brew for a delightful hot version of this luxurious drink.
Final Thoughts
The Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is not only refreshing but also versatile and customizable. You can adjust sweetness levels or substitute different milks based on your preferences. This delightful drink is perfect for summer mornings or brunch gatherings. Give it a try, and enjoy a fruity twist on your classic iced latte!
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📖 Recipe Card
PrintCherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Indulge in the refreshing delight of a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, a perfect companion for those warm summer days. This vibrant drink brings together the sweetness of cherry syrup, the richness of cold brew coffee, and the creaminess of vanilla almond milk, creating an irresistible treat that’s both fruity and satisfying. It’s not just easy to make—taking under 10 minutes—but also fully customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it during brunch or as an afternoon pick-me-up, this iced latte promises to elevate your coffee experience with its delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Coffee
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup sugar or monk fruit sweetener
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup cold brew coffee (or 2 shots chilled espresso)
- ½ cup vanilla almond milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla almond creamer
- Ice
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar (or monk fruit), and water over medium heat. Simmer until the mixture thickens. Strain into a container and cool.
- Fill a glass with ice and add desired cherry syrup.
- Froth together vanilla almond milk and creamer until creamy.
- Pour frothed mixture over ice and cherry syrup.
- Top with cold brew coffee or espresso, stir gently, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
