Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Published: April 24, 2025

by Jessica

The Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a delightful fusion of fruity sweetness and smooth coffee, making it a perfect choice for summer mornings or brunch gatherings. This refreshing drink features a vibrant cherry simple syrup combined with creamy vanilla almond milk and cold brew coffee. Its unique flavor profile sets it apart from traditional iced lattes, giving you a little indulgence whenever you crave something special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tools and Preparation
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
Ingredients
For the Cherry Simple Syrup:
For the Latte:
How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Step 1: Make the Cherry Simple Syrup
Step 2: Prepare the Iced Latte
How to Serve Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Enjoy with Whipped Cream
Add Fresh Cherries
Use Fun Straws
Pair with a Slice of Cake
Serve in Stylish Glassware
Create a Coffee Bar Experience
How to Perfect Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Refrigerator Storage
Freezing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Reheating Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?
How can I customize my Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?
Can I make this latte dairy-free?
What other flavors pair well with cherry?
Final Thoughts
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Flavor: The combination of cherry and vanilla offers a unique twist that excites your taste buds.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious drink at home in under 10 minutes.
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy it iced for a cool treat or hot for a cozy experience any time of year.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the cherry syrup to suit your personal preference for sweetness.
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and creamer to create a creamy, dairy-free latte that everyone can enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, having the right tools will help streamline the process and enhance your results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Saucepan
Fine mesh strainer
Glass container
Frother (optional)
Glass for serving

Importance of Each Tool

Saucepan: Ideal for simmering the cherry syrup to extract maximum flavor from the fruit.
Fine mesh strainer: Ensures your syrup is smooth by removing any solids from the cherries.
Frother: Helps create a beautifully frothed milk mixture, adding a delightful texture to your latte.

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 the cherries, sugar (or monk fruit), and water.
Simmer gently, stirring occasionally and pressing down on the cherries as they heat up.
Once the sugar has dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly, remove from heat.
Strain into a resealable glass container, discarding any solids. Allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare 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 jar.
Pour the frothed milk mixture into the glass over the cherry syrup and ice.
Top with either cold brew coffee or chilled espresso.
Stir gently to combine and enjoy the beautiful blush hue and fruity flavor!

Feel free to adjust any ingredients according to your taste preferences! Enjoy your refreshing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte!

How to Serve Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Serving a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is all about enhancing its visual appeal and flavor. This refreshing drink can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your coffee experience.

Enjoy with Whipped Cream

Top your iced latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and a touch of indulgence.

Add Fresh Cherries

Garnish your drink with a few fresh cherries on top. This not only looks beautiful but also adds an extra burst of cherry flavor.

Use Fun Straws

Serve your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte with colorful or themed straws. This small touch can make your drink feel more festive.

Pair with a Slice of Cake

Accompany your latte with a slice of vanilla or chocolate cake. The sweet flavors harmonize beautifully and create a satisfying treat.

Serve in Stylish Glassware

Present your latte in an elegant glass or mason jar. The transparency showcases the beautiful blush hue of the drink.

Create a Coffee Bar Experience

Set up a mini coffee bar with toppings like chocolate shavings, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Let guests customize their own drinks for an interactive experience.

How to Perfect Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

To make the ultimate Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, consider these helpful tips that will ensure every sip is just right.

Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh cherries and high-quality almond milk will enhance the flavor and overall experience of your latte.
Adjust sweetness: Start with 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup, then taste and adjust according to your preference for sweetness.
Chill your glass: Place your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep your iced latte colder for longer.
Experiment with ratios: Feel free to tweak the ratio of cold brew coffee to almond milk to find the perfect balance that suits your taste buds.
Use espresso shots: For a stronger coffee flavor, substitute cold brew with chilled espresso shots, which can provide a richer base for the latte.
Store syrup properly: Keep any leftover cherry simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. This allows you to enjoy this delicious drink anytime!

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte can enhance the overall enjoyment of this delightful beverage. Here are some great options that complement its fruity flavors perfectly.

Fruit Tart: A light and refreshing dessert featuring seasonal fruits that pairs nicely with the sweet notes of cherry.
Almond Croissant: This flaky pastry is filled with almond cream, providing a rich texture that balances well against the iced latte.
Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries for a healthy side that brings out the fruitiness of the latte.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft cookies add a comforting sweetness that matches perfectly with the cherry flavors in your drink.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese can create a savory contrast to the sweetness of the latte.
Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes topped with maple syrup make for an indulgent brunch option alongside your refreshing iced coffee.
Muffins: Blueberry or lemon muffins provide bursts of flavor that complement the cherry vanilla notes beautifully.
Avocado Toast: Savory avocado toast topped with herbs makes for a wholesome pairing that balances out the sweetness of the drink.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, watch out for these common pitfalls that can diminish your drink’s flavor and texture.

Skipping the syrup: Neglecting to make cherry simple syrup can lead to a bland iced latte. Always prepare the syrup for that fruity kick!
Using hot coffee: Starting with hot coffee instead of cold brew can ruin the refreshing quality of your latte. Opt for cold brew for a smooth taste.
Overloading on ice: Adding too much ice can dilute your drink quickly. Use just enough to chill without overwhelming the flavors.
Ignoring sweetness levels: Not adjusting the cherry syrup to taste can result in a latte that’s either too sweet or not sweet enough. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Not frothing properly: Failing to froth almond milk and creamer together can lead to a flat texture. Invest in a frother or shake them vigorously in a jar.

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte in an airtight container.
It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Freeze the cherry simple syrup in ice cube trays for easy use later.
You can freeze the iced latte itself, but remember it may change texture upon thawing.

Reheating Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and place your latte in an oven-safe dish until warm.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between sessions until warm but not boiling.
Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat, stirring continuously until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?

A Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a refreshing coffee drink made with cold brew, cherry simple syrup, and vanilla almond milk, perfect for hot days.

How can I customize my Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?

You can adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of cherry syrup you add. Feel free to experiment with different types of milk or creamers for varied flavors.

Can I make this latte dairy-free?

Yes! Using vanilla almond milk and dairy-free creamer makes this Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte completely dairy-free and delicious!

What other flavors pair well with cherry?

Cherry pairs well with flavors like chocolate, almond, and vanilla. Consider adding cocoa powder or almond extract for extra depth.

Final Thoughts

The Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is not just a delightful drink; it’s a canvas for creativity. You can easily customize it by adjusting sweetness levels or experimenting with various plant-based milks. Whether enjoyed on a sunny morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up, this refreshing beverage is sure to impress. Try it today!

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