This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte combines the rich, bold flavor of espresso with a homemade cherry syrup, making it a vibrant, naturally sweet beverage that’s perfect for any time of day. With a dash of vanilla and a frothy, creamy finish, this latte is not only delicious but also customizable to fit your dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, this Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is an irresistible treat!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
This iced latte is a delightful fusion of fruity cherry and smooth vanilla, offering a refreshing twist on your regular coffee routine. The homemade cherry syrup adds a natural sweetness without relying on refined sugar, making it a healthier alternative to many store-bought flavored lattes. Plus, the use of vanilla almond milk and creamer gives the drink a creamy texture that complements the tartness of the cherry syrup perfectly. You can easily adjust the sweetness and flavor to suit your taste, making this the ideal customizable drink for your next coffee break.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Simple Syrup:
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2 cups cherries, pitted (frozen works great)
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1/2 cup sugar or monk fruit
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1/2 cup water
For the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte:
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1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (or preferred coffee substitute)
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1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (like Califia Farms)
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2 tbsp vanilla almond creamer (like Califia Farms)
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2-3 tbsp homemade cherry simple syrup (adjust to taste)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cherry Simple Syrup:
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Combine cherries, water, and sugar (or monk fruit) in a pot over medium heat.
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Bring the mixture to a slight simmer, stirring occasionally. Press the cherries to release their juice.
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Once the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens, remove from heat.
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Strain the syrup into a glass container, discarding the solids, and allow it to cool.
Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte:
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Fill a glass with ice and add your desired amount of cherry syrup. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less syrup.
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Froth the vanilla almond milk and creamer using a milk frother. If you don’t have a frother, you can skip this step and simply combine the milk and creamer without frothing.
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Pour the frothed milk mixture into the glass with the cherry syrup.
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Top with the brewed coffee and stir to combine.
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Enjoy your vibrant, pink Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte!
Optional Add-ins:
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For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla extract.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 1 latte
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 5 minutes (for syrup)
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Non-Almond Milk: Substitute the almond milk with oat or coconut milk if you prefer a different dairy-free option.
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Sweetener Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or monk fruit in the syrup depending on how sweet you like your drinks.
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Hot Version: To make a hot version of this Cherry Vanilla Latte, simply heat the almond milk and creamer and skip the ice.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover cherry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can use it for more lattes or even as a topping for pancakes or yogurt.
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Reheating: If you prefer a hot version, simply reheat the cherry syrup in the microwave or on the stovetop and mix it with your hot coffee and frothed milk.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit for the syrup?
Yes, you can substitute cherries with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Just follow the same method to make the syrup.
Can I make the cherry syrup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cherry syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This makes it easy to prepare multiple lattes throughout the week.
Can I make this drink sweeter?
Yes! You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cherry syrup or by adding extra sugar or sweetener to the coffee or milk mixture.
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk or any other type of milk if you’re not following a dairy-free diet.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is vegan as long as you use plant-based milk (such as almond milk) and a plant-based creamer.
Conclusion
This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a fun and refreshing twist on your typical coffee drink. The combination of homemade cherry syrup, rich coffee, and creamy vanilla almond milk makes for a flavorful, refreshing beverage that’s perfect for any time of day. Easy to make and fully customizable, it’s an ideal treat for those with dietary preferences or anyone looking for a unique iced coffee drink. Enjoy this vibrant, sweet, and satisfying latte for your next coffee break!
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Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte – A Refreshing, Naturally Sweet Drink
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 latte
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte combines rich espresso with a homemade cherry syrup, creating a naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-sugar treat. Vibrantly pink and packed with flavor, it’s a refreshing, customizable drink that’s perfect for any time of day. Make it hot or iced based on your preference.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Simple Syrup:
2 cups cherries, pitted (frozen works great)
1/2 cup sugar or monk fruit
1/2 cup water
For the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte:
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (or preferred coffee substitute)
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (e.g., Califia Farms)
2 tablespoons vanilla almond creamer (e.g., Califia Farms)
2–3 tablespoons homemade cherry simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Make the Cherry Simple Syrup:
Combine cherries, water, and sugar (or monk fruit) in a pot over medium heat.
Bring to a slight simmer, stirring occasionally and pressing cherries to release their juice.
Once the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens, remove from heat.
Strain syrup into a glass container, discarding the solids, and let it cool.
Prepare the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte:
Fill a glass with ice and add your desired amount of cherry syrup.
Froth the vanilla almond milk and creamer (if you have a milk frother). Alternatively, you can mix the milk and creamer without frothing.
Pour the frothed milk mixture into the glass, then top with brewed coffee.
Stir to combine and enjoy your vibrant pink latte!
Notes
Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the cherry syrup amount to your preferred level of sweetness.
Non-Almond Milk: You can substitute almond milk with oat or coconut milk if desired.
Flavor Boost: Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Milk Frother: If you don’t have a milk frother, simply combine the almond milk and creamer without frothing for a simpler version of this latte.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Coffee
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
