Refreshing Cherry Vanilla Latte

This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a refreshing take on iced coffee, perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a fruity, creamy caffeine boost. Combining bold cold brew or espresso with homemade cherry syrup and vanilla almond milk, this drink offers a rich and balanced flavor that feels indulgent yet dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

I first tried this recipe on a hot summer afternoon and immediately loved how the cherry syrup brightened the coffee without overpowering it. Since then my friends have asked me to bring it to brunch gatherings because it looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

• Cherries: two cups pitted fresh or frozen to make a vibrant syrup
• Sugar or monk fruit sweetener: half cup to sweeten the cherry syrup naturally
• Water: half cup to simmer the syrup gently extracting cherry flavors
• Cold brew coffee: half cup or two shots of chilled espresso for a rich coffee base
• Vanilla almond milk: half cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk for creaminess with subtle sweetness
• Vanilla almond creamer: two tablespoons to add a smooth frothy texture
• Cherry syrup: two to three tablespoons adjustable to taste for balanced fruitiness
• Ice: enough to chill the drink and keep layers distinct

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cherry Simple Syrup:

Combine pitted cherries sugar or sweetener and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gently simmer for eight to ten minutes pressing the cherries lightly as they soften. Stir occasionally to prevent burning while the syrup thickens and flavors deepen. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve discarding solids. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using. Refrigerate leftovers for up to one week.

Assemble the Iced Latte:

Fill a tall clear glass with ice to keep the drink cold. Pour in two to three tablespoons of the cooled cherry syrup letting it settle at the bottom. In a separate cup froth the vanilla almond milk and creamer until light and creamy using a frother whisk or blender. Gently pour the frothed milk over the syrup and ice carefully so layers remain visible. Finally top with cold brew coffee or espresso creating the coffee layer on top. Stir gently as desired and enjoy immediately.

Bookmark

My favorite part of this recipe is the homemade cherry syrup. It adds a fresh vibrant note you simply cannot get from store-bought syrups. One warm weekend I made a batch with frozen cherries and shared it with friends at brunch and it was the star of the table, with everyone asking for the recipe.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cherry syrup in a sealed glass container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage freeze the syrup in ice cube trays and transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Cold brew concentrate keeps for three to five days refrigerated and espresso should be used within 24 hours for best flavor. It’s best to froth the almond milk fresh before serving as foam loses texture quickly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap almond milk with oat soy or coconut milk for a different flavor profile but try to pick unsweetened versions to control drink sweetness. If you prefer a dairy-based drink whole milk or your favorite creamer works well too. The cherry syrup can be sweetened with honey maple syrup or another natural sweetener if desired. For coffee choose any quality strong cold brew or espresso to balance the syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte in a clear glass or mason jar to showcase the beautiful layers. Garnish with a fresh cherry or a vanilla bean pod on the rim for an elegant touch. Pair with light pastries like almond biscotti blueberry muffins or vegan scones with cherry jam to echo the fruity notes. Savory options like avocado toast also work well to balance the sweetness. A refreshing fruit salad or chia pudding provide great dairy-free side dishes for brunch.

Pro Tips

• Use a rich dark roast coffee or espresso for the best flavor contrast
• Chill all components well to keep the drink cold and bright without diluting
• Do not skip frothing the milk and creamer it creates a creamy airy texture critical to the experience

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?

Both fresh and frozen cherries work well for the cherry syrup. Frozen cherries are convenient and available year-round while still providing vibrant flavor.

→ Is this latte dairy-free and vegan-friendly?

Yes. Using vanilla almond milk and almond-based creamer ensures a completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly beverage. Other plant-based milks can be substituted.

→ Can I substitute regular milk?

Absolutely. If dairy is not a concern, whole milk or other preferred dairy options can replace almond milk without compromising flavor.

→ Is the drink caffeinated?

Yes, this latte includes cold brew or espresso which contain caffeine. For a caffeine-free option, decaffeinated versions can be used.

→ Do I need to froth the milk?

Frothing adds a creamy texture and café-like foam that balances the iced layers. You can skip frothing, but the drink will have less body.

→ Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Cherry syrup and cold brew can be made in advance and refrigerated. Assemble the latte just before serving for the best texture and temperature.