Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
A Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is the perfect blend of fruity flavors and creamy goodness. This refreshing drink combines vibrant cherry simple syrup with smooth cold brew coffee and vanilla almond milk, making it ideal for warm summer mornings or casual brunches. It’s a delightful treat that satisfies your coffee cravings while adding a unique twist to the classic iced latte.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of cherry and vanilla creates a sweet and fruity taste that is perfect for hot days.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious drink in no time.
- Versatile Drink: Enjoy it as a breakfast boost, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a dessert alternative.
- Dairy-Free Option: Using almond milk makes this latte suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the cherry syrup to match your personal preference for sweetness.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline the process and enhance your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Saucepan
- Strainer
- Glass container
- Glass for serving
- Frother (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Saucepan: Necessary for heating your cherry mixture to create a rich syrup.
- Strainer: Helps remove solids from the cherry syrup, ensuring a smooth texture in your drink.
- Frother: While optional, it allows you to achieve that velvety froth in your almond milk for an indulgent feel.
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 2 cups cherries, ½ cup sugar (or monk fruit), and ½ cup water.
- Simmer gently while stirring occasionally. Press down on the cherries as they heat to release their juices.
- Once the sugar has dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly, remove from heat.
- Strain into a resealable glass container, discarding the 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 ½ cup vanilla almond milk and 2 tablespoons vanilla almond creamer. If you don’t have a frother, mix them well instead.
- Pour the frothed milk mixture into the glass over the cherry syrup and ice.
- Top with ½ cup cold brew coffee or chilled espresso.
- Stir gently to combine and enjoy this beautiful blush-hued drink!
How to Serve Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Serving a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a delightful experience. This refreshing drink can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making it perfect for any occasion.
For a Summer Brunch
- Pair with Fresh Fruits: Complement the latte with seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a vibrant and healthy touch.
- Add Pastries: Serve alongside flaky pastries such as croissants or danishes for a delightful brunch spread.
As an Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
- Chocolate Treats: Enjoy your latte with dark chocolate squares or truffles to enhance the rich flavors of the drink.
- Savory Snacks: Pair with light snacks like cheese and crackers to balance the sweetness of the iced latte.
Perfect for Cozy Evenings
- Dessert Options: Serve with a slice of cherry pie or vanilla cake to create a comforting dessert experience.
- With Biscotti: Enjoy the latte alongside crunchy biscotti, perfect for dipping and enjoying every sip.
How to Perfect Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
To make your Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte truly exceptional, consider these tips.
- Bold Flavor Balance: Ensure your cherry syrup is sweet but not overpowering. Taste as you go to find the right balance.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Use cold brew coffee straight from the fridge and keep your almond milk chilled for maximum refreshment.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: Try different sweeteners like agave or maple syrup for unique flavor variations in your latte.
- Froth for Texture: Frothing the almond milk and creamer together creates a creamy texture that elevates your drink experience.
- Garnish Creatively: Top with fresh cherries or a sprig of mint for an attractive finish that also enhances flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte pairs beautifully with various side dishes, enhancing your coffee experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mini Quiches: A savory bite that complements the sweetness of the latte perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances flavors.
- Granola Bars: Chewy granola bars provide energy and are easy to pair with coffee drinks.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers richness that contrasts nicely with the fruity notes in the latte.
- Pancakes: Light and fluffy pancakes drizzled with syrup make for a satisfying side dish.
- Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet and gooey rolls pair wonderfully with coffee, enhancing your indulgence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using stale coffee: Always use fresh cold brew or espresso. Stale coffee can ruin the flavor of your latte.
- Over-sweetening: Too much cherry syrup can make your drink overly sweet. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Skipping frothing: Frothing your almond milk and creamer adds creaminess. Don’t skip this step for a smoother texture.
- Ignoring ice quality: Use fresh ice cubes. Old or cloudy ice can affect the taste of your drink.
- Neglecting to chill ingredients: Ensure your coffee and almond milk are well chilled before mixing. Warm ingredients will dilute the refreshing experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cherry syrup in an airtight container.
- It stays fresh for up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Keep any unused cold brew in a sealed bottle to maintain flavor.
Freezing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- For longer storage, freeze the cherry syrup in ice cube trays.
- Once frozen, transfer syrup cubes to a resealable bag for convenience.
- Use within 3 months for the best flavor.
Reheating Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe glass for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 20-30 seconds until warm, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring often to avoid 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.
Can I customize my Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?
Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of cherry syrup or add extra flavors like chocolate or hazelnut.
How long does it take to make a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte?
This delightful drink can be prepared in just 10 minutes, including making the cherry syrup!
What other drinks pair well with this recipe?
Consider serving it alongside pastries or desserts that complement its fruity flavor, like scones or vanilla cupcakes.
Final Thoughts
The Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a delightful twist on the classic iced coffee experience. Its vibrant flavors make it perfect for summer mornings or brunch gatherings. Feel free to customize it with different milks or syrups to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this refreshing drink whenever you’re looking for something special!
Refreshing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte, the perfect summer drink that combines the rich taste of cold brew coffee with the sweetness of cherry simple syrup and the creaminess of vanilla almond milk. This refreshing beverage is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying a bright morning or hosting a casual brunch, this vibrant iced latte will surely impress. Embrace the fruity twist on your classic iced coffee and savor each sip!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherries, pitted (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
- Make Cherry Simple Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves and syrup thickens. Strain into a glass container and cool.
- Prepare Iced Latte: Fill a glass with ice and add desired cherry syrup. Froth together vanilla almond milk and creamer; pour over cherry syrup and ice. Top with cold brew coffee. Stir gently to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte (350ml)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
