Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Alright, this cherry vanilla iced latte? It’s sweet, smooth, and just the right mix of fruity and creamy. Think café vibes at home—with no fancy equipment needed.

I made it on a warm afternoon when I wanted something refreshing but a little different from the usual coffee. Stirred together cherry syrup, vanilla, strong brewed coffee, and cold milk, then poured it over ice. Gave it a swirl, took a sip, and yep—totally hit the spot.

It’s cool, caffeinated, and so easy to make in just minutes. Perfect for mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or anytime you want a little treat. Let’s mix one up—you’ll be hooked after the first sip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Sweetness and Flavor: Real cherries lend natural sweetness and a touch of tartness, which balances beautifully with the vanilla and coffee notes.
• Homemade Syrup Makes a Difference: You control the ingredients—no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors.
• Easy for Beginners: No special barista equipment is needed—just a saucepan and a way to brew coffee.
• Flexible with Ingredients: This recipe works well with many dietary needs—it’s already dairy-free, but you can adjust it to suit your preferences.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The deep red syrup swirling through the creamy milk makes it look as good as it tastes.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time:
10 minutes to pit the cherries (if fresh) and gather ingredients.

Cook Time:
10 minutes to make and simmer the cherry syrup. No additional cooking is needed.

Total Time:
20 minutes (plus time to chill the syrup, if desired).

Servings:
Makes 2 medium iced lattes, perfect for sharing or saving one for later.

Difficulty Level:
Beginner-friendly. There’s nothing technical in this recipe. Even if you’ve never made syrup before, this one is easy and forgiving.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Small Saucepan: For making the cherry syrup.
• Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth: To strain out the cherry solids and get a smooth syrup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters for balanced flavor.
• Tall Glasses: Use 12 oz or larger glasses for each serving.
• Blender or Frother (Optional): For a creamy, café-style finish, though this step isn’t required.
• Long Spoon or Stirrer: To mix the syrup and layers before serving.

Ingredients

You’ll need two sets of ingredients—one for the cherry syrup, one for the actual latte. The cherry syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Cherry Simple Syrup

• 2 cups cherries – pitted; use fresh if they’re in season, or frozen if not. Sweet cherries like Bing work best, but tart cherries are fine if you want a more tangy profile.
• ½ cup sugar – granulated sugar works well, but you can substitute monk fruit sweetener or another natural sweetener if preferred.
• ½ cup water – filtered water is best for clean flavor.

For the Latte

• ½ cup cold brew coffee or 2 espresso shots – cold and strong. Cold brew offers a smoother, less bitter taste. Espresso gives more intensity.
• ½ cup vanilla almond milk – choose an unsweetened version if you want more control over sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons vanilla almond creamer – optional but adds body and a richer vanilla note.
• 2 to 3 tablespoons cherry syrup – start with less and adjust to taste.
• Ice – enough to fill your glasses.

Variations for Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

• Make It Creamier: Use oat milk or coconut milk for a thicker, creamier latte.
• Use Dairy: Swap the almond milk and creamer for whole milk or half-and-half if you prefer traditional dairy.
• No Espresso Machine? Use strong instant coffee or extra-concentrated French press coffee as a substitute.
• Extra Vanilla Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract directly to the coffee if you’re skipping the creamer.
• Cherry Mocha Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder to the cherry syrup or use a chocolate-flavored coffee base for a cherry mocha version.

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cherry Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, and water over medium heat. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a simmer. As the cherries soften, use the back of a spoon to gently mash them against the side of the pan. This helps release their juices and color.

Simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened slightly and turned a deep red color. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl or jar, and pour the mixture through. Press gently to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids or save them for spooning over yogurt or oatmeal. Store the syrup in the fridge to cool fully before using.

Tip: For faster cooling, pour the syrup into a wide bowl and place it in the freezer for 10 minutes.

2. Prepare the Coffee

If using espresso, brew two shots and let them cool to room temperature. If using cold brew, measure out ½ cup. Make sure your coffee is cold, not warm, to avoid melting the ice too quickly.

3. Assemble the Latte

Fill two 12 oz glasses with ice (about 1½ cups per glass). Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cherry syrup into each glass, depending on how sweet you like it.

Pour in the cold brew or espresso over the syrup. Next, slowly add ½ cup vanilla almond milk to each glass.

Top each latte with 1 tablespoon of vanilla almond creamer for extra creaminess and flavor.

4. Stir and Enjoy

Use a spoon or drink stirrer to gently mix the syrup from the bottom up through the coffee and milk layers. The drink should look swirled and slightly pink at first but will blend into a creamy cherry latte as you stir.

Serving and Decoration

• Glassware: Tall, clear glasses show off the pretty swirl of pink syrup and creamy milk.
• Optional Toppings:
  • A few whole cherries on a cocktail pick for garnish.
  • Light whipped cream for a dessert-like version.
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top, especially if you added chocolate.
• Serve With: A pastry, muffin, or light brunch plate. This latte also pairs well with a buttery croissant or almond cookie.

Storing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

• Cherry Syrup: Store the extra syrup in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray for longer storage.
• Prepared Latte: Best enjoyed fresh. Once mixed, the drink loses its layered look and diluted flavor over time. Avoid storing a mixed latte in the fridge for more than a couple of hours.
• Cold Brew or Espresso: Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Component	Amount
Calories	~105 kcal
Carbohydrates	~18g
Sugar	~14g
Fat	~3.5g
Saturated Fat	~0.5g
Protein	~1g
Fiber	~1g
Sodium	~70mg
Caffeine	~70–100mg

Note: Nutritional values vary based on milk, creamer, and coffee strength used.

Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte FAQs

Can I use bottled cherry syrup instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, but the flavor and freshness won’t be as vibrant as with homemade. Look for natural syrups without added dyes or artificial flavors.

Can I make the cherry syrup ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze in cubes for later use.

Can I use regular milk or cream instead of almond options?
Yes. Whole milk, half-and-half, or any dairy alternative works. Use what you prefer.

What kind of coffee works best?
Cold brew gives a smoother finish, but chilled espresso adds more depth and intensity. Strong French press coffee also works as a backup.

Can I serve this hot?
Yes. Skip the ice and warm the milk before adding it to the hot coffee and syrup.

Conclusion

This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is the perfect way to change up your morning routine or impress guests with a homemade café-style drink. Using simple ingredients and a homemade cherry syrup, you get a drink that feels indulgent but takes just minutes to make. It’s a nice balance of creamy, fruity, and bold coffee flavor that works beautifully in any season.