Pin it
This lively cherry vanilla iced latte blends strong coffee with sweet fruit notes, making a homemade drink that's tastier, cheaper, and better for you than what you'd buy at a café.
I've tweaked this drink over many summer breakfasts until I got the right mix between treat and healthy choice.
Key Ingredients
- Cherries: Go for fresh or frozen dark sweet ones for the richest color and taste
- Coffee: Cold brew makes it silky, but cooled espresso can work too
- Almond Milk: The vanilla kind adds more flavor layers
- Sweetener: Monk fruit keeps it without sugar but still sweet
- Ice: Bigger cubes won't water it down as fast
Step-by-Step Guide
- Whip Up Cherry Syrup:
- Mix pitted cherries with sweetener and water in a pot. Let it bubble softly while pressing cherries on the sides until the mix gets thick enough to coat your spoon, around 10 minutes. Strain it through a fine sieve.
- Nail the Cold Brew Mix:
- Mix 1 part coffee to 4 parts water for a good concentrate. Let it sit in your fridge for 12-24 hours. Run it through paper filters twice to get it clear.
- Stack It Right:
- Put things in this order: syrup at the bottom, then ice, followed by the frothy milk mix. Add coffee last to get that cool marbled look.
- Get Milk Extra Fluffy:
- Mix your cold milk and creamer together. Froth until it's twice as big. Pour it right away over ice for the best feel.
Pin it
That homemade cherry syrup really makes this drink special. We love using dark cherries from local farms when they're available.
Cooling Tricks
Make sure everything's cold before mixing. Cool your glass first so your drink stays chilly longer.
Picking Cherries
Look for dark, plump cherries that feel firm. The frozen ones are often cheaper and just as good.
Plan Ahead
Fix your syrup and cold brew beforehand. Keep them apart until you're ready to mix your drink.
Keeping It Fresh
Put syrup in a glass jar. Your cold brew will stay good for 7-10 days in the fridge.
Ways To Serve
Have extra cherry syrup ready for people who want more. Try adding coconut whipped cream for a fancy touch.
Pin it
After trying loads of versions, I found this mix hits the sweet spot between strong coffee flavor and fruity taste while sticking to healthier ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will my cherry syrup stay good?
- Your cherry syrup will keep fresh for about 2 weeks when stored in the fridge in a sealed container.
- → Can I swap out the almond milk?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever milk or creamer you enjoy most.
- → Will regular coffee work too?
- Yes! Just brew some strong coffee, let it cool, and use it instead of cold brew or espresso.
- → Can I make this without sugar?
- Sure thing! Just use monk fruit or any sugar substitute you like when making the cherry syrup.
- → Do I need special equipment for the milk?
- Not at all! While frothed milk adds a nice touch, the drink tastes great with regular milk too.