Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 8 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 28 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 90  C
Servings: 2
Best Season: Summer
Description

This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a refreshing, café-style beverage made with rich espresso, homemade cherry syrup, smooth vanilla, and creamy milk poured over ice. Perfect for summer mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups, this easy iced latte recipe balances sweet cherry notes with bold coffee flavor for a beautifully layered and indulgent drink you can make at home.

Ingredients
    For the Cherry Syrup
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
    • For the Latte
  • 2 shots espresso (about 60 ml total)
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk (whole milk, low-fat, or almond milk)
  • 1–2 tbsp cherry syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional, for stronger vanilla flavor)
  • 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
    • Optional Garnish
  • Fresh cherries
  • Light whipped cream
  • Extra cherry syrup drizzle
Instructions
    Prepare the Cherry Syrup
  1. 1
    In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and stir gently. As the mixture heats, the cherries will soften and release their juices.
  2. 2
    Allow the mixture to simmer for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Gently mash the cherries with the back of a spoon to intensify the flavor and color.
    3. Strain and Flavor the Syrup
  3. 3
    Remove the saucepan from heat. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or jar, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible.
  4. 4
    Stir in the vanilla extract while the syrup is still warm. Let it cool completely before using. The syrup will slightly thicken as it cools.
    5. Brew the Espresso
  5. 5
    Brew two fresh shots of espresso using an espresso machine, moka pot, or strong brewed coffee. The ideal brewing temperature is between 90–96°C for optimal flavor extraction.
  6. 6
    Set aside and allow it to cool slightly for a smoother iced drink.
    7. Assemble the Drink
  7. 7
    Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes.
  8. 8
    Pour 1–2 tablespoons of cherry syrup into each glass. For a layered look, slowly add the cold milk over the ice.
    9. Add Espresso
  9. 9
    Slowly pour the espresso over the milk. Pouring gently helps create a beautiful layered effect — dark coffee floating above creamy milk with ruby cherry syrup at the base.
    10. Stir and Garnish
  10. 10
    Stir well before drinking to blend the flavors.
  11. 11
    Top with whipped cream, drizzle extra cherry syrup, or garnish with fresh cherries for a café-style presentation.
  12. 12
    Serve immediately and enjoy.
Note

Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less cherry syrup depending on your sweetness preference.

Milk Options: Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk work well for a dairy-free version.

Make Ahead: Cherry syrup can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Stronger Flavor: Add a tiny pinch of salt to the syrup to enhance the cherry flavor.

Cold Brew Option: Replace espresso with 1/2 cup strong cold brew concentrate for a smoother taste.

Keywords: quick, easy, refreshing, homemade, summer drink
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/cherry-vanilla-iced-latte/