This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is sweet, smooth, and wonderfully refreshing the kind of drink that feels like a coffee-shop treat but takes just a few minutes to make at home. The cherry adds a fruity twist, the vanilla makes it creamy and cozy, and the iced latte base keeps everything light.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso, cooled
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind oat and almond work beautifully)
- 1–2 tbsp cherry syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp sugar or sweetener (optional)
- Ice
- Optional: whipped cream + a drizzle of cherry syrup for topping
Steps
- Cool your coffee. Brew coffee or espresso and let it cool a few minutes this prevents watering down the latte.
- Mix the flavors. In a glass, stir together cherry syrup, vanilla, and sweetener if using.
- Add ice & milk. Fill the glass with ice, pour in the milk, and give it a gentle swirl.
- Top with coffee. Pour the cooled coffee or espresso over the milk you’ll get a pretty layered look.
- Stir and taste. Adjust sweetness or cherry flavor as needed.
- Optional topping. Add whipped cream and a drizzle of cherry syrup for a coffeehouse-style finish.
Chef’s Tips
- Use cold coffee or espresso: Warm coffee melts the ice too fast.
- Start with 1 tbsp cherry syrup: Add more if you want a stronger cherry flavor.
- Froth the milk (optional): Light foam on top gives it a cozy café feel.
Variations
- Cherry mocha latte: Add 1 tsp cocoa powder to the cherry syrup before mixing.
- Vanilla cream cold foam: Blend milk + vanilla + sugar for a fluffy topping.
- Sugar-free version: Use sugar-free cherry syrup and your favorite sweetener.