Description
This viral Cherry Vanilla Latte recipe combines the rich, robust flavor of freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee with the sweet, fruity essence of cherry syrup and the warm, aromatic touch of vanilla. Perfect for warming up or refreshing your day, this latte can be enjoyed hot with steamed milk or iced with cold milk and ice. Enhanced with optional whipped cream and fresh cherry garnishes, it is a delightful twist on a classic coffee favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Espresso or Coffee
- 2 shots of freshly brewed espresso (about 2 ounces total) or 1/2 to 3/4 cup very strong brewed coffee (as a substitution for espresso)
Milk and Alternatives
- Whole milk (for a creamy texture)
- Oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk (as milk alternatives)
Syrups and Flavors
- Cherry syrup (made with real fruit juice)
- Homemade cherry syrup (made from pitted fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and water)
- Vanilla syrup or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (as a substitution for vanilla syrup)
Extras and Garnishes
- Ice (for iced latte)
- Whipped cream (optional garnish)
- Extra cherry syrup (optional garnish)
- Fresh cherries (optional garnish)
- Vanilla bean flecks (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Brew the espresso or coffee: Prepare 2 shots of espresso using an espresso machine or brew 1/2 to 3/4 cup of very strong coffee if you don’t have an espresso maker.
- Prepare the glass: Pour 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup and 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of vanilla syrup into a 12 to 16 oz glass to create a flavorful base.
- Add ice (optional for iced latte): If you want an iced version, fill the glass generously with ice cubes to chill your drink.
- Add milk: Pour your choice of milk over the syrups and ice. Use cold milk for iced lattes or steamed, frothed milk for hot lattes.
- Combine espresso and milk: Slowly pour the hot espresso or strong coffee over the milk layer to preserve the distinct layers and maintain flavor balance.
- Mix the latte: Stir gently with a long spoon to blend the cherry, vanilla, coffee, and milk flavors evenly throughout the drink.
- Garnish and serve: Enhance the presentation and taste by adding optional whipped cream, a drizzle of extra cherry syrup, fresh cherries, or vanilla bean flecks before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute vanilla syrup with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract if preferred.
- Homemade cherry syrup can be made by simmering pitted cherries with sugar and water until thickened.
- For a dairy-free option, use any plant-based milk such as oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of cherry and vanilla syrup to your taste.
- This recipe can be served hot or iced, depending on your preference.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries for garnish for an extra burst of flavor and appealing look.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry vanilla latte, cherry syrup latte, iced cherry latte, flavored espresso drink, homemade cherry syrup
