
This eye-catching cherry vanilla iced latte blends strong coffee with sweet fruit notes, making a homemade drink that's tastier, cheaper, and better for you than anything you'd buy at a coffee shop.
I've tweaked this drink over many summer breakfasts and found it hits the sweet spot between treating yourself and staying healthy.
Key Ingredients
- Cherries: Go for fresh or frozen dark sweet ones for the richest color and taste
- Coffee: Cold brew gives the mellowest flavor, but cooled espresso is fine too
- Almond Milk: The vanilla kind adds nice flavor layers
- Sweetener: Monk fruit keeps it sugar-free but still sweet
- Ice: Bigger cubes melt slower so your drink stays strong
Step-By-Step Process
- Whip Up Cherry Syrup:
- Mix pitted cherries, your sweetener, and water in a pot. Cook slowly, squashing cherries against the sides until the mix gets thick enough to coat a spoon, around 10 minutes. Then strain it well.
- Get Cold Brew Right:
- Stick to 1:4 coffee-water ratio for a strong base. Let it sit 12-24 hours in your fridge. Run it through paper filters twice to make it clear.
- Put It All Together:
- Add everything in this order: syrup at the bottom, then ice, next comes the fluffy milk mix. Pour coffee in last to get that cool swirled look.
- Fluff Up Your Milk:
- Mix cold milk with creamer. Froth until it's twice as big. Pour right away over ice for the best feel.

That homemade cherry syrup really makes this drink special. We love using local dark cherries from the farmers market when they're in season.
Keeping Things Cold
Make sure everything's cold before mixing. Put your glass in the freezer first so your drink stays cool longer.
Picking Good Cherries
Look for dark, firm cherries that aren't mushy. Frozen ones are often cheaper and work just as well.
Prep Ahead Tips
Get your syrup and cold brew ready early. Keep them in separate containers so you can throw everything together fast.
Keeping It Fresh
Store syrup in a glass jar. Your cold brew will stay good for 7-10 days in the fridge.
Ways To Serve
Bring extra cherry syrup to the table. Try adding some coconut whipped cream on top for a treat.

After trying tons of different versions, I've found this mix gives you the perfect balance of coffee kick and fruity sweetness while still using ingredients that aren't bad for you.
Common Questions
- → How long can I keep the cherry syrup?
- Store the cherry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for around 2 weeks.
- → Can I swap almond milk for another kind?
- Of course! Trade almond milk for any milk or creamer you like best.
- → What if I don’t use cold brew?
- That’s fine! Strong brewed coffee, once chilled, works just as well.
- → Can I make it without sugar?
- Sure! Go for alternatives like monk fruit or your usual sugar replacement.
- → Do you need frothy milk?
- Not at all! Frothing adds some flair, but it tastes great without it too.