The Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a summer must-have that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With a base of real cherries blended into creamy almond milk and layered with bold coffee, this latte hits all the right notes — fruity, smooth, and subtly sweet. It’s ideal for mornings when you want something indulgent yet light, or as a refreshing afternoon treat.
What sets this latte apart is the natural sweetness from the cherries and maple syrup (or monk fruit), making it a fantastic low-sugar option. Whether you top it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or keep it clean and minimalist, the visual and taste appeal is undeniable. Ready in just minutes, this cherry-vanilla fusion is a coffeehouse favorite made right in your kitchen.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1-2 tsp maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)
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1 cup unsweetened almond milk
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1/4 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 espresso shots, cooled
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1/2 cup ice cubes
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Optional: coconut whipped cream, extra cherries for garnish
Directions:
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In a blender, combine the cherries, vanilla extract, and sweetener of choice. Blend until smooth.
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Add almond milk and blend again for 5–10 seconds to combine.
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Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
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Pour the cherry-vanilla milk mixture into the glass until 3/4 full.
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Slowly pour the cooled espresso or coffee over the top to create a layered effect.
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Top with coconut whipped cream and garnish with extra cherries if desired.
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Stir before drinking to combine all the flavors or enjoy as is for a layered experience.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes
Kcal: 70 kcal (without toppings) | Servings: 1
The Refreshing Charm of the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
If you’re searching for a refreshing and vibrant twist on your everyday coffee ritual, look no further than the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte. This beverage is a beautiful harmony of tart cherries, warm vanilla, creamy plant-based milk, and a touch of bold espresso. It’s a naturally sweetened, low-sugar option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, style, or satisfaction. With just a few simple components, this iced latte becomes a summer favorite—perfect for early mornings, sunny afternoons, or an elevated weekend brunch experience.
Why Cherry and Vanilla Are a Perfect Pair
The magic of this latte lies in the balance of flavors. Cherries offer a natural sweetness with a slightly tart undertone, making them a powerful complement to the smooth, mellow tones of vanilla. Vanilla itself adds a comforting aroma and taste that enhances the fruity brightness of cherries. When combined with coffee, the result is a flavor profile that feels indulgent and elevated, yet still grounded in everyday ingredients.
Cherries are also rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which are responsible for their vibrant red color. These compounds have been linked to a variety of health benefits including reduced inflammation and support for heart health. Vanilla, while often thought of as a simple flavoring, also brings its own subtle complexity and calming effect. Together, they form a duo that feels sophisticated yet approachable in any drink.
A Dairy-Free, Low-Sugar Lifestyle Upgrade
One of the key appeals of the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is its adaptability to modern dietary needs. This recipe is naturally dairy-free when made with almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based alternative. It’s also suitable for those following a vegan or lactose-intolerant lifestyle. In place of refined sugars, this recipe uses natural sweeteners like maple syrup or monk fruit, offering a low-glycemic option that still satisfies sweet cravings without spiking blood sugar levels.
For those watching their calorie intake, this drink offers a guilt-free way to enjoy a “coffeehouse-style” experience without the high sugar and dairy often found in commercial iced lattes. It’s a homemade luxury that aligns with a clean eating philosophy.
Visual Appeal and Café-Worthy Aesthetics
The visual element of the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte can’t be overstated. The way the bold espresso swirls into the cherry-infused almond milk creates a mesmerizing marbled effect in the glass. Topped with ice and optionally garnished with coconut whipped cream and a cherry or two, the drink looks like something served in a high-end café.
This makes it not only delightful to drink, but highly shareable on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Whether you’re a food blogger, content creator, or simply someone who enjoys documenting their meals, this latte offers visual satisfaction as much as flavor.
Perfect for Warm Weather and Seasonal Transitions
Iced lattes are typically seen as summer beverages, but the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte brings a level of versatility that extends its seasonal reach. It’s ideal in spring when cherries are coming into season and the weather starts warming. In summer, it’s an obvious go-to refreshment, cooling and revitalizing without being heavy. Even in early autumn, the deep cherry tones and comforting vanilla still feel relevant.
Unlike hot coffee, which can feel overwhelming during hotter months, this chilled latte is light yet energizing. It hydrates while it caffeinates, making it a better fit for active days, on-the-go errands, or even as a midday pick-me-up.
Boosts Energy Without the Crash
Thanks to its coffee base, this latte provides the familiar caffeine kick needed to power through your morning or afternoon. But because it’s combined with whole food ingredients and natural sugars, the energy boost is more balanced. There’s less of the rapid spike and crash that comes from sugary coffee drinks filled with artificial syrups.
The fiber in cherries and the fat content in plant-based milks also help slow the absorption of caffeine, making your energy more sustained over time. For those sensitive to caffeine, using cold brew instead of espresso makes this drink more mellow while still enjoyable.
Customizable to Your Preferences
One of the best things about the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is its flexibility. You can easily tailor it to your preferred sweetness level, type of milk, and coffee strength. Love stronger coffee? Use a double shot of espresso. Prefer a creamier base? Oat milk is a great option. Watching carbs? Unsweetened almond milk and monk fruit sweetener make it keto-friendly.
You can also experiment with flavor additions like a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of coconut extract, or even a scoop of collagen powder or plant-based protein for a nutritional boost. The core flavor profile remains intact while allowing you to get creative based on your needs.
A Fun Project for Home Baristas
For coffee enthusiasts who enjoy the process as much as the product, this recipe offers a rewarding DIY experience. Blending the cherry mixture, layering the drink, and watching the espresso trickle down into the milk is an art in itself. It’s a small daily ritual that makes your coffee routine feel more intentional and special.
Home baristas can also take this as a starting point to craft seasonal spins—think Cherry Mocha Iced Latte (add cocoa), or a Cherry Almond Latte with toasted almond extract. The creative potential is limitless.
Kids and Non-Coffee Drinkers Love It Too
Remove the coffee and you’ve got yourself a naturally sweetened cherry vanilla “milkshake” of sorts—creamy, fruity, and refreshing. It’s caffeine-free and appealing to both kids and those who don’t drink coffee. Serve it with a fun straw and a swirl of whipped topping for a family-friendly summer drink.
This makes it a go-to option for households with varying tastes and dietary restrictions. Everyone can enjoy a version of this drink that suits their preference.
A More Mindful Coffee Habit
At its core, the Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte supports a more mindful approach to drinking coffee. It moves away from store-bought syrups and artificial additives, replacing them with whole ingredients that offer both flavor and function. It’s a wellness-forward beverage that doesn’t feel restrictive or bland—it feels indulgent and exciting.
In a world where we often rush through meals or grab our coffee to-go, this recipe encourages slowing down, savoring the moment, and being intentional about what we consume. It aligns with holistic health goals, without sacrificing enjoyment.
Conclusion
The Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is more than just a coffee recipe—it’s a celebration of summer, flavor, health, and creativity. From its vibrant visual appeal to its health-conscious ingredients, this latte ticks all the boxes for those seeking a better-for-you alternative to sugary coffeehouse drinks. It’s refreshing, customizable, and deeply satisfying, whether you’re sipping it solo on the porch or impressing guests at brunch.
This recipe proves that you don’t need a fancy espresso machine or an expensive café order to enjoy a gourmet drink experience. All it takes is a few wholesome ingredients, a little blending, and a love for flavors that feel both nostalgic and new.
Incorporate it into your weekly routine, experiment with variations, and most of all—savor each sip. You deserve it.