Anastasia Rice February 5, 2026

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Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Name: Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 shots brewed espresso or 1/4 cup strong coffee (about 2 oz or 60 ml); 3/4 cup milk of choice (whole, oat, almond, or coconut; about 6 oz or 180 ml); 2 tablespoons cherry preserves or jam (about 40g); 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup ice cubes; Sweetener (optional: simple syrup, honey, or sugar, to taste); Whipped cream (optional, for serving); Fresh cherries or maraschino cherry (optional, for garnish)

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Late afternoon sun warms your kitchen, and a glass of Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte sweats cool beads as you lift it to your lips, the sweet cherry scent lifting with a hint of warm vanilla, and the espresso cutting through with a clean, comforting edge. This drink feels like a small, celebratory pause in the day, perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick treat after a long walk. If you love that bright cherry note in desserts, you might also enjoy a cherry cheesecake recipe that echoes the same flavors in a richer form.

Why This Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte Works

There is something instantly charming about the marriage of tart cherry and mellow vanilla, especially when chilled with cracked ice and smooth milk. The cherry preserves bring fruity depth and a little texture, while vanilla lifts the whole drink into something lightly floral and familiar. Espresso gives the latte a bitter backbone that balances sweetness, creating a layered, drinkable dessert.

Bright cherry flavor wakes the palate
Vanilla soothes and rounds the edges
Espresso adds warmth and structure

This latte is special because it blends simple pantry ingredients into an elevated coffeehouse-style treat you can make in minutes, with room to adjust sweetness and milk for a lighter or creamier finish.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, think about the roles each ingredient plays, and how small swaps change the mood of the drink. Cherry preserves provide body and fruitiness, vanilla brings aromatic balance, and the milk tames the espresso, creating a silky mouthfeel. If you prefer a dairy-free version, oat or almond milk make excellent substitutes.

2 shots brewed espresso or 1/4 cup strong coffee (about 2 oz or 60 ml)
3/4 cup milk of choice (whole, oat, almond, or coconut; about 6 oz or 180 ml)
2 tablespoons cherry preserves or jam (about 40g)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup ice cubes
Sweetener (optional: simple syrup, honey, or sugar, to taste)
Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Fresh cherries or maraschino cherry (optional, for garnish)

Note, if your cherry preserves are very thick, warm them briefly to loosen before mixing. For stronger coffee flavor, choose dark roast beans for your espresso or brew a very strong pot of coffee.

How to Cook Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Brew 2 shots of espresso or prepare 1/4 cup of strong coffee and let it cool slightly, the steam should fade and the surface settle, carrying the roast aroma that will anchor the drink.
In the bottom of a tall glass, add 2 tablespoons cherry preserves and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring them together into a sweet, glossy paste; microwave for 10 seconds or stir vigorously to loosen if the jam is stiff.
Pour the hot espresso or coffee over the cherry-vanilla mixture, watching the dark coffee swirl and dissolve the preserves, releasing a bright fruity steam and deep mahogany color.
Stir until the preserves dissolve completely, scraping the glass bottom so no sticky bits remain, and smell the first hint of cherry mingled with coffee.
Fill the glass almost to the top with ice cubes, about 1 cup, the clink of ice will cool the mixture quickly and produce a glass beaded with condensation.
Slowly pour in 3/4 cup milk of your choice over the ice, watching the milk ribbon through and cloud the coffee for a marbled, photogenic look, or stir immediately for an evenly mixed latte.
Taste and add sweetener if desired, a teaspoon of simple syrup or honey will round the tartness, then stir well to incorporate.
Top with whipped cream if you like, and finish with a fresh cherry or maraschino cherry on top, the cream adds a velvety cap and the garnish invites a smiling sip. Serve immediately with a straw or spoon.

Prep ~ 5 minutes, Cook ~ 5 minutes, Total ~ 10 minutes, Servings ~ 1, Kcal ~ 250

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can streamline morning or midday service by prepping a few elements in advance. Make a small jar of cherry-vanilla syrup by gently warming cherry preserves with a splash of water and a few drops of vanilla extract, then storing it in the fridge. Brew espresso earlier and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to avoid waiting for coffee to cool. Pre-measure milk into a sealed container and keep ice trays ready so the only final steps are assembly and a quick stir.

Store any extra cherry syrup or loosened preserves in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks, and label with the date to use it for cocktails or desserts. If you prep coffee ahead, pour it into a narrow glass jar so it cools fast and remains fresh.

Storing and Reheating

This drink is best enjoyed cold and fresh, but leftovers can be handled carefully. Keep any unused latte in a covered jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though the ice will melt and dilute the texture. If you have leftover cherry-vanilla syrup, it stores well for 10 to 14 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Freezing is not ideal for made lattes because milk separates and coffee loses brightness, but you can freeze the cherry syrup in ice cube trays for up to 3 months and thaw as needed.

To revive a refrigerated iced latte, stir vigorously over fresh ice to remix separated components, or gently whisk to restore texture. If you accidentally warmed the drink, look for a fresh smell and smoothness, that signals it is still pleasant; a sour or off smell indicates it is past its prime.

What Goes Well with Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Warm almond biscotti for dunking and a pleasant crunch
A light yogurt parfait with granola and fresh cherries for a balanced brunch
Toasted brioche with lemon curd for a sweet and buttery pairing
A slice of chocolate pound cake to mirror the coffee bitterness and cherry sweetness
Fresh fruit salad with citrus notes to cleanse the palate between sips

One of these pairings makes the iced latte feel like a full moment, whether you are lingering over brunch or serving it to friends.

Make It Your Own

Cherry-Vanilla Syrup Instead of jam use a homemade cherry-vanilla syrup made with equal parts cherry preserves and water, simmered and strained for a smooth pour.
Dairy-Free Creamy Oat Use oat or coconut milk for a creamier, naturally sweet texture, it plays beautifully with cherry.
Extra Cherry Intensity Stir in a teaspoon of cherry juice or a splash of preserved cherry syrup for a brighter, more pronounced cherry note.
Iced Latte Layered Look Pour slowly over ice without stirring to create a dramatic layered presentation, the milk settling over coffee then mixing as you sip.
Lighter Version Use low-fat milk or dilute with a splash of sparkling water for a lighter, fizz-influenced drink.
More Espresso Kick Use two short pulls of espresso to intensify the coffee flavor, perfect for those who want a bitter counterpoint to the cherry.
Dessert-Style Top with a scoop of vanilla or cherry gelato instead of whipped cream for an indulgent frozen treat.
Spiced Twist Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract for a warm, nutty undertone.

None of these variations introduce alcohol, pork, or bacon, keeping the recipe simple and accessible for all guests.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use freshly pulled espresso for the most aromatic and complex coffee notes, the crema lifts the cherry aroma.
Warm the cherry preserves slightly until they loosen, this helps them dissolve fully into the coffee and avoids sticky clumps.
Pour milk slowly over ice for a layered look, steady hands give a more elegant presentation.
Taste before adding sweetener, some jams are already very sweet, so you may need less or none.
Choose a medium to dark roast for espresso when you want a bold coffee backbone, lighter roasts will be brighter but less rounded.
If using non-dairy milk, chill it beforehand to reduce separation and maintain a creamy texture.

Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte FAQs

How strong should the coffee be for this latte?
Use two shots of espresso or a quarter cup of strong brewed coffee, the goal is a pronounced coffee presence to balance the cherry sweetness. If you only have drip coffee, brew it extra concentrated and use a little less milk.
Can I make this without preserves or jam?
Yes, you can use fresh cherry puree or cherry syrup, though you may need to add a small amount of sugar to reach the same sweetness and body. Puree releases a fresher, brighter fruit character while syrup creates smoother texture.
What milk works best for a creamy texture?
Whole milk provides the creamiest mouthfeel, but oat milk is the top dairy-free choice for creaminess that mirrors dairy. Almond and coconut both work, coconut gives a subtle tropical note.
How can I make this less sweet?
Cut the amount of cherry preserves in half and skip any added sweetener, or use tart cherry preserves to reduce overall sweetness. You can also increase the espresso slightly to add bitterness contrast.
Can I batch this for a small group?
Yes, multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and prepare a jar of cherry-vanilla syrup to speed assembly, keep espresso chilled and set out ice so each guest can finish their own drink. Assemble individually to preserve layers and ice texture.
Is this suitable for kids?
Absolutely, simply replace the espresso with strong brewed decaf coffee or chilled espresso-strength brewed chicory for a caffeine-free but coffee-like experience. Adjust sweetness to taste for younger palates.
How do I avoid the preserves clumping at the bottom?
Warm the preserves a little or stir vigorously when hot coffee is added, and use a long spoon to scrape the glass bottom as you mix. A small whisk or frother can help fully emulsify the jam into the coffee.

Final Thoughts

A Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte is a small luxury you can make any day, a drink that bridges coffee and dessert with effortless charm. With a few simple ingredients and a couple of minutes, you get a layered, fragrant beverage that brightens a morning or makes an afternoon feel special. Give it a try soon, and enjoy discovering the small adjustments that make it exactly yours.

Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing Cherry Vanilla Iced Latte combining the tartness of cherry preserves with the smoothness of vanilla and espresso.

Ingredients

Scale

2 shots brewed espresso or 1/4 cup strong coffee (about 2 oz or 60 ml)
3/4 cup milk of choice (whole, oat, almond, or coconut; about 6 oz or 180 ml)
2 tablespoons cherry preserves or jam (about 40g)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup ice cubes
Sweetener (optional: simple syrup, honey, or sugar, to taste)
Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Fresh cherries or maraschino cherry (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Brew 2 shots of espresso or prepare 1/4 cup of strong coffee and let it cool slightly.
In a tall glass, add 2 tablespoons cherry preserves and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring into a paste.
Pour the espresso or coffee over the cherry-vanilla mixture, stirring until dissolved.
Add 1 cup of ice cubes to the glass.
Slowly pour in 3/4 cup milk over the ice, or stir immediately for an even mix.
Taste and add sweetener if desired, then stir well.
Top with whipped cream and garnish with a cherry, if desired. Serve immediately.