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This punchy cherry vanilla iced latte blends strong coffee with sweet fruit notes, giving you a fancy drink at home that's cheaper and better for you than what coffee shops sell.
I've tweaked this drink many times during hot summer days and finally got the perfect mix of treat-yourself taste without the guilt.
Key Components
- Cherries: Go for dark sweet ones, fresh or frozen, for the richest color and taste
- Coffee: Cold brew gives the smoothest sip, but cooled espresso is fine too
- Almond Milk: The vanilla kind adds more flavor layers
- Sweetener: Monk fruit keeps it without sugar but still tasty
- Ice: Big cubes melt slower so your drink stays strong
Step-By-Step Method
- Whip Up Cherry Syrup:
- Mix pitted cherries with sweetener and water in a pot. Cook slowly while squashing cherries against the sides until the mix gets thick enough to stick to your spoon, around 10 minutes. Push through a fine strainer.
- Nail Your Cold Brew:
- Mix 1 part coffee to 4 parts water for strength. Let sit in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Run through paper filters twice to get it clear.
- Put It All Together:
- Start with syrup at the bottom, add ice next, then your foamy milk mix. Pour coffee in last to get that cool marble look.
- Fluff Up Your Milk:
- Mix cold milk with creamer. Froth it till it's twice as big. Pour over ice right away for the best feel.
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That homemade cherry syrup really makes this drink special. We love using dark cherries from nearby farms when they're in season.
Keeping It Cool
Make sure everything's cold before mixing. Cool your glass first so the drink stays chilly longer.
Picking Your Cherries
Look for dark, plump ones that feel solid. Frozen cherries often work better and don't cost as much.
Prep In Advance
Fix your syrup and cold brew beforehand. Keep them apart until you're ready to drink.
Keeping It Fresh
Store syrup in something made of glass. Your cold brew will stay good for 7-10 days in the fridge.
Ways To Enjoy
Put extra cherry syrup on the table for folks to add more. Try topping with coconut whipped cream for something fancy.
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After tons of testing in my kitchen, I've found this mix hits the sweet spot between coffee kick and fruity freshness while sticking to ingredients that won't wreck your health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long can I store the cherry syrup?
- Keep the cherry syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- → Can I swap almond milk for another milk?
- Absolutely, use any milk or creamer you like.
- → Does brewed coffee work here?
- Yes, just make sure it's strong and chilled.
- → Can I make it without sugar?
- Sure, try monk fruit sweetener or your favorite substitute in the syrup.
- → Do I need a milk frother for this?
- Not at all! Frothing adds texture, but isn't required.