Viral Cherry Vanilla Latte (Printable)
A smooth cherry and vanilla blend enhanced with espresso and creamy milk for a tasty pick-me-up.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cherry Syrup
01 - 2 tbsp cherry preserves or cherry syrup
02 - 1 tbsp water
03 - 1/2 tsp lemon juice, optional for brightness
→ Latte Base
04 - 1 shot espresso or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
05 - 3/4 cup milk, dairy or plant-based
06 - 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
07 - 1 tsp sugar or sweetener, optional to taste
→ Garnish
08 - Whipped cream, optional
09 - Fresh or maraschino cherries, optional
10 - Extra cherry syrup for drizzling, optional
# Directions:
01 - Combine cherry preserves, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and syrupy, approximately 2 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if a smoother texture is desired.
02 - Extract one shot of espresso using an espresso machine or brew 1/4 cup of strongly flavored coffee using your preferred method.
03 - Heat the milk in a small saucepan or use a steam wand until hot and frothy. Create velvety microfoam for the best texture.
04 - Add the prepared cherry syrup and vanilla extract to a large mug. Pour the hot espresso over the syrup and stir thoroughly to incorporate flavors.
05 - Pour the steamed milk over the espresso-cherry mixture, using a spoon to hold back the foam. Gently spoon the reserved foam on top of the drink.
06 - Top with whipped cream if desired. Drizzle additional cherry syrup over the foam and garnish with a fresh or maraschino cherry. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Takes 10 minutes max but feels like you treated yourself to something fancy
- The cherry vanilla combo is somehow nostalgic and brand new at the same time
02 -
- The syrup thickens as it cools, so make it right before you plan to assemble the drink
- Room temperature milk froths better than cold milk straight from the fridge
03 -
- Cherry preserves with chunks of fruit add nice texture if you do not strain the syrup
- Heat your mug with hot water while you prep everything else so your drink stays hot longer