Viral Cherry Vanilla Latte

The moment I took my first sip of this cherry vanilla latte at a tiny coffee shop in downtown Seattle, I knew I had to recreate it at home. It was a rainy Tuesday morning and the barista winked as she handed me this beautiful pink-swirled creation that tasted like childhood summers meets grown-up indulgence. I've been making them ever since, tweaking the ratios until I found the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and espresso boldness.

My roommate walked into the kitchen last month while I was experimenting with different cherry syrups and immediately demanded to know what smelled like heaven. Now we have a standing Friday morning date where I make two of these and we sit by the window watching the neighborhood wake up. It's become such a ritual that she bought me my own cherry-themed mug last week.

Ingredients

• Cherry preserves: I use a high-quality brand with real fruit chunks, though any cherry syrup works in a pinch
• Espresso: Freshly pulled shots give the best flavor, but strong brewed coffee from a French press works beautifully too
• Milk: Whole milk creates the creamiest foam, but oat milk surprisingly gives this latte an amazing velvety texture
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference here, don't skip it

Instructions

Make the cherry syrup base:

Heat the cherry preserves with water and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth and glossy, about 2 minutes

Brew your espresso:

Pull a shot or brew strong coffee while the syrup cools slightly

Froth the milk:

Heat and froth your milk until it's hot and creates a nice foam layer on top

Build the drink:

Spoon the cherry syrup and vanilla into your mug, pour in the hot espresso, and stir well to combine

Add the milk:

Pour the steamed milk slowly over the espresso mixture, holding back foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top

Garnish and serve:

Top with whipped cream, an extra cherry syrup drizzle, and a fresh cherry if you're feeling fancy

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Last weekend I made these for my book club and three people immediately asked for the recipe. There's something about that first sip that makes people pause and really savor it. I've started keeping a jar of cherry syrup in my fridge just for impromptu latte moments.

Making It Iced

When summer hits, I switch to iced versions almost exclusively. Let the espresso and cherry syrup cool completely before pouring over ice, then add cold milk and stir gently. The layers look stunning in a clear glass.

Milk Options

After testing every milk under the sun, oat milk has become my unexpected favorite for this latte. It froths surprisingly well and has a natural sweetness that complements the cherry flavors perfectly. Almond milk works too but creates a thinner foam.

Syrup Storage

The cherry syrup keeps in the fridge for about two weeks, so I often make a double batch to have on hand. You can also use leftover syrup over pancakes, yogurt bowls, or even swirl it into vanilla ice cream for an instant cherry treat.

• Try swirling some chocolate syrup on the inside of the glass before pouring
• A pinch of sea salt on top brings out all the flavors
• For extra cherry intensity, muddle a fresh cherry at the bottom of the mug

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There's something almost magical about how a simple homemade latte can transform an ordinary morning into something special. I hope this recipe brings you as many cozy moments as it has brought me.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I make cherry syrup for this latte?

Simmer cherry preserves with water and a small amount of lemon juice over low heat until smooth and syrupy, about 2 minutes. Strain if you prefer a finer texture.

→ Can I use a coffee alternative instead of espresso?

Yes, strong brewed coffee works well if you don't have espresso on hand, providing a similar bold base for the latte.

→ What milk options can I use?

Any type of milk works—dairy or plant-based options like oat, almond, or soy milk are great for lattes and can be frothed similarly.

→ How do I prepare an iced version of this drink?

Allow the coffee and cherry syrup to cool, then pour over ice. Add cold milk and stir to combine for a refreshing iced latte.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness to my taste?

Yes, add sugar or your preferred sweetener to the latte mixture according to your preference before adding the milk.

→ Is it necessary to strain the cherry syrup?

Straining is optional but can give a smoother syrup by removing any fruit bits, enhancing the drink’s texture.