Viral Cherry Vanilla Latte (Printable View)
A sweet and creamy blend of cherry syrup, vanilla, and espresso for a refreshing drink.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cherry Syrup
01 - 2 tablespoons cherry preserves or cherry syrup
02 - 1 tablespoon water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, optional for brightness
→ Latte Base
04 - 1 shot espresso (1 ounce) or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
05 - 3/4 cup milk, dairy or plant-based
06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar or sweetener, optional to taste
→ Garnish
08 - Whipped cream, optional
09 - Fresh or maraschino cherries, optional
10 - Extra cherry syrup for drizzling, optional
# Cooking Steps:
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 preferred.
02 - Extract one shot of espresso using an espresso machine or brew 1/4 cup of strong coffee using a coffee maker or French press.
03 - Heat milk in a small saucepan until steaming, then froth using a steam wand, handheld frother, or whisk until foamy. Alternatively, use a milk frother for optimal texture.
04 - Add prepared cherry syrup and vanilla extract to a large mug. Pour hot espresso over the syrup mixture and stir thoroughly to incorporate flavors.
05 - Pour steamed milk over the espresso-cherry base, holding back foam with a spoon. Gently spoon remaining foam onto the surface of the latte.
06 - Top with whipped cream, drizzle additional cherry syrup, and garnish with a fresh or maraschino cherry. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It transforms basic cherry preserves into something that tastes like a coffee shop specialty drink
- The combination hits this perfect sweet-tart balance that keeps you coming back for another sip
02 -
- Skip the straining step once and spent the whole drink picking fruit out of my teeth
- Cold milk froths differently than warm milk, so patience is key when heating it up
03 -
- Warm your mug with hot water before building the drink so it stays hot longer
- Use maraschino cherries for that classic diner look, but fresh ones when you want to feel fancy