Viral Cherry Vanilla Latte (Printable)

Sweet cherry syrup meets vanilla and espresso in a smooth, creamy milk beverage perfect for any time.

# What You 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 preferred.
02 - Extract one shot of espresso using an espresso machine or brew 1/4 cup of strong coffee using your preferred method.
03 - Heat and froth the milk using a steam wand, milk frother, or by heating in a saucepan and whisking vigorously until hot and foamy with microfoam bubbles.
04 - Add the prepared cherry syrup and vanilla extract to a large mug. Pour the hot espresso over the syrup mixture and stir thoroughly to combine flavors.
05 - Pour the steamed milk over the espresso-cherry base, using a spoon to hold back the foam initially. 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 Tips:

01 -
  • The cherry vanilla pairing tastes like something you would pay seven dollars for at a fancy café but takes minutes to make at home
  • It hits that perfect sweet spot between indulgent treat and something you can justify drinking on a Tuesday morning
02 -
  • Straining the cherry syrup through a fine mesh sieve makes all the difference if you want that professional smooth texture
  • The lemon juice is not optional if you are using sweet preserves because it provides balance you did not know you needed
03 -
  • Oat milk creates the creamiest foam and adds a subtle nuttiness that plays beautifully with the cherry
  • If your cherry syrup is too thick after cooling, warm it for literally 10 seconds and it becomes pourable again

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