Ingredients

2 shots of freshly brewed espresso (about 2 ounces total)

1/2 to 3/4 cup of very strong brewed coffee (optional substitute for espresso)

Whole milk (for a creamy texture)

Oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk (as milk alternatives)

Cherry syrup (made with real fruit juice)

Homemade cherry syrup (pitted fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and water)

Vanilla syrup

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional substitute for vanilla syrup)

Ice (for iced latte)

Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Extra cherry syrup (optional garnish)

Fresh cherries (optional garnish)

Vanilla bean flecks (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brew your espresso or strong coffee. Use an espresso machine to pull two fresh shots or brew 1/2 to 3/4 cup of very strong coffee as a substitute.

Step 2: Prepare your glass by pouring in the syrups. For a 12-16 oz serving, add 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup and 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of vanilla syrup.

Step 3: If making an iced latte, fill your glass generously with ice cubes.

Step 4: Pour your chosen milk over the syrups and ice (if using). Use cold milk for iced lattes or steam and froth the milk first for a hot latte.

Step 5: Slowly pour your hot espresso or strong coffee over the milk layer.

Step 6: Stir your latte gently with a long spoon to blend the flavors smoothly.

Step 7: Garnish your latte as desired with whipped cream, a drizzle of cherry syrup, fresh cherries, or vanilla bean flecks.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade cherry syrup for a fresher, more natural flavor and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Experiment with different milk alternatives to find your favorite creamy texture and flavor.

For a richer vanilla taste, add a half teaspoon of pure vanilla extract if you don’t have vanilla syrup on hand.

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a subtle spice twist.

Storage

If you have leftover cherry or vanilla syrup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Prepared lattes are best enjoyed immediately, but if you need to store an iced latte, keep it in the fridge and consume within 24 hours. Reheat hot lattes gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this latte without an espresso machine?

Yes, you can substitute espresso shots with very strong brewed coffee to get a similar robust flavor, making it easy to prepare at home without specialized equipment.

Is the cherry syrup necessary, or can I use cherry juice instead?

Cherry syrup adds sweetness and thickness that pure cherry juice does not provide. If using cherry juice, you may want to add some sugar and simmer it to create a syrup consistency for the best flavor and texture.