Cherry Vanilla Cold Brew

Short Description

Cherry Vanilla Cold Brew is a chilled coffee beverage that blends the bold taste of cold brew with the sweet, fruity essence of cherry and the smooth undertones of vanilla. This refreshing drink is ideal for warm days or whenever you want a flavorful twist to your caffeine fix.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing and smooth – Perfectly chilled with subtle layers of flavor.
• Easy to customize – Adjust the sweetness, strength of coffee, or milk to your preference.
• Homemade cherry syrup – Offers a natural and rich fruit flavor without artificial additives.
• Dairy-free friendly – Works well with non-dairy milk alternatives.
• Great for meal prepping – Cold brew and cherry syrup can be prepared in advance.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cold brew coffee or chilled espresso
• Cherry syrup (homemade or store-bought)
• Vanilla extract
• Non-dairy milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
• Ice
• Fresh cherries, for garnish (optional)

For Homemade Cherry Syrup:

• Fresh or frozen cherries
• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Directions

1. Prepare the cherry syrup
   • In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10–15 minutes until cherries soften.
   • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool.
   • Strain to remove solids and store in a sealed container.
2. Assemble the drink
   • Fill a glass with ice.
   • Add cherry syrup (start with 2 tablespoons) and a small splash of vanilla extract.
   • Pour in cold brew coffee or chilled espresso.
   • Top with non-dairy milk to taste.
   • Stir gently to combine and garnish with fresh cherries if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cherry Syrup Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (if making syrup fresh)

Variations

• Sparkling version: Add a splash of sparkling water or tonic for a fizzy take.
• Creamy cold foam: Top with sweetened vanilla cold foam for a café-style finish.
• Iced latte twist: Use frothed milk instead of cold milk for a latte texture.
• Extra fruity: Mix in a splash of pomegranate or raspberry syrup with the cherry.
• Boozy version: Add a shot of coffee liqueur for an adult-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

• Cherry syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
• Cold brew coffee stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Assembled drink is best consumed immediately, as the ice will dilute the flavor over time.
• Not suitable for reheating – this is strictly a cold beverage.

FAQs

What type of cherries should I use?

Sweet cherries are ideal for a mellow flavor, while tart cherries provide a more tangy, vibrant syrup. Either fresh or frozen works well.

Can I use store-bought syrup?

Yes, you can use store-bought cherry syrup, though the flavor may be more artificial compared to homemade.

What kind of coffee should I use?

Cold brew is recommended for its smoothness, but strong chilled espresso is also acceptable if you prefer a more intense flavor.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cold brew and cherry syrup in advance. Assemble the drink fresh to enjoy the best taste and texture.

What’s the best milk alternative for this recipe?

Oat milk and almond milk both complement the cherry and vanilla flavors nicely without overpowering them.

How can I make it sweeter?

Increase the amount of cherry syrup or add a small amount of maple syrup, honey, or sugar to taste.

Is this drink caffeinated?

Yes, it contains caffeine from cold brew or espresso. You can substitute decaf coffee if preferred.

Can I turn this into a dessert drink?

Yes, adding vanilla ice cream or whipped cream makes it a dessert-style cold brew float.

How long does cherry syrup last?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade cherry syrup can last up to two weeks.

Can I serve this drink hot?

While this drink is designed to be cold, you can heat the ingredients gently and serve it warm for a cherry vanilla latte-style version.

Conclusion

Cherry Vanilla Cold Brew is a creative and flavorful alternative to your standard iced coffee. The combination of rich cold brew, sweet cherry syrup, and smooth vanilla creates a drink that is both invigorating and indulgent. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, this drink is sure to become a go-to favorite, whether you’re sipping it on a hot afternoon or looking to impress guests with a café-style treat at home.

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