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Easy Homemade Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte Recipe

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Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with my Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte!

This luscious latte pairs the tart sweetness of cherries with the smooth, aromatic essence of vanilla, all layered over a base of bold tea. Whether you enjoy it hot for cozy mornings or iced as a refreshing pick-me-up on warm afternoons, this latte brings a burst of flavor that feels luxorious and satisfying.

Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this latte is a must-try for tea lovers and anyone looking for a unique, flavorful twist on their favorite beverage!

Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Looks Awesome: The vibrant cherry hue and creamy texture make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
  • Boosts Your Mood: The bright cherry flavor and creamy vanilla notes create a drink that feels cheerful and indulgent.
  • Perfect with Desserts: Pairs wonderfully with pastries, cookies, or cakes, elevating your snack time or afternoon tea.
  • Gives Energy Naturally: When made with black or green tea, it offers a gentle caffeine boost to keep you energized.
  • Adaptable for Different Milks: Works beautifully with dairy, almond, oat, or coconut milk, offering a range of flavor profiles.
  • Romantic Touch: The cherry-vanilla combination feels luxurious and romantic, perfect for Valentine’s Day or special date nights.

Ingredients

The base of this latte is brewed tea, and your choice of tea significantly affects the flavor.

Black tea provides a bold and robust base that pairs beautifully with cherries and vanilla, while green tea offers a lighter, more delicate flavor. Herbal teas like chamomile or hibiscus can create a caffeine-free, fruity option that works well with the cherry sweetness.

Cherry juice or fresh cherries bring the fruity, tart sweetness that makes this latte unique.

If using juice, look for pure cherry juice without added sugars for a natural flavor. Fresh cherries, when in season, can be blended into a vibrant puree, adding a richer texture to the drink.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes, creating a creamy balance to the tart cherries.

Sweeteners like honey or sugar are optional but recommended to round out the flavors, especially if your cherries are more tart than sweet.

Milk is another key ingredient, providing creaminess and balancing the bold flavors of tea and cherries.

Whole milk is a classic choice for its richness, but almond, oat, or coconut milk work beautifully for dairy-free alternatives, each adding its own subtle flavor profile.

For garnishes, whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, while a cherry on top creates a visually appealing finish. You can also drizzle some cherry syrup or sprinkle some ground cinnamon for additional flavor and visual effect.

Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte in a Cup
Serve the drink in a glass cup to fully appreciate its deep pinkish red color

Ingredients for 1 serving:

  • 1 cup brewed tea (black tea, green tea, or herbal tea, depending on your preference)
  • 1/2 cup cherry juice (or fresh cherries, pitted and blended)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)
  • Ice cubes (for iced version)
  • Optional garnish: whipped cream, and cherry, cinnamon or cherry syrup on top

How To Make Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte

Instructions:

  1. Brew the Tea
    • Prepare 1 cup of tea using your choice of black, green, or herbal tea. Steep according to the tea’s instructions, then set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cherry Mixture
    • If using cherry juice, warm it gently in a saucepan. If using fresh cherries, blend them into a puree and heat slightly to enhance the flavor. Stir in the vanilla extract and honey or sugar until dissolved.
  3. Combine Tea and Cherry Mixture
    • Add the brewed tea to the cherry mixture and stir well. For a hot latte, keep this mixture warm. For an iced latte, allow it to cool.
  4. Froth the Milk
    • Heat the milk (for hot) or chill it (for iced). Froth the milk using a handheld frother, whisk, or milk frother for a creamy texture.
  5. Assemble the Latte
    • For the hot version, pour the tea and cherry mixture into a mug or a glass cup, then gently pour the frothed milk on top.
    • For the iced version, fill a tall glass with ice cubes, pour the tea and cherry mixture over the ice, and top with the chilled, frothed milk.
  6. Garnish and Serve
    • Optional: Add a swirl of whipped cream on top and garnish with a cherry (and some cherry syrup or cinnamon) for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy!

Iced Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea

The iced version of the Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte is a refreshing, vibrant twist that’s perfect for warm weather or when you’re craving a cool, energizing treat.

Iced Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte

To make it exceptional, start by chilling the brewed tea and cherry mixture before assembling. This prevents the ice from diluting the flavors too quickly and keeps the drink balanced. Using a clear tall glass allows the beautiful layers of ruby-red cherry and creamy milk to shine, making it as visually stunning as it is delicious.

To elevate the iced latte further, consider using ice cubes made with cherry juice or tea instead of regular ones. This keeps the flavor rich and consistent as the ice melts.

Frothing the chilled milk before adding it creates a creamy, luxurious top layer that mimics the hot version’s frothiness, adding texture and depth to every sip.

Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of cherry syrup, or a fresh cherry for an indulgent finishing touch!

Additional Tips & Variations

  • Layer the Drink for Visual Appeal: For the iced version, pour the cherry mixture first, followed by the tea, and then the frothed milk, layering slowly over the back of a spoon to create distinct, colorful layers.
  • Use Flavored Teas: Experiment with teas like vanilla rooibos, cherry-flavored black tea, or spiced chai to add more depth and unique flavor profiles.
  • Include Chocolate Notes: Mix in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or drizzle chocolate syrup into the glass for a cherry-chocolate flavor reminiscent of a Black Forest dessert.
  • Turn It Into a Dessert Drink: Add a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream to the iced version for an indulgent milkshake-like treat.
  • Add Coffee: Pourr in a shot of espresso for a bold, energizing version that’s perfect for mornings.
  • Make it Boozy: For an adult version, mix in a splash of amaretto, kirsch, or vanilla liqueur for a sophisticated cocktail-like drink.
  • Serve in a Frozen Glass: For the iced version, chill or freeze the serving glass beforehand to keep the drink frosty and refreshing for longer.
Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte

Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte

Experience the perfect balance of tart cherries, aromatic vanilla, and bold tea with this Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte! Enjoy it steaming hot for a cozy treat or iced for a refreshing twist.
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brewed tea (black tea, green tea, or herbal tea, depending on your preference
  • 1/2 cup cherry juice (or fresh cherries, pitted and blended)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)
  • Ice cubes (for iced version)
  • Optional garnish: whipped cream, and cherry, cinnamon or cherry syrup on top

Instructions
 

  • Prepare 1 cup of tea using your choice of black, green, or herbal tea. Steep according to the tea’s instructions, then set aside.
  • If using cherry juice, warm it gently in a saucepan. If using fresh cherries, blend them into a puree and heat slightly to enhance the flavor. Stir in the vanilla extract and honey or sugar until dissolved.
  • Add the brewed tea to the cherry mixture and stir well. For a hot latte, keep this mixture warm. For an iced latte, allow it to cool.
  • Heat the milk (for hot) or chill it (for iced). Froth the milk using a handheld frother, whisk, or milk frother for a creamy texture.
  • For the hot version, pour the tea and cherry mixture into a mug or a glass cup, then gently pour the frothed milk on top.
  • For the iced version, fill a tall glass with ice cubes, pour the tea and cherry mixture over the ice, and top with the chilled, frothed milk.
  • Add a swirl of whipped cream on top and garnish with a cherry (and some cherry syrup or cinnamon) for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy!

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