CHERRY VANILLA ICED COFFEE

I love iced coffee, and cherry is just elite—so putting the two together was an easy yes. The sweet cherry syrup, little hint of vanilla, creamy oat milk, and strong coffee make the most amazing combination. It honestly tastes like something you’d order from a fancy coffee shop, especially paired with my favorite warm almond croissant from Whole Foods.

I make my coffee with the Terra Kaffe coffee maker, which is truly the crème de la crème of coffee makers. It gives me that smooth, freshly brewed coffee-shop taste without having to leave the house. And with a batch of homemade Cherry Vanilla Syrup already chilled in the refrigerator, I can make this in just a few minutes.

No need to leave the house for coffee when you can make something this good right at home. Pour it over ice, stir everything together, warm up an almond croissant, and your morning is officially made. ♥

Cherry Vanilla Iced Coffee

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Make Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 1 

Ingredients

Cherry Vanilla Syrup

• 15 pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• Dash of cinnamon

Iced Coffee

• 8 ounces brewed coffee, chilled, or 2 shots of espresso
• Ice, as needed
• Splash of oat milk
• Generous pour of Cherry Vanilla Syrup

Directions

Make the Cherry Vanilla Syrup

1. Add the cherries, sugar, water, vanilla bean paste, and cinnamon to a small saucepan.
2. Stir and cook over low heat for 15–20 minutes, until slightly syrupy.
3. Strain the syrup into a syrup dispenser and refrigerate until completely cooled.

Make the Iced Coffee

1. Brew 8 ounces of coffee and let it cool, or prepare 2 shots of espresso.
2. Fill a glass with ice.
3. Add a splash of oat milk, or more to your liking.
4. Add a generous pour of the cooled Cherry Vanilla Syrup.
5. Pour the brewed coffee or espresso over the top.
6. Stir. Sip. Enjoy. Repeat!

Perfectly paired with a warm almond croissant.

Jesse’s Kitchen Tip

Don’t overcook the syrup—it can thicken too much and crystallize as it cools. Remove it from the heat once it’s slightly syrupy; it will continue to thicken in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

♥ Warm almond croissant
♥ Buttery breakfast pastry
♥ Banana bread or coffee cake
♥ Fresh fruit and yogurt
♥ A simple brunch spread

Storage

Store the Cherry Vanilla Syrup in a sealed jar or syrup dispenser in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or stir before using.

Assemble the iced coffee just before serving.

Make Ahead

Prepare the Cherry Vanilla Syrup ahead of time and let it chill completely in the refrigerator. This makes the iced coffee quick and easy to assemble whenever you’re ready.

Variations

♥ Swap oat milk for almond milk, whole milk, or your favorite creamer.
♥ Use cold brew instead of brewed coffee or espresso.
♥ Add more or less Cherry Vanilla Syrup to adjust the sweetness.
♥ Top with cold foam or whipped cream for an extra-creamy finish.

More Ways to Use the Syrup

♥ Stir into lemonade or sparkling water.
♥ Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
♥ Spoon over vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
♥ Add to cocktails or mocktails.

RDH Tip

Sweetened coffee can expose your teeth to sugar for longer than you realize. Enjoy it in one sitting instead of sipping it throughout the day, then rinse with water afterward to help protect your enamel.

- A little cherry, a little vanilla, and a whole lot better than leaving the house for coffee. ♥