Description
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, life can sometimes feel like a whirlwind—busy days filled with meetings, family responsibilities, and maybe squeezing in some ‘me-time’ between it all. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my go-to comfort drink: the Cherry Vanilla Tea Latte! This delightful concoction is not just a drink; it’s a hug in a mug that’s perfect for those cozy afternoons or a chic morning pick-me-up. It combines the fragrant notes of a well-brewed tea with the rich sweetness of cherries and a dash of vanilla. Sounds heavenly, right? Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup brewed tea (your choice of black, green, or herbal)
- 1/2 cup cherry juice or fresh cherries (pitted and blended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or sugar (to taste)
- 1/2 cup milk or a plant-based alternative
- Ice cubes (for the iced version)
- Optional garnish: whipped cream, cherry, cinnamon, or cherry syrup
Instructions
- Brew the Tea: Start by brewing 1 cup of your chosen tea. Whether you’re feeling bold and go for black tea or want something soothing like herbal, steep it according to the package instructions and let it set aside to cool a bit.
- Prepare the Cherry Mixture: If you’re using cherry juice, gently warm it in a saucepan. If you’re going fresh, blend those juicy cherries into a smooth puree and give it a little heat—trust me, this will intensify the cherry flavor!
- Combine Tea and Cherry Mixture: Pour the brewed tea into the cherry mixture, stirring away to blend those beautiful flavors. If you’re going for a warm latte, keep this mix warm on the stove. If it’s a hot day, let it cool—there’s nothing wrong with a chilled cherry-vanilla treat!
- Froth the Milk: Now, let’s froth up that milk! Heat it for a hot latte or chill it for iced, then whip it with a handheld frother or whisk until it’s nice and frothy. It’s like magic watching it transform!
- Assemble the Latte: For the hot version, pour your tea-cherry blend into an adorable mug, then gently layer the frothed milk on top. For the iced version, fill a tall glass with ice cubes, pour the cherry tea over the ice, and crown it with that delightful frothed milk.
- Garnish and Serve: To make it even more Instagram-worthy, add a swirl of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle with cherry syrup. It’s like giving your drink a little fairy dust!
Notes
- If you find your sauce a little bit lumpy, don’t panic! It’s just the cherries being their delicious selves and adds character to your latte.
- You can make a bigger batch of the cherry mixture to store in the fridge for an easy, grab-and-go option on busy mornings.