Save This indulgent latte combines the tart sweetness of cherry syrup with fragrant vanilla extract and robust espresso. The milk is steamed and frothed to create a smooth, creamy texture that balances the flavors perfectly. Topped optionally with whipped cream and fresh cherries, this drink offers a refreshing, cozy pick-me-up ideal for any time of the day. Simple heating and layering techniques make its preparation quick and satisfying.
I stumbled across this drink during one of those dreary February afternoons when everything feels gray and my usual coffee order just was not cutting it. The coffee shop down the street had started experimenting with fruit infused lattes, and something about cherry vanilla sounded like the kind of cozy indulgence that could fix an entire mood. Now it lives in my regular rotation, especially when I want something that feels special but comes together in the time it takes to steam some milk.
Last Sunday morning, my sister came over and I made two of these while we sat at the counter catching up about everything and nothing. She took one sip, eyes went wide, and immediately asked for the recipe instead of her usual black coffee. Now every time she visits, this is what she wants waiting for her.
Ingredients
- Cherry preserves: The preserves give you that authentic fruit flavor and natural sweetness that artificial syrup just cannot match, plus they create such a beautiful deep red color in your cup
- Espresso: One good shot anchors all that sweetness with enough bitterness to keep it balanced, though strong brewed coffee works in a pinch
- Milk: Whole milk creates the creamiest foam but oat milk surprisingly froths up beautifully and adds its own subtle sweetness that plays really well with the cherry
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla is non negotiable here because it bridges the gap between the fruit and coffee in a way that feels seamless and intentional
Instructions
- Make the cherry syrup:
- Warm the cherry preserves with water and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until it turns into a smooth syrup that coats the back of your spoon
- Brew your coffee:
- Pull a shot of espresso or brew a quarter cup of really strong coffee while the syrup cools slightly
- Heat and froth the milk:
- Steam your milk until it is hot and foamy, or heat it in a saucepan and use a frother to create those nice bubbles on top
- Build your latte:
- Start with the cherry syrup and vanilla in your mug, pour in the espresso and give it a stir, then add the steamed milk while holding back the foam with a spoon
- Finish with flair:
- Spoon that foam on top and add whatever garnishes make you happy, though whipped cream and an extra drizzle of cherry syrup never hurt anyone
Save This has become my go to when friends come over because it looks impressive but secretly takes zero effort. There is something about watching that red syrup swirl into the coffee that makes people feel taken care of, like you put thought into something special just for them.
Making It Iced
When the weather turns warm, this drink transitions beautifully to cold. Just let the cherry syrup and coffee cool down before building it over ice. The flavors somehow become even more pronounced when everything is chilled, and the red syrup swirling through the clear ice creates those gorgeous layered moments that make you want to photograph it before taking a sip.
Milk Options That Work
I have tested this with practically every milk in the dairy aisle and a solid chunk of the plant-based ones too. Oat milk might actually be my favorite because it froths up surprisingly well and adds a subtle nuttiness that plays really nicely with the cherry notes. Almond milk works but the flavor can compete a bit, while soy milk creates the most professional looking foam if you care about that sort of thing.
Sweetness Adjustments
Everyone has a different threshold for sweet, and cherry preserves can vary wildly between brands. Some are quite tart while others are basically sugar bombs. Start with less syrup than you think you need and taste as you go. You can always add more but you cannot take it back once it is in there.
- Taste your cherry preserves before you start so you know how much additional sugar you might need
- Maple syrup works surprisingly well as an alternative sweetener if you want something a bit more sophisticated
- A tiny pinch of sea salt can help balance all the flavors and make the cherry taste more vibrant
Save Whether it is a slow Sunday morning or a Tuesday afternoon pick me up, this drink somehow makes everything feel a little more intentional. Sometimes the smallest indulgences are the ones that stick with us the longest.
