This delightful iced coffee combines rich cold brew with sweet cherry syrup and creamy vanilla for a coffeehouse-quality drink at home. The tart-sweet cherry flavor pairs beautifully with smooth vanilla and robust coffee, creating a refreshing pick-me-up that's perfect for warm weather.

Recipe Details
Units:
Prep: 10 Cook: 0
Ingredients
  • 480ml cold brew coffee, chilled
  • 150g fresh cherries, pitted (or 1/2 cup frozen)
  • 100g granulated sugar
  • 120ml water
  • 10ml pure vanilla extract
  • 120ml heavy cream or milk
  • 30ml vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade)
  • as needed ice cubes
  • 120ml whipped cream for topping
  • 4 whole fresh cherries with stems for garnish
  • 1/4 bean vanilla bean, scraped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
  1. Make cherry syrup by combining 150g fresh cherries, 100g granulated sugar, and 120ml water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, mashing cherries occasionally.

  2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids to extract liquid. Stir in 10ml pure vanilla extract. Let cool completely. This makes about 180ml (3/4 cup) of syrup.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 120ml heavy cream or milk and 30ml vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade) until well combined.

  4. Fill two tall glasses with as needed ice cubes. Add 30ml (2 tablespoons) of cherry syrup to each glass.

  5. Pour 480ml cold brew coffee over the cherry syrup, filling glasses about 3/4 full.

  6. Slowly pour the vanilla cream mixture over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect, or stir in for a uniform color.

  7. Top with 120ml whipped cream for topping and garnish with 4 whole fresh cherries with stems for garnish and a sprinkle of 1/4 bean vanilla bean if using.

  8. Serve with straws and stir before drinking to combine all flavors.