Cherry vanilla is a classic flavor popular in ice cream, soda, desserts, and more. You have the fan-favorite cherry vanilla Coca-Cola, cherry vanilla Pepsi, Häagen-Dazs cherry vanilla ice cream, and even Captain Morgan cherry vanilla spiced rum. It’s a warm and sweet gourmand that’s also made its way into perfume.

So, it’s safe to say that cherry vanilla is a popular flavor combination, and it even tastes good in cafe drinks like this cherry vanilla matcha latte! It’s sweet, creamy, slightly tart, and works so well with matcha’s earthiness. It’s a fun way to elevate a simple matcha latte and impress your friends!

Let me show you how to make a cherry vanilla matcha latte at home!

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from young green tea leaves, known for its vibrant green color and earthy, umami-rich flavor. High-quality matcha has that brilliant, almost neon green, while older or lower-quality powders tend to look more greenish-brown.

The aroma of matcha is vegetal, with notes that range from chocolatey to floral, depending on its origin and variety.

While matcha is grown in several parts of the world, Japan, particularly the Uji region, has become synonymous with top-quality matcha. Many brands proudly emphasize their Uji origins, as the area is celebrated for producing some of the finest matcha, thanks to its ideal climate and centuries-old cultivation techniques.

Do Cherry and Vanilla Go Together?

Cherry and vanilla are one of those flavor combinations that just work, and it’s no surprise they’re everywhere—from desserts to drinks to candies. Vanilla is a perfect enhancer for cherries, softening their bold, tart flavor and making them taste smoother and more balanced.

The two complement each other so well, with vanilla toning down any sharpness and letting the natural sweetness of the cherry shine. It’s a go-to combination because vanilla adds depth without overpowering the cherry, creating a blend that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Plus, I think cherry tastes way better with vanilla.

What Does Cherry Vanilla Taste Like?

Cherry vanilla tastes like the perfect blend of fruity brightness and creamy sweetness.

On its own, cherry has a bold, sweet, and tart flavor with a hint of bitterness that some people find similar to almonds. But when you pair it with vanilla, it completely removes that aftertaste and rounds out the flavor with a nice, creamy, and floral taste.

Together, cherry and vanilla feel indulgent yet refreshing and don’t overwhelm the palate. It’s a balanced flavor duo that works in anything and everything, including matcha!

Does Matcha Taste Good With Cherry and Vanilla?

Yes, matcha tastes incredible with cherry and vanilla! Matcha’s earthy, slightly bitter notes pair beautifully with the bitter, tart cherry and the creamy, sweet vanilla. The slight tartness cuts through matcha’s natural bitterness, while the vanilla smooths everything out.

This trio makes for a sweet, creamy, and unique matcha latte that feels like a fun twist on more common fruit matcha combinations like strawberry or blueberry. The cherry gives it a slight tanginess that’s more dynamic and different.

It’s also super versatile! You can play around with cherry vanilla by adding cherry syrup, fresh cherries, or even a dollop of cherry preserves to your drink, and the vanilla can come through in syrup, extract, or infused milk. It’s one of those combos that feels creative and new, ideal for switching up your matcha game.

How to Make Cherry Syrup

Making homemade cherry syrup is super easy and only takes 3 ingredients: cherries, sugar, and water.

You can use fresh, frozen, or canned cherries for this syrup! Boil the cherries, sugar, and water in a small pot until the cherry skins burst and leak juice. It’s best to mash the softened cherries to press out as much cherry juice as possible.

Then, let your cherry syrup simmer until it thickens but is still pourable. Strain the syrup into a jar and let it cool before use.

You can store this cherry syrup in the fridge for up to two weeks!

How to Prepare Matcha

You need to prepare matcha before you can drink it! This means whisking matcha powder with water so that it’s a smooth, silky liquid. Traditionally, you whisk matcha in a tea bowl using a bamboo whisk until you get a nice froth.

However, these tools can be expensive. Luckily, there are other methods for preparing matcha that anyone can use:

• Shaking matcha and water in a lidded jar or bottle until well mixed and frothy.
• Use a handheld frother to froth matcha and water in a small cup.
• Using a fork and a shallow bowl.

The above methods work if you’re in a pinch. However, using a tea bowl and whisk, you will get the best froth and texture. You can easily find these tools on any website that sells matcha, in a local Japanese homewares store, or on Amazon.

How to Make a Cherry Vanilla Matcha Latte

Here’s what you’ll need to make a cherry vanilla matcha latte:

• Matcha tea powder
• Water
• Fresh or frozen cherries
• Sugar
• Milk
• Ice
• Vanilla extract

Cherry Vanilla Matcha Latte Recipe

1. Make cherry syrup. Boil cherries, sugar, and water in a small pot for 2 minutes or until the cherries soften and start leaking juice. Carefully mash the cherries and simmer the syrup on medium heat until the syrup thickens. Strain the syrup and let it cool before use. Store in an airtight fridge for up to two weeks.
2. Whisk matcha. Whisk matcha tea powder and water in a bowl in a zigzag motion using a bamboo whisk until a froth forms. You can also use a different matcha preparation method.
3. Assemble drink. Add ice, cherry syrup, and milk to a separate cup, then mix until the milk turns pink. Top with whisked matcha.
4. Mix and enjoy!

Where to Find Matcha Powder

Matcha tea powder is all the craze these days, with the skyrocket in popularity from social media. Several popular Japanese matcha brands (Marukyu Koyamaen, Yamamasa, etc.) even have limited quantities of purchases due to unforeseen demand.

Luckily, dozens of great matcha brands are out there, and you can find matcha for any price point. You can get a basic matcha powder from the Asian grocery store for under $10, and it will have the most basic matcha flavor, perfect for beginners.

If you want to upgrade, you can look for more established matcha brands and even high-quality powders from both Japanese and Western brands. Most importantly, read about where they are sourcing their matcha from and the tasting notes.

Not all matchas are the same, and a matcha your friend likes may not be what you like. I prefer more umami-forward matchas, so Ippodo’s Ummon blend suits me best.

Tips

Here are some tips for making a sweet, creamy cherry vanilla matcha latte at home!

• Looking for convenience? Use cherry jam or preserves in place of cherry syrup! It’s pre-sweetened and ready to mix with hot water or milk to add to your matcha latte. It’s convenient and easy. However, adjusting for sweetness is hard since it’s already sweetened.
• Use real vanilla beans instead of vanilla extract for an extra creamy, luscious cherry syrup. Try using fresh cherries with vanilla beans for the ultimate fresh cherry vanilla syrup.

Other Matcha Lattes to Try

If you like this sweet and fruity matcha latte, then here are some other matcha recipes to try next:

• Cranberry Matcha Latte
• Peaches and Cream Matcha Latte
• Guava Matcha Latte
• Date Cream Matcha Latte
• Mango Matcha Latte