Cherry Almond Cold Brew with Vanilla Bean Cream Recipe
Imagine the bliss of sipping on a glass that perfectly balances bold coffee with the juicy brightness of cherries, the subtle sophistication of almond, and a cloud of vanilla-specked cream—all iced and ready to refresh. The Cherry Almond Cold Brew with Vanilla Bean Cream is an elevated twist on your usual morning brew, marrying fruity depth and nutty sweetness with a luxuriously rich topping. Whether you crave a novel treat for lazy weekend mornings or an enchanting afternoon pick-me-up, this drink turns ordinary moments into celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—coffee brings intrigue, cherries pack natural vibrance, almond and vanilla layer in warmth, and fresh cream harmonizes it all for a delightful sipping experience.
- 1 cup coarse ground medium-dark roast coffee: Coarse grind ensures a deliciously smooth cold brew without bitterness.
- 4 cups cold filtered water: Clean, pure water is the secret to crisp taste—don’t underestimate its importance.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries: Use the best cherries you find—frozen work great and give gorgeous color.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds gentle floral sweetness that beautifully complements both cherry and almond.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Just a splash brings unmistakable marzipan magic—go easy, it’s potent!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is your ticket to silky, dreamy cream for that barista-style finish.
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped: Real vanilla provides fragrant, flecked cream—so worth it.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Dissolves seamlessly into the cream, lending sweetness and body.
How to Make Cherry Almond Cold Brew with Vanilla Bean Cream
Step 1: Steep the Cold Brew
Start by combining your coarse ground coffee and cold filtered water in a large jar or pitcher. Gently stir to ensure all grounds are moistened, then cover and refrigerate for 12 hours. This slow, cold steep extracts the coffee’s deep, smooth flavors without bitterness—an essential foundation for the Cherry Almond Cold Brew with Vanilla Bean Cream.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Syrup
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine your fresh (or frozen) cherries and honey. Let the mixture simmer until the cherries are soft and juicy, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a blender and blend until completely smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing gently to remove solids. Stir in almond extract and let it cool—this luscious syrup packs every sip with cherry-almond delight.
Step 3: Whip the Vanilla Bean Cream
Pour your cold heavy cream into a mixing bowl. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out every last seed—add both seeds and pod for maximum aroma (just remember to fish the pod out later!). Add the powdered sugar, then whisk until soft peaks form. The result: a billowy, lightly sweetened topping speckled with fragrant vanilla, ready to float atop your cold brew masterpiece.
Step 4: Strain Your Cold Brew
Once 12 hours have passed, strain the cold brew concentrate through a coffee filter or fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. This extra step ensures a crisp, clean drink that lets every flavor shine—it’s worth the patience.
Step 5: Build Your Drink
To assemble, fill your favorite glass halfway with ice. Add 1/2 cup of the cold brew concentrate, then dilute with 1/2 cup cold water. Swirl in 2–3 generous tablespoons of the cherry syrup and give it a gentle stir—watch the pink ribbons mix with the deep coffee hue!
Step 6: Crown with Vanilla Bean Cream
Spoon a heaping cloud of vanilla bean cream over your drink. The cream slowly melts into the coffee, creating beautifully marbled layers and indulgent sips. Dive in with a straw or spoon for the ultimate Cherry Almond Cold Brew with Vanilla Bean Cream experience!
How to Serve Cherry Almond Cold Brew with Vanilla Bean Cream
Garnishes
A flourish of garnish makes each glass feel like a special occasion. Try a few whole cherries (fresh or frozen) on a cocktail stick, a scatter of sliced almonds, or even an extra dusting of vanilla bean seeds on the cream for visual and textural interest.
Side Dishes
Pair this vibrant brew with almond biscotti, cherry scones, or buttery croissants for a breakfast or brunch spread that feels absolutely luxurious. If serving in the afternoon, it’s delightful alongside a cheese board with mascarpone and fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party twist, set up a DIY bar with mini jars of cherry syrup and various garnishes so guests can build their own Cherry Almond Cold Brew with Vanilla Bean Cream. For a dessert take, serve it affogato-style over a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cold brew concentrate in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks—the flavors actually become more rounded over time. Keep cherry syrup in a separate tightly-lidded container for up to 10 days for easy assembly whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
If you find yourself with extra cherry syrup, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze; these cubes add instant refreshment to your next cold brew or sparkling water. While cold brew itself can be frozen into cubes as well, don’t freeze the whipped vanilla bean cream—it loses its magic when thawed.
Reheating
While this drink is meant to be enjoyed cold, you can warm the cherry syrup slightly before stirring it in if you prefer a cozy twist on chilly mornings. However, the beauty of Cherry Almond Cold Brew with Vanilla Bean Cream is that it truly shines on ice.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cold brew concentrate?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, grab your favorite unsweetened cold brew and simply follow the rest of the recipe for the syrup and cream. Homemade concentrate gives you the freshest flavor, but convenience is always welcome.
Is it possible to make this dairy free?
Yes! For a luscious dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with well-chilled coconut cream or a barista-style almond milk creamer. Just use a bit more sweetener since non-dairy creams can be less rich and sweet.
Can I use another sweetener instead of honey?
You can swap in maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a simple sugar syrup. Each brings its own subtle profile—maple syrup adds depth, while agave keeps things ultra-light.
What if I don’t have a vanilla bean?
No worries! Substitute the seeds from one vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon of good-quality vanilla extract, adding it after the cream is whipped so its flavor is bright and not muted by whisking.
How do I adjust the strength or sweetness?
Taste as you go! Add more diluted cold brew if you find it too strong, or an extra spoonful of cherry syrup for sweetness. The recipe is incredibly flexible to personal preference.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cherry Almond Cold Brew with Vanilla Bean Cream, you’ll understand why it’s become such a favorite in my kitchen. Its layers of flavor and sheer beauty in a glass make every sip something to savor. Give it a try and let your next coffee break become your new favorite ritual!
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Cherry Almond Cold Brew with Vanilla Bean Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this refreshing Cherry Almond Cold Brew topped with a luscious Vanilla Bean Cream. Perfect for a hot day or a special treat, this beverage combines the rich taste of cold brew coffee with the sweetness of cherries and the creaminess of vanilla.
Ingredients
Cold Brew:
- 1 cup coarse ground medium-dark roast coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
Cherry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Vanilla Bean Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cold Brew: Combine coffee grounds and cold water in a large jar. Stir gently and refrigerate for 12 hours.
- Cherry Syrup: Simmer cherries and honey until soft. Blend until smooth, strain, and add almond extract.
- Vanilla Bean Cream: Whisk heavy cream with vanilla bean seeds and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Strain cold brew through a coffee filter.
- In each glass, combine 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate with 1/2 cup cold water.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons cherry syrup and stir.
- Top with vanilla bean cream and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries for the syrup – avoid maraschino cherries
- Coarse ground coffee is essential for clean-tasting cold brew
- Split and scrape a whole vanilla bean for the best cream flavor
- Store cold brew concentrate for up to 2 weeks in the fridge
- Prep Time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brewing, Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 28mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
Keywords: Cherry Almond Cold Brew, Vanilla Bean Cream, Cold Brew Coffee, Summer Drink, Cherry Syrup
