Save A playful, refreshing soda float featuring vibrant cherry syrup and fresh fruit, perfect for an eye-catching treat that tastes as fun as it looks.
I remember making these fruit soda floats during summer parties, watching everyone smile at the bold cherry color as they dug in. The flavors always sparked friendly competition over who could assemble the prettiest float.
Ingredients
- Cherry Syrup: 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries pitted, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp lemon juice
- Floats: 4 cups lemon-lime soda (or club soda for less sweetness), 8 scoops vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup fresh cherries for garnish, 1/2 cup mixed berries (optional for color), whipped cream for topping (optional), maraschino cherries for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry syrup:
- Combine cherries sugar and water in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat stirring until cherries are soft and mixture thickens (about 8 10 minutes). Mash gently and strain syrup through a fine sieve pressing to extract liquid. Stir in lemon juice and cool.
- Assemble the floats:
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons syrup into each tall glass. Add fresh cherries and mixed berries if desired.
- Ice cream addition:
- Add 2 scoops vanilla ice cream to each glass.
- Pour soda:
- Slowly pour 1 cup soda over the ice cream and syrup letting foam rise.
- Toppings:
- Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Add extra syrup for vivid cherry look.
- Serving:
- Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Save Last summer my family challenged each other to style the floats with as many berries as possible. Kids loved using extra syrup for a color pop.
Required Tools
Saucepan fine mesh sieve tall glasses ice cream scoop spoons and straws
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (ice cream whipped cream) may contain sulfites (maraschino cherries). Use plant-based options for a dairy-free vegan treat. Always check product labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 290 calories 7 g fat 56 g carbohydrates 2 g protein
Save These floats are the perfect playful dessert for sunny days. Enjoy with friends for a burst of color and chill refreshment.
Recipe FAQs
- → How is the cherry syrup prepared?
Simmer fresh or frozen pitted cherries with sugar and water until softened. Mash, strain through a fine sieve, then add lemon juice and cool.
- → Can other fruits be used for garnish?
Yes, mixed berries are optional for added color and freshness alongside the cherries.
- → Which soda works best for these floats?
Lemon-lime soda offers sweetness and citrus notes, but club soda can be used for a lighter flavor profile.
- → Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Using plant-based ice cream and whipped cream substitutes makes this treat suitable for dairy-free or vegan diets.
- → How to intensify the cherry flavor?
Incorporate black cherries or add a splash of cherry liqueur for a deeper, more robust cherry taste.