Save to Pinterest 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.
The first time I made these homemade fruit soda floats was for a summer picnic with friends. Watching everyone light up at the bright cherry syrup and creamy scoops of ice cream made it such a joyful experience.
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 Cherry Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until cherries are soft and the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes). Mash the cherries gently, then strain the syrup through a fine sieve, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Stir in lemon juice. Let cool completely.
- Assemble the Floats:
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup into the bottom of each tall glass. Add a few fresh cherries and mixed berries if desired.
- Add Ice Cream:
- Carefully add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
- Pour Soda:
- Slowly pour 1 cup of lemon-lime soda over the ice cream and syrup. Let the foam rise.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Top each float with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Add extra syrup for a vivid cherry-coded look. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Save to Pinterest My family loves making these floats together in the backyard, layering syrup and ice cream for that perfect cherry-coded look. It has become our go-to summer dessert for gatherings and hot afternoons.
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). For dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based ice cream and whipped cream. Always check product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 290, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 2 g
Save to Pinterest Serve these floats immediately for maximum foam and flavor. They are sure to delight kids and adults with their fun look and fruity taste.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How is the cherry syrup made?
Cherries are simmered with sugar and water until soft, then strained and mixed with lemon juice for balance and brightness.
- → Can I use a different soda in this float?
Yes, lemon-lime soda is recommended for sweetness and fizz, but club soda can be used for a less sweet option.
- → What toppings enhance the floats?
Whipped cream and maraschino cherries create a classic finish, with optional fresh cherries or mixed berries adding color and freshness.
- → Is there a way to make these floats dairy-free?
Substitute plant-based ice cream and whipped topping to accommodate dairy-free or vegan preferences without sacrificing flavor.
- → How should these floats be served?
Serve immediately after assembly using tall glasses, straws, and spoons to enjoy the frothy texture and layered flavors.
- → Can the cherry syrup be substituted?
Yes, raspberry or strawberry syrup can be used for different fruity aesthetics and flavor variations.