Save to Pinterest A playful, refreshing soda float featuring vibrant cherry syrup and fresh fruit. This treat is as eye-catching as it is delicious, perfect for anyone who loves adding a splash of color to dessert time.
The first time I made these fruit soda floats, my kitchen was buzzing with laughter. Watching the syrup swirl and the ice cream foam rise always brings back summer memories of making this with friends.
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:
- 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 the ice cream:
- Carefully add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
- Add the soda:
- Slowly pour 1 cup of lemon-lime soda over the ice cream and syrup. Let the foam rise.
- Garnish:
- Top each float with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Add extra syrup for a vivid cherry-coded look.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Save to Pinterest Making these floats for my family feels like bringing a piece of summer vacation right to our table. Kids love choosing their berries and watching the dessert come together.
Required Tools
Saucepan, fine mesh sieve, tall glasses, ice cream scoop, spoons and straws
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 290, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 2 g
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.
Save to Pinterest Serve these floats immediately for the perfect frothy look. They make every summer gathering even more memorable.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the cherry syrup?
Simmer pitted cherries with sugar and water until softened and thickened, then strain and add lemon juice for brightness.
- → Can I use different sodas besides lemon-lime?
Yes, club soda can be used for a less sweet and more neutral base, allowing other flavors to stand out.
- → What alternatives exist for vanilla ice cream?
Dairy-free or plant-based ice creams work well for vegan options without compromising creaminess.
- → How can I enhance the cherry flavor?
Use black cherries or add a splash of cherry liqueur for a deeper, richer taste, suitable for adults.
- → What is the best way to garnish the floats?
Fresh cherries, mixed berries, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries add vibrant color and texture on top.