A refreshing soda float with cherry syrup, fresh fruit, and creamy vanilla for a fun, vibrant delight.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cherry Syrup
01 - 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Floats
05 - 4 cups lemon-lime soda (or club soda for less sweetness)
06 - 8 scoops vanilla ice cream
07 - 1/2 cup fresh cherries, for garnish
08 - 1/2 cup mixed berries (optional, for color)
09 - Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
10 - Maraschino cherries, for decoration
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Combine cherries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften and mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes. Mash cherries gently, strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract liquid. Stir in lemon juice and cool completely.
02 - Drizzle 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup into the base of each tall glass. Add fresh cherries and mixed berries if desired.
03 - Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream carefully into each glass over the syrup and fruit.
04 - Slowly pour 1 cup of lemon-lime soda over the ice cream to allow foam to rise.
05 - Top floats with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Add additional syrup for a vivid cherry appearance. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
