Homemade Fruit Soda Floats (Print Version)

Vibrant cherry syrup combines with soda, vanilla, and fresh fruit to create a fun and refreshing summer indulgence.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cherry Syrup

01 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
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
06 - 8 scoops vanilla ice cream
07 - 1/2 cup fresh cherries, for garnish
08 - 1/2 cup mixed berries, optional
09 - Whipped cream, optional for topping
10 - Maraschino cherries, for decoration

# How to Make It:

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. Gently mash cherries, strain 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 bottom of each tall glass. Add fresh cherries and mixed berries if desired.
03 - Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream carefully into each glass.
04 - Pour 1 cup lemon-lime soda slowly over the ice cream and syrup mixture. Allow foam to rise naturally.
05 - Top each float with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Optionally add extra syrup for intensified cherry color.
06 - Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Bursts with fruity cherry flavor in every sip
  • Customizable aesthetic for parties or family gatherings
02 -
  • Contains dairy from ice cream and whipped cream unless using plant-based alternatives
  • Maraschino cherries may contain sulfites, always check product labels if sensitive
03 -
  • Use black cherries for a richer flavor and deeper color
  • Swap out cherry syrup for raspberry or strawberry for added variety
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