Go Back
- 1 cup cherry soda - 1 cup vanilla ice cream - 1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved Cherry soda is the star of this float. It adds sweetness and fizz. Vanilla ice cream gives a creamy base that blends perfectly. Fresh cherries bring a burst of flavor and a pop of color. - Whipped cream - Maraschino cherries - Chocolate shavings Whipped cream adds lightness and a fluffy touch. Maraschino cherries make a fun garnish on top. Chocolate shavings can give a rich flavor twist if you want something extra. - Alternative sodas - Dairy-free ice cream options - Fresh versus frozen cherries You can use any fruit soda you like for a twist. If you need it dairy-free, try coconut or almond ice cream. Fresh cherries are best, but frozen work too. Just thaw them before use. For the full recipe, check out the complete set of instructions to make your Cherry Vanilla Floats for Two! Marinating the cherries Start by marinating the fresh cherries. In a small bowl, combine the halved cherries with the vanilla extract. Gently toss them to coat in the vanilla. Let them sit for about 5 minutes. This step boosts the flavor and makes the cherries taste even better. Preparing the glasses While the cherries marinate, grab two tall glasses. Make sure they are clean and ready for the floats. You can chill them in the fridge for a few minutes if you like. This helps keep the floats cold and refreshing. Adding ice cream to the glass Spoon a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream into each glass. I like to use a small ice cream scoop for this. Place it right at the bottom, and let it spread out a bit. Pouring cherry soda and layering ingredients Next, slowly pour the cherry soda over the ice cream. Fill the glass until it's about halfway full. Watch the fizz and bubbles! Then, spoon the marinated cherries on top of the soda and ice cream. Distribute them evenly between the glasses. Finally, add another scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Let it meld beautifully into the soda. Adding whipped cream and garnishes Now comes the fun part! Top each float with a dollop of whipped cream. Make it nice and fluffy. If you want, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for an extra treat. Serving suggestions Place a maraschino cherry on each whipped cream peak. Serve the floats right away with a straw and a long spoon for scooping. Enjoy this sweet treat with a friend! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To achieve the right fizz, use chilled cherry soda. Cold soda creates a lively effervescence. Pour it slowly over the ice cream. This helps keep the bubbles intact. Keep an eye on the fizz as it rises. You want it to dance in the glass. For ice cream consistency, use slightly softened vanilla ice cream. Let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to scoop and layer. It also blends nicely with the soda. If the ice cream is too hard, it won't mix well. Using decorative glasses adds flair to your floats. Choose tall, clear glasses to show off the layers. This makes each float look more appealing. You can even use sundae glasses or mason jars. Garnishing creatively makes your floats pop. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Add chocolate shavings for an extra treat. Try fresh mint leaves for a splash of color. These small touches can make your floats feel special. For the best snacks or desserts, serve light and crunchy treats. Think pretzels, popcorn, or even cookies. These snacks complement the sweetness of the float well. For drink pairings, try a light lemonade or iced tea. These drinks balance the sweetness of the cherry vanilla float. They also make for a festive occasion. If you want to impress, serve a fruit punch alongside. It keeps the fun going! {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor with different fruit sodas. Try grape, orange, or even root beer! Each soda brings its own fun twist. If you love chocolate, add some chocolate syrup to the float. A drizzle of caramel can also make it extra tasty. Both options create a rich and creamy treat. If you want a vegan version, use dairy-free ice cream. Coconut milk ice cream works great and adds a nice flavor. You can also find sugar-free sodas that taste just as good. These options let everyone enjoy the float, no matter their diet. For summer, try adding fresh berries or citrus slices. They add color and a burst of flavor. During the holidays, use eggnog soda instead of cherry soda for a festive twist. You can even sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a fun look. Each season brings new chances to enjoy this treat! To keep your Cherry Vanilla Floats fresh, store the ingredients separately. The soda and ice cream don’t mix well once combined. If you have leftover floats, drink them right away for the best flavor. If you must store them, try to keep the soda in the fridge and the ice cream in the freezer. Use airtight containers to guard against ice crystals forming on the ice cream. You can repurpose leftover cherries in many fun ways. Use them in yogurt or oatmeal for a tasty breakfast. You can also blend them into smoothies for a refreshing drink. If you have extra vanilla ice cream, add it to milkshakes or make sundaes. The cherry soda can be used in cocktails or as a punch base. Get creative and mix flavors! Cherry soda stays fresh for about 6 months when unopened. Once opened, use it within a week. Vanilla ice cream lasts about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To keep ice cream from freezer burn, seal it well. Always check for off smells or weird textures before using. Following these tips helps you enjoy your floats longer! You cannot make Cherry Vanilla Floats too early. If you prepare them too soon, the ice cream will melt. The float loses its fun fizz too. I suggest making them right before serving. This way, you keep the perfect texture and taste. You can prep some parts ahead. For example, pit and halve the cherries early. You can also measure the vanilla extract. Keep these ready in the fridge until you need them. If you cannot find cherry soda, other drinks work well. You can use grape soda for a different flavor. Lemon-lime soda is also a good choice. It adds a nice citrus kick. If you want a healthier option, try sparkling water with cherry juice. You still get that bubbly effect. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness to your liking. This keeps the float fun and refreshing. To make Cherry Vanilla Floats even more special, think about the setting. They are great for a roller skating party! You can add fun straws and colorful napkins. Use bright glasses to make it festive. For summer picnics, pack the floats in cooler cups. You can also add sprinkles on top of the whipped cream. This gives a fun touch. Sharing these floats with friends makes the moment sweeter. You can find the Full Recipe to help you plan ahead. The cherry vanilla float is a fun and easy treat. You learned about the main ingredients like cherry soda, ice cream, and fresh cherries. We also explored optional add-ons and tasty variations to try. Presentation tips and pairings can make it more special. Storing your leftovers properly ensures nothing goes to waste. Use these tips to enjoy a refreshing float anytime. Now it’s time for you to create, enjoy, and share this delicious drink!

Cherry Vanilla Floats for Two

Cool down with a delightful Cherry Vanilla Float that combines the sweetness of cherry soda and creamy vanilla ice cream! This refreshing treat is perfect for a hot day or a fun gathering. Discover how easy it is to make this delicious drink with fresh cherries, whipped cream, and optional chocolate shavings. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a bubbly experience that will impress your friends and family!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup cherry soda

1 cup vanilla ice cream

1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream for topping

Maraschino cherries for garnish

Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions
 

In a small bowl, combine the fresh cherry halves with the vanilla extract. Gently toss to coat the cherries and let them sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavor.

    In two tall glasses, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom.

      Slowly pour cherry soda over the ice cream until it reaches about halfway up the glass. Watch the fizz and bubbles!

        Spoon in the marinated cherries on top of the soda and ice cream, distributing evenly between the glasses.

          Top each float with another generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing it to meld into the soda.

            Finish with a dollop of whipped cream atop each float.

              If desired, sprinkle chocolate shavings over the whipped cream and place a maraschino cherry on top as a garnish.

                Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon for scooping.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2