This Nostalgic Cherry Float is fun to make and so delicious to drink. Your kids, family, and friends are going to be excited to have one of these delicious cherry floats presented to them. Make them for a special occasion, or let the Cherry Float make the occasion special. With only a handful of ingredients, you are set to go.

Want more recipes like this one? Then try our roundup of 32 Sweet Nostalgic Vintage Recipes; all of them are fun to make and amazing to enjoy!!

Two Nostalgic Cherry Floats on a board with an ice cream scoop and straws and a cherry.

As the temperature rises and the sun beats down, there’s nothing quite like a cold, refreshing drink to cool you off. And when it comes to summer drinks, there’s one classic treat that never disappoints: cherry floats. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, tangy cherry flavors or you just love the creamy taste of ice cream, cherry floats are the perfect summertime indulgence. Let’s dive in and make the tastiest summer treat!

Helpful Items For This Recipe

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12.5-oz Vintage Soda Glass, Set of 12

Grenadine Syrup Drink Mix, 1 Liter

Red & White Paper Drinking Straws, 7.75-inch Disposable Striped Paper Straws

Horizontal picture of cherry floats on a board with cherries around.

The History of Cherry Floats

While the exact origins of cherry floats are unknown, they’ve been a beloved summer treat in the United States for decades. Some historians believe that the recipe was first popularized in the 1950s when soda fountains were all the rage. Made with soda water, cherry syrup, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, cherry floats quickly became a favorite among Americans looking for a sweet, refreshing pick-me-up.

Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with some variations using different types of soda or adding in extra flavors like chocolate or caramel. But no matter how you make it, the classic combination of cherry and ice cream remains a staple of summertime cuisine.

What is in a Cherry Float?

Most grocery stores will have all you need, including the grenadine.

Ingredients

Cherry syrup or grenadine

Vanilla ice cream

Lemon-lime soda such as 7-Up or Sprite

Whipped cream, and maraschino cherries, for garnish

How to Make a Cherry Ice Cream Float

Add 3 tablespoons of cherry syrup to the bottom of each glass.

Divide the ice cream between both glasses.

Pour the lemon-lime soda to fill the glasses and top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for serving; enjoy!

Notes:

Store leftover floats in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days in a covered container; however, they will likely go flat within a couple of hours.

Variations of Cherry Floats

One of the best things about cherry floats is that there are so many different ways to make them. If you’re looking for a classic recipe. Start with a tall glass filled with lemon-lime soda and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Then, add in a few tablespoons of cherry syrup and watch as the flavors swirl together to create a delicious, refreshing treat.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, try mixing things up with different types of soda or ice cream flavors. For example, you could use root beer instead of plain soda water for a twist on the classic float. You can also experiment with different types of fruit syrups to create a custom flavor that’s uniquely your own.

And if you’re looking for an adult version of this classic treat, try adding a splash of your favorite liquor, like rum or vodka, to give your cherry float an extra kick. See our recipes below!

Square photo of two cherry floats on a round board.

WANT MORE FLOATS TO ENJOY?

Try some of our favorite floats and make your summer special. For adults, we have also included a cooling mudslide!!

Pin it HERE!!

Pin it HERE!!