Refreshingly nostalgic with a gourmet twist, this homemade Cherry Cola recipe is the ultimate way to elevate your soda game. Made with a luscious cherry syrup crafted from fresh, juicy cherries, a touch of vanilla, and zesty lemon juice, this fizzy drink balances sweetness and tang perfectly. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this easy recipe allows you to skip the store-bought soda while indulging in its vibrant, naturally fruity flavor. Customize the sweetness with your preferred amount of syrup and enjoy the invigorating fizz of chilled soda water over ice. Garnished with fresh cherries, this beverage is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for warm afternoons, backyard barbecues, or any time you crave a refreshing homemade soda, this Cherry Cola is sure to impress fans of classic flavors made from scratch!
In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and water.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries have softened and burst, about 8–10 minutes.
Use a fork or potato masher to gently mash the cherries to release their juices.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove the solids. Let the cherry syrup cool completely.
To make the cherry cola, fill a glass with ice cubes.
Pour 2–3 tablespoons of the cooled cherry syrup into the glass, depending on your desired sweetness level.
Slowly add chilled soda water or sparkling water, stirring gently to combine.
Garnish with fresh cherries, if desired, and serve immediately.
Calories |
504 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 18 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.1 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 123.7 g | ||
| Protein | 2.0 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 32 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 420 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.