Cherry Cola Float

American cherry cola⏱ 10 min⚡ Vegetarian

Cherry Cola Float is a frosty, fizzy diner-style treat with creamy vanilla ice cream melting into sweet cherry cola. Finished with whipped cream and a bright maraschino cherry, it is simple, nostalgic, and instantly refreshing.

Nutrition · per serving

303kcal

3.4gProtein

45.8gCarbs

12gFat

0.2gFiber

2 servings

Ingredients

4 items

Float base

cherry cola, well chilled500 ml

vanilla ice cream200 g

Toppings

whipped cream60 g

maraschino cherries2 cherries

Tips

•For the best texture contrast, use very cold cola and firm ice cream.
•Pouring the soda over the back of a spoon can help reduce aggressive foaming.
•If you prefer a sweeter, more dessert-like float, add a little extra whipped cream; for a more drinkable float, reduce the ice cream to 150 g total.
•A dash of maraschino cherry syrup can be added for a stronger cherry flavour, but the classic version is excellent as written.

Steps

1
Chill 2 tall glasses in the freezer for 3-5 minutes if you want the float to stay frosty longer. Keep the cherry cola very cold and let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 1-2 minutes so it scoops cleanly without melting too much.
2
Divide the vanilla ice cream between the chilled glasses, adding 2 generous scoops per glass. Pack the scoops gently so they sit securely at the bottom or slightly up the sides.
200 g vanilla ice cream
3
Slowly pour the cherry cola into each glass, a little at a time, tilting the glass slightly to control the foam. Pause briefly if the fizz rises too fast, then continue until the glasses are nearly full.
500 ml cherry cola, well chilled
4
Top each float with whipped cream and finish with 1 maraschino cherry. Serve immediately with a long spoon and straw while the ice cream is still distinct and creamy.
60 g whipped cream2 cherries maraschino cherries

Origin & History

The ice cream float is widely credited to American soda fountain culture of the late 19th century, when carbonated drinks and hand-scooped ice cream became popular treats. Cherry cola variations emerged later as fountain menus expanded, combining the nostalgic appeal of cola floats with the sweet, candy-like cherry flavour loved in classic American diners.

american float cherry-cola vanilla-ice-cream vegetarian dessert beginner no-cook

Do even more with Gourmate

Cook this recipe in Gourmate — your AI meal planning app.

Plan Meals

Weekly planner at a tap

Ask Questions

Chat with your AI chef

Adjust Recipe

Scale servings & swap ingredients

Cook Mode

Step-by-step guidance

Kitchen Timers

Built-in timers & alerts

Grocery List

Auto-generated shopping lists

Open in App Download Gourmate

Steps

Chill 2 tall glasses in the freezer for 3-5 minutes if you want the float to stay frosty longer. Keep the cherry cola very cold and let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 1-2 minutes so it scoops cleanly without melting too much.

Divide the vanilla ice cream between the chilled glasses, adding 2 generous scoops per glass. Pack the scoops gently so they sit securely at the bottom or slightly up the sides.

200 g vanilla ice cream

Slowly pour the cherry cola into each glass, a little at a time, tilting the glass slightly to control the foam. Pause briefly if the fizz rises too fast, then continue until the glasses are nearly full.

500 ml cherry cola, well chilled

Top each float with whipped cream and finish with 1 maraschino cherry. Serve immediately with a long spoon and straw while the ice cream is still distinct and creamy.

60 g whipped cream2 cherries maraschino cherries

Origin & History