So, Let’s Talk about my Sparkling Cherry-Vanilla Rebel Float
Alright, friend—let me paint you a picture. It’s one of those sticky-hot afternoons, and my kid comes racing inside, face all red and sweaty, and just goes, “Mom, something COLD. Please!” I do love a classic float, but my pantry’s… well, a bit of a jumble. On a whim, I threw together some leftover cherry soda, vanilla ice cream (generic store brand, truth be told), and a splash of this vanilla syrup I’d bought on sale months ago. Next thing I know, the neighborhood kids are hovering around like bees on jam. It’s become sort of a summer ritual now, and honestly, maybe the best thing to come out of my haphazard kitchen experiments lately. (And don’t get me started on the sticky counters after—blech.)
Why I Keep Making This (And Why You Might, Too)
I make this when I want something that feels fancy but takes less than five minutes, or when I just can’t face turning on the oven (which, let’s be real, is most days over 90°F). My family goes wild for this because it’s sweet, it’s fizzy, and it’s got that old-school soda fountain vibe without any of the fuss. Sometimes, when I’m feeling extra, I’ll even toss in some fresh cherries—though, half the time, those get eaten before they hit the glass. Oh, and if the ice cream’s a bit melty, it’s actually better; trust me.
What You’ll Need (With My Usual Substitutions)
- Cherry soda (about 1 can, 12 oz/355 ml). Any brand will do. I’ve even used sparkling water + cherry juice when that’s all I’ve got. My grandmother swears by Cheerwine, but honestly, go with what you have.
- Vanilla ice cream (2 hefty scoops). Store brand, artisan, vegan—I’ve tried ’em all. In a pinch, frozen yogurt works (but it’s less creamy).
- Vanilla syrup (1-2 tbsp, or more if you’re sweet-toothed). Those fancy coffee syrups aren’t just for lattes. I once used maple syrup and… it was weird, but not bad?
- Fresh cherries (a handful, pitted and halved, optional). I’ll be honest, I skip this if cherries are $10 a pound. Maraschino cherries also do the trick.
- Whipped cream (optional, but c’mon). Canned, homemade, or skip if you’re in a hurry.
- Ice (a few cubes, optional). Only if you want it extra cold, but sometimes it just waters things down.
How I Throw It All Together
- Start with your glass: Grab a tall one. Those Mason jars everyone loves work, but any glass will do. Plunk in a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or two, if you’re feeling rebellious—ha!).
- Add the vanilla syrup: Drizzle it over your ice cream. Sometimes it just runs down the side and makes a mess, but that’s half the fun.
- Pour in the cherry soda: Go slow, unless you want a fizzy volcano. (Which, actually, the kids enjoy, so pick your battles.)
- Add cherries: If you managed to save any, toss ’em in now. Or just eat them while making the float, like I usually do.
- Top with whipped cream: Or don’t. Sometimes, I just can’t be bothered.
- Optional ice cubes: If it’s a real scorcher, throw in a couple. Otherwise, skip ’em—I’ve found it gets too watery for my taste.
- Grab a straw and a spoon: This is the moment to sneak a taste before handing it off to someone else. Quality control!
Notes from My Messy Countertop
- Actually, I find it works better if your soda is super cold—otherwise, it melts the ice cream in seconds.
- I tried making this with diet soda once… eh, the aftertaste wasn’t my favorite, but if that’s your jam, go for it.
- Don’t stress if you end up with more foam than float at first—just let it settle for a minute, or dig in right away if you’re impatient like me.
Things I’ve Tried (And Sometimes Regretted)
- Swapping in chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla—tastes a bit like a cherry cordial, but it’s not for everyone (my youngest called it “weirdly brown”).
- Lemon-lime soda + cherry syrup—doesn’t hit the same notes, but it’ll do in a pinch if you’re out of cherry soda.
- Once, I used coconut ice cream. It was, uh, interesting, especially with whipped cream. Not my favorite, but hey, you might love it?
What If You Don’t Have a Fancy Soda Glass?
Honestly, I’ve used everything form mason jars to coffee mugs—one time, even a measuring jug when all the glasses were in the dishwasher. If you’re feeling proper, check out Crate & Barrel’s glassware selection, but really, anything that holds liquid works.
Storing Your Float (But It Probably Won’t Last)
If, miraculously, you have leftovers (can’t imagine), just pop it in the fridge for a bit. The ice cream melts and it becomes sort of a creamy soda. Not the same as fresh, but still tasty. In all honesty, though, it never lasts more than a day around here—someone always “accidentally” finishes it.
How I Love to Serve It
We go full retro and stick in a paper straw (yes, the biodegradable ones from Eco Straws—my little eco lesson for the kids). Sometimes, I add a maraschino cherry on top and pretend I’m an old-school soda jerk. My husband likes his with a little bourbon, but that’s a story for another time.
What I’ve Learned (AKA, Please Don’t Make My Mistakes)
- I once tried rushing the soda pour—foamed everywhere, the dog got a taste, and the rest is history. Just. Pour. Slowly.
- Don’t skip the syrup if you have it. I thought it was optional, but it really ties the flavors together. On second thought, too much syrup can make it cloying, so taste as you go!
- If you use frozen cherries, defrost them first or you’ll just get cherry ice rocks. Live and learn.
Questions Folks Have Actually Asked Me
- Can I use diet soda? Sure, but I find it has a funky aftertaste. Still, if that’s what you’ve got, it’ll work.
- Does it have to be vanilla ice cream? Nope! Try strawberry or chocolate—though, heads up, chocolate changes the whole vibe.
- What if I can’t find cherry soda? Sparkling water with a splash of cherry juice or grenadine works. Or even cola, if you’re in a bind—though that’s a bit off the beaten path. (Kind of rebel, actually!)
- Can I make it ahead? Not really—it’s at its best right after assembling. Maybe prep your cherries and syrup ahead, but floats are all about that fresh fizz.
- How do I keep it from overflowing? Pour slow, pause for the foam to settle, and don’t fill the glass right to the brim. Learned that the messy way.
- Can I make this vegan? Yup! Use dairy-free ice cream and check your soda’s ingredients. Easy peasy.
Honestly, there’s no rocket science here. This Sparkling Cherry-Vanilla Rebel Float is all about good vibes, a bit of nostalgia, and whatever’s in your fridge. If it ends up a little messy, that’s all part of the charm. And if you want to get extra fancy, check out some fun float variations over at Bigger Bolder Baking. Happy sipping—don’t forget the napkins!
Ingredients
- 4 cups cherry-flavored sparkling soda, chilled
- 8 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup cherry syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whipped cream, for topping
- 4 maraschino cherries, for garnish
- Crushed ice, as needed
- Fresh mint leaves, optional for garnish
Instructions
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1Chill four tall glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling the floats.
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2Add a small amount of crushed ice to each glass, then drizzle 1 tablespoon of cherry syrup and a drop of vanilla extract into each.
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3Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into each glass.
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4Slowly pour 1 cup of cherry-flavored sparkling soda over the ice cream in each glass, allowing the foam to rise.
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5Top each float with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and a fresh mint leaf if desired. Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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