Cherry and vanilla together? Honestly, one of my favorite combos. So, here’s my easy Cherry Vanilla Float Mocktail Recipe—because why not share something this good?
This drink blends sweet cherry with smooth vanilla flavors for a fun, refreshing cherry mocktail that just about anyone can enjoy.
I love how simple this cherry vanilla mocktail is to make at home. No alcohol needed—so it’s great for kids or adults who just want a tasty treat.
You only need a few basic ingredients and some easy steps. It’s the kind of drink you can throw together for a party or just because you feel like it.
Cherry Vanilla Float Mocktail Recipe
This float is all about that sweet cherry taste, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a fizzy finish from ginger ale or soda. You probably already have what you need at home, or you can find it at any grocery store.
Equipment
- Tall glasses: I like using these to build and serve each float.
- Ice cream scoop: Honestly, it just makes things less messy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Helps me get the right amount of juice and soda.
- Long spoon or straw: Good for mixing and, of course, sipping.
- Cherry pitter (optional): Handy if you want to use fresh cherries.
- Small bowls: I use these for holding cherries or toppings.
Simple tools keep things easy—no need to overthink it.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream (2-3 scoops per float): Makes the float creamy and sweet.
- Cherry juice (about 1/3 cup): Tart cherry juice is my go-to for a stronger flavor.
- Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda (1/2 to 2/3 cup): Both work—ginger ale adds a little spice, soda is sweeter.
- Sparkling water (optional): I’ll add this if I want to tone down the sweetness.
- Fresh cherries (a small handful): Pretty on top and tasty—just pit them first.
- Maraschino cherries (2 per glass): For that pop of color and a little extra sweet.
- Ice (optional): If you want it extra cold, toss in a couple of cubes.
With these, you get a float that’s full of cherry flavor and creamy goodness.
Instructions
- Drop a few fresh or maraschino cherries at the bottom of each glass.
- Add 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Pour cherry juice slowly over the ice cream—just enough to cover it.
- Fill the glass almost to the top with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Pour gently so it doesn’t fizz over.
- If it’s tasting too sweet, I’ll add a splash of sparkling water.
- Top with a maraschino or fresh cherry.
- I always have a long spoon and straw ready—makes it way more fun to drink.
Mixing gently keeps the ice cream from breaking up too quickly.
Notes
If you want more tartness, go for tart cherry juice. Mixing ginger ale with sparkling water is my trick for cutting sweetness without losing the bubbles.
Lemon-lime soda is definitely sweeter, while ginger ale brings a little spice. Vanilla bean ice cream is my favorite here, but honestly, any vanilla works.
Tall glasses are best—there’s just more room for everything. Sometimes I chill the glasses in the freezer first, just to make it extra special.
Extra cherries on top? Always a good idea for parties or a little celebration at home.
Cherry Vanilla Float Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Ice cream scoop
- Long spoon or straw
- Cherry pitter (optional)
- Small bowls for cherries or toppings
Ingredients
- 4 –6 scoops vanilla ice cream 2–3 scoops per glass
- 2/3 cup cherry juice about 1/3 cup per float
- 1 –1 1/3 cups ginger ale or lemon-lime soda 1/2–2/3 cup per float
- 1/4 cup sparkling water optional, to reduce sweetness
- 6 –8 fresh cherries pitted (a small handful)
- 4 maraschino cherries 2 per glass
- Ice cubes optional, for extra chill
Instructions
Tasting Notes
First sip? It’s all about that sweet cherry flavor. It’s bright, a bit tangy, and just screams summer.
The vanilla ice cream makes it creamy and smooth, blending with the cherry for a rich mouthful.
Then you get those tiny bubbles from the chilled soda. That fizzy lift keeps it light and makes it really refreshing.
Here’s what stands out to me:
- Sweetness: Mostly from the cherries and ice cream
- Creaminess: Melting vanilla ice cream does the trick
- Tart notes: If you use fresh or jarred cherries
- Fizziness: From club soda or lemon-lime soda
Honestly, it reminds me of summer parties or just a treat after a long day. Cold, fun, and really easy to drink.
I like that you can taste both the cherry and vanilla—neither one overpowers the other. The balance is just right and never feels too heavy.
If you add an extra cherry on top, it gives you a nice pop of flavor with every bite. It’s a little detail, but it really does make the mocktail look and taste even better.
Substitute
Honestly, I don’t always have every ingredient on hand, so I just make do with some easy swaps.
Ingredients
- Cherry soda: Usually, I just grab whatever lemon-lime soda I’ve got and toss in a splash of cherry juice.
- Vanilla ice cream: If I’m out, I’ll use frozen yogurt instead. It’s a bit lighter, which is nice sometimes.
- Fresh cherries: No fresh cherries? I’ll use canned ones, or even swap in strawberries if that’s all I’ve got. It changes up the flavor, but why not?
Equipment
Instructions
- Pour some lemon-lime soda into your glass.
- Add about 1 or 2 tablespoons of cherry juice, or maybe strawberry syrup if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Scoop in the vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- Stir it all together, but not too much.
If I’m in the mood for a little health kick, I’ll use unsweetened cherry juice instead of soda. It’s got more antioxidants and, honestly, way less sugar.
Sometimes I’ll even splash in a little pomegranate juice for an extra antioxidant boost and a punch of flavor. Swapping in different fruits is kind of fun—who knows what you’ll end up with?
