When life throws you a craving for something nostalgic yet refreshing, Cherry Vanilla Cola is my go-to treat. This sparkling beverage brings together the sweet tartness of cherries and the smooth warmth of vanilla with the classic fizz of cola. What I love most is how easy it is to make at home, without relying on the usual store-bought sodas loaded with additives. It’s perfect when you want a fun drink that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare.
I started tinkering with Cherry Vanilla Cola years ago after finding an old recipe tucked in a family cookbook. Since then, I’ve adjusted the sweetness, boosted the vanilla notes, and found the right balance of cherry flavor that keeps me coming back. This recipe is a small joy that brings back summer afternoons and friendly hangouts, bottled up in one sparkling glass. Plus, knowing exactly what’s inside is a big win for me.
Ingredients for Cherry Vanilla Cola
Here’s the lineup of ingredients I always keep on hand for this recipe. I find that being precise with amounts and types really makes a difference, so I’ll break down everything you need for the perfect Cherry Vanilla Cola.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups chilled cola (your choice: classic or diet)
- Ice cubes (as desired for serving)
- Optional: maraschino cherries for garnish
For the cherries, removing pits is crucial to avoid bitter bites. You can use fresh in season or frozen if that’s what you have. The sugar is standard granulated – easy to dissolve with a bit of heat. Vanilla extract should be pure rather than imitation for the cleanest taste. The chilled cola adds fizz and ties the flavors together, so keep it refrigerated ahead of time.
Cherry Vanilla Cola Recipes 5 Irresistible Flavors to Savor
Enjoy 5 irresistible Cherry Vanilla Cola recipes that bring bold flavor and refresh your taste buds with every sip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Cherry Vanilla Cola is a nostalgic and refreshing homemade sparkling beverage combining fresh or frozen cherries, pure vanilla extract, and classic cola. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a balanced cherry and vanilla flavor without artificial additives, perfect for gatherings or a special treat.
How to Prepare Cherry Vanilla Cola: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Cherry Vanilla Cola might sound fancy, but trust me, it’s straightforward once you see the steps. I’ll walk you through every detail to make sure your drink comes out vibrant and refreshing.
- Make the cherry syrup: Combine the cherries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally so the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the cherries start to release their juice and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Cool the syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing lightly on the solids to get as much juice as possible. You’ll end up with a smooth, deep red syrup perfect for mixing. Discard the solids or save them for toppings.
- Add vanilla: Stir the vanilla extract into the cooled cherry syrup. This step boosts the warm, creamy notes that contrast beautifully with the tart cherry.
- Assemble your cola: Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour in about 3-4 tablespoons of the cherry-vanilla syrup (adjust depending on your sweetness preference). Slowly add the chilled cola to fill the glass, stirring gently to mix.
- Garnish and serve: Drop a maraschino cherry or two on top if you like. Serve immediately for the best fizz and flavor combo.
A quick tip: don’t mix the syrup with cola too early or it might lose its sparkle. Keep the syrup chilled if you plan to make it ahead and add it at serving time. If you want a less sweet drink, cut down the syrup or add sparkling water instead of cola.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Vanilla Cola Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Customizable sweetness and fizz to fit exactly how you like it.
- Fresh cherry flavor beats any store-bought cherry soda.
- No artificial additives or preservatives—just pure taste.
- Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just treating yourself.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cherry Vanilla Cola
Here’s what you might want to know about picking and swapping ingredients.
- Cherries: Fresh is great when in season, but frozen works well year-round. Avoid canned cherries for syrup—they tend to be too sweet and syrupy already.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is straightforward and dissolves well. You can swap for brown sugar to add a deeper flavor, but it will change the taste slightly.
- Vanilla extract: Always choose pure extract when possible. Imitation vanilla might leave a bitter aftertaste that’s noticeable in this simple recipe.
- Cola: Use any cola you enjoy, from classic to caffeine-free or diet. Each one will impart its own texture and flavor note.
You can also experiment with adding a splash of lemon juice to the cherry syrup for a subtle tang, but I find the classic combo has the best balance.
FAQ Section About Cherry Vanilla Cola
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Canned cherries tend to be much sweeter and already in syrup, which can throw off the balance of your cherry syrup. I recommend fresh or frozen cherries for a clean, tart flavor that blends well with the vanilla and cola.
How long can I store the cherry syrup?
Store the syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. Always make sure to keep it chilled to maintain freshness and avoid fermentation. Give it a quick stir before using if the sugar has settled.
Is there a non-alcoholic way to enhance the vanilla flavor?
Using pure vanilla extract is the best, alcohol-free choice for this recipe. If you want to boost vanilla even more, a small amount of vanilla bean paste works beautifully and adds a thicker texture to the syrup.
Can I make this drink vegan?
Yes. All ingredients here are naturally vegan. Just be sure your cola of choice doesn’t use any animal-derived additives, which is rare but worth checking on the label.
What’s the best way to serve Cherry Vanilla Cola?
Serve it chilled over ice with a maraschino cherry on top. It pairs well with light snacks like popcorn or salty nuts, balancing sweetness with savory bites.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Nutritional values for Cherry Vanilla Cola can vary widely depending on the cola brand and the amount of sugar you use in the syrup. Because of these variations, it’s difficult to provide exact nutritional information. If tracking calories or sugar intake is important for you, check the nutrition labels of your ingredients. Consider making your syrup with less sugar or using a diet cola to reduce calories and carbs.
