The Basics of Crafting Cherry Cola
Cherry cola combines the refreshing fizz of cola with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries.
You can make this classic drink at home with a few simple ingredients and some basic techniques.
Selecting Your Cherries
• Fresh cherries
• Frozen cherries
• Maraschino cherries
• Cherry juice
When making cherry cola, you have several cherry options.
Fresh cherries offer the most authentic flavor, but require pitting.
Meanwhile, frozen cherries are a convenient year-round alternative.
Maraschino cherries provide a sweeter, more intense flavor and vibrant color.
Lastly, cherry juice can be used for a smoother consistency.
Choose ripe, dark red cherries for the best flavor.
If using fresh cherries, remove the stems and pits.
For frozen cherries, thaw them before use.
As for maraschino cherries, they come ready to use.
Just drain the syrup (but save it for later).
Creating Cherry Syrup
• 1 cup cherries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• Optional: almond extract, vanilla extract
Cherry syrup is the key to homemade cherry cola.
To make it, combine cherries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
Then, bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Make sure to mash the cherries as they cook to release more flavor.
After that, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract all the syrup.
For extra flavor, add a few drops of almond or vanilla extract.
Finally, let the syrup cool completely before use.
Store your homemade cherry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Choosing the Right Cola Base
• Store-bought cola
• Homemade cola syrup
• Seltzer water
The cola base is crucial for your cherry cola.
You can use a store-bought cola for convenience, or make your own cola syrup for a truly homemade experience.
If you choose to make your own, combine water, sugar, caramel coloring, and cola flavoring.
Meanwhile, using seltzer water instead of cola makes a lighter version.
This allows the cherry flavor to shine through more prominently.
Experiment with different ratios to find your perfect balance of sweetness and fizz.
Combining Ingredients for the Perfect Blend
• 1 part cherry syrup
• 3-4 parts cola or seltzer
• Ice
• Optional: Fresh cherries for garnish
To make your cherry cola, fill a glass with ice.
Add one part cherry syrup, then top with three to four parts cola or seltzer, depending on how strong you want the cherry flavor.
Stir gently to combine.
Taste and adjust the ratio as needed.
You might prefer more or less cherry flavor.
Garnish with a fresh cherry or two if desired.
For a fun twist, try freezing cherry syrup in ice cube trays.
Use these flavored ice cubes in your cola for a slowly intensifying cherry taste as they melt.