Cherry Cocoa Soda Float Sundae is the ultimate mashup of an old-fashioned ice cream float and a chocolate sundae bubbly, creamy, and full of cherry-chocolate magic. It’s like a retro soda fountain dream in a glass, perfect for warm afternoons, date nights, or any time you want a fun, over-the-top dessert.
Picture this: scoops of rich vanilla or chocolate ice cream floating in fizzy cherry cola, swirled with homemade chocolate syrup and topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and chocolate shavings. Every sip and spoonful is a mix of cold, creamy, fizzy sweetness pure nostalgia with a twist.
I first made this sundae one summer when I wanted to recreate that diner-style root beer float vibe but with a little more flair. Adding cherry soda and cocoa turned out to be genius. It’s indulgent, surprisingly refreshing, and guaranteed to make anyone at the table smile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Retro and refreshing: Old-school soda shop vibes in your own kitchen.
- Quick to make: Takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish.
- Chocolate-cherry perfection: Rich, fizzy, creamy, and sweet.
- Customizable: Use your favorite ice cream or soda combo.
- Instagram-worthy: Gorgeous layers and toppings make it a total showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 scoops vanilla or chocolate ice cream (per glass)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) cherry cola or cherry soda
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup or cocoa sauce
- 1 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (optional, for extra color & flavor)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles, for garnish
Optional twist: Add a splash of cold brew coffee or cherry liqueur for an adult-friendly version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Chill Your Glasses
Place tall soda glasses or milkshake jars in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling. This keeps your float extra frosty and creamy.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate Base
Drizzle chocolate syrup along the inside of the chilled glass, letting it streak down the sides. Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the bottom of the glass.
Step 3: Scoop the Ice Cream
Add 2 generous scoops of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or even cherry swirl). Pour 1 tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice over the ice cream if you’d like a pink hue and a cherry kick.
Step 4: Pour in the Soda
Slowly pour cherry cola or soda over the ice cream. Go slowly to avoid overflowing — the fizz will rise! The soda will mix slightly with the syrup, creating a creamy, fizzy chocolate-cherry float.
Step 5: Top Like a Sundae
Crown each float with a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of more chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings, and a bright red maraschino cherry.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve with a straw and a spoon — you’ll want to sip the bubbles and scoop the melting ice cream.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Float
- Chill everything: Cold glasses, soda, and ice cream make the perfect creamy fizz.
- Pour slowly: Adding soda too quickly creates too much foam.
- Balance the sweetness: If using very sweet cherry soda, use dark chocolate syrup to keep it balanced.
- Homemade chocolate syrup: Mix ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup sugar, and 2 tbsp hot water for an easy, richer flavor.
- Add texture: A sprinkle of crushed cookies or brownie bits takes this over the top.
Variations & Fun Twists
- Black Forest Float: Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling to the bottom before layering.
- Mocha Cherry Float: Use coffee ice cream instead of vanilla.
- Vanilla Dream: Use cream soda instead of cola for a softer, nostalgic flavor.
- Frozen Float: Blend everything into a milkshake for a thick, spoonable version.
- Boozy version: Add a shot of cherry vodka or crème de cacao for a grown-up dessert cocktail.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert drink is pure celebration in a glass! Serve it at:
- Summer barbecues: A fun alternative to milkshakes or ice cream.
- Movie nights: Pair it with popcorn or chocolate-dipped pretzels.
- Valentine’s Day: Dress it up with heart sprinkles and serve for two.
- Dinner parties: Serve mini versions in cocktail glasses for an elegant touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm soda: It melts the ice cream too fast. Always chill your soda first.
- Overfilling the glass: The fizz can easily overflow — pour slowly.
- Skipping the whipped cream: It adds that signature sundae finish.
- Flat soda: The bubbles make the magic happen! Use freshly opened soda for best results.
- Too much chocolate syrup: A drizzle is perfect — too much can overpower the cherry flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Serve fresh: This is one dessert best enjoyed right away — floats don’t store well.
- Prep ahead: You can pre-scoop ice cream into glasses and freeze them until ready to pour in the soda.
- Make syrup in advance: Homemade chocolate syrup keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 44g
- Calcium: 10% DV
Cherry Cocoa Soda Float Sundae
Equipment
- tall soda glasses chilled for better presentation
- Ice cream scoop for portioning ice cream
- Spoon to layer and eat the float
- straw for sipping the float
- Freezer to chill glasses ahead
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla or chocolate ice cream (per glass)
- 0.75 cup cherry cola or cherry soda
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup or cocoa sauce
- 1 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (optional)
- whipped cream, for topping
- maraschino cherries, for garnish
- chocolate shavings or sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Place tall soda glasses or milkshake jars in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling. This keeps your float extra frosty and creamy.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the chilled glass, letting it streak down the sides. Add 1 tbsp syrup to the bottom of each glass.
- Add 2 scoops of ice cream to each glass. Pour 1 tbsp maraschino cherry juice over the ice cream if desired.
- Slowly pour cherry soda over the ice cream to avoid overflow. Let it fizz and mix naturally with the syrup.
- Top with whipped cream, more syrup, chocolate shavings, and a cherry.
- Serve immediately with a spoon and straw for the full float experience.
Notes
Nutrition
A Sip of Nostalgia
Cherry Cocoa Soda Float Sundae is pure joy — fizzy, frothy, and decadent in the best way possible. The combination of cold soda, melting ice cream, and chocolate-cherry flavor feels both classic and new. It’s a dessert that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet always delights.
Whether you’re serving it on a hot summer night, during a cozy movie marathon, or as a nostalgic treat for friends, this sundae will make everyone smile. Grab a spoon, a straw, and a cherry on top — it’s time to sip your way into dessert bliss.
