The easiest swap will turn your next homemade Cheerwine float into something extra special. This classic cherry soda plays well with different ice cream flavors for a sweet and bubbly treat. Pour slowly to prevent a mess, and you have yourself one of the simplest desserts around.
My mid-thirties seem to be my float era (a super fun beer float coming soon), and this Cheerwine float was, in a word, delightful. Lord knows with an up-way-before-the-sun baby I can use a little extra caffeine alongside my dessert.
Cheerwine is regionally big in the southeast and isn't available everywhere, but if you can get your hands on it, you're in for a treat. An extra-crispy, cherry-forward soda, it gives me the warm fuzzies as it was everywhere in North Carolina, where it was founded and where I got married.
Moving on to the float aspect of it all: The NC-based chain Cook Out makes a Cheerwine float, which upon seeing it on their menu got the wheels turning on making one at home. It's a soda float so it's not exactly revelatory, but having the freedom to choose ice cream flavors beyond vanilla is a game-changer.
My #1 Tip: Use Chocolate Ice Cream
Cook Out uses vanilla soft serve when they make their floats, but the big advantage of making a Cheerwine float at home is you can swap that out easy breezy. In my opinion, the chocolate-cherry combination of making a Cheerwine float with chocolate ice cream was fantastic - I highly recommend.
Making Cheerwine Floats
The method is simple: scoop ice cream into a glass and pour in the Cheerwine. Though there are some things to note:
- Pour slowly. Carbonated drinks foam up considerably when poured over ice cream. Pictured are English-style imperial pint glasses (with 20-ounce capacities) and I still needed to go very slowly pouring the Cheerwine in stages near the end so they didn't spill over.
- Premium ice cream isn't necessary. Save fancy ice cream or good gelato for enjoying solo. Your favorite basic chocolate or vanilla works great for a float.
- Easy garnishes. Whipped cream and a maraschino cherry are standard float/milkshake toppings for a reason. A light drizzle of chocolate syrup makes it even better, with a striped straw bringing nostalgic vibes.
TJ's hadn't released this yet when I took pictures of these floats, but if you can get your hands on chocolate whipped cream, too...I mean, wow. This stuff's good.
More Thoughts
- I haven't made a Cheerwine float with their zero sugar variety (or tasted it for that matter), so experiment at your own risk. You know how those zero-sugar sodas can go...some taste great, some not-so-great.
- Keep in mind Cheerwine is a caffeinated soda, in case you'd rather not enjoy this float soon before bed.
- Get creative with ice cream flavors! Smooth ice creams without mix-ins are best. Think about what might taste good with Cheerwine's cherry-no-cola flavor. I'm curious about coffee ice cream here, maybe combining it with chocolate, but haven't tried it yet.
Did you enjoy this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a star rating and a comment review in the recipe card below!
Cheerwine Float
Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce bottle Cheerwine soda chilled
- 2 scoops vanilla or chocolate ice cream (chocolate highly recommended)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Drizzle of chocolate syrup for topping
- A maraschino cherry for topping
Instructions
- Add two scoops of your favorite vanilla or chocolate ice cream to large glasses - the larger the better. Slowly pour the cold Cheerwine over the ice cream. It will foam up considerably so stop and give it time to settle a bit before resuming.
- Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a maraschino cherry. Serve with a straw.
Notes
- Nutrition is a big estimate as it will differ depending on how much and what kind of ice cream you use.
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Food Safety and Nutrition Disclaimer
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