Elevate your summer sipping on a dairy-free black cherry cream soda that is homemade! Fresh cherry syrup meets coconut cream, then the soda-shop inspired drink is topped with black cherry sparkling water. Light, creamy, fruity, and totally refreshing, this fizzy beverage guarantees a delightful treat!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Chill10 minutesmins
Total Time20 minutesmins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Black Cherry, Coconut Cream, Coconut Milk, Cream Soda, Dairy-Free
In a small saucepan, add the prepared cherries, maple syrup and lemon juice. Cook over medium-low heat, periodically mashing the cherries with a wooden spoon. Cook until the juices have been released from the cherries and the mix becomes slightly thick - about 10 minutes.
3 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Using a spoon, press the cherry puree through a fine mesh strainer set over a small bowl. Make sure to scrape the underside of the strainer to collect all the cherry juice! Set in the refrigerator to cool completely - for at least 10 minutes.
The cherry puree can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cream Soda
Shake the can of coconut milk. Measure into a liquid measuring cup and stir as needed to combine any lumps. Transfer the remaining coconut milk to a covered container and refrigerate for a different recipe, or to make smoothies.
1/3 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk, full fat
Add the maple syrup to the coconut cream and stir until mixed.
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Once the cherry puree has cooled, fill 2 serving glasses 1/3 full of ice. Scoop equal amounts of cherry puree on top of the ice. Next pour equal amounts of the coconut cream on top of the cherry puree. Finish by filling each glass the remainder of the way with the sparkling water. Serve and enjoy!
1 can sparkling water
Notes
Serving Size - This recipe is easily doubled to make more sodas.
Coconut Milk - I recommend canned coconut milk to make the soda super creamy. Shake the can to combine the liquid and solids.
Cherries - I recommend fresh cherries if they are in season, but frozen cherries will also work.
Ratios - Because the cherry sodas are homemade, you can adjust the cherry syrup, cream, soda, and ice however you like!
Stir - Though the lovely layers in the photos are beautiful, I do recommend a good stir to blend all the flavors.
Leftover Coconut Milk - Save it for a delicious smoothie, or make more cherry soda!
Substitutions - Easily swap in 1:1 any dairy or dairy free milk or cream you prefer. Along with any fruit or flavored soda.