There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the fizzy sweetness of Cherry Coke that instantly takes you back to summer afternoons at the corner drugstore soda fountain. This Cherry Coke ice cream captures all those familiar flavors in creamy, scoopable form—transforming your favorite fizzy drink into a frozen treat that’s both familiar and surprisingly sophisticated.
I developed this recipe during a particularly hot July when I was craving something that combined my love for classic soda fountain flavors with the satisfaction of homemade ice cream. The challenge was capturing that distinctive Cherry Coke taste without the carbonation interfering with the freezing process. The secret lies in reducing flat Coca-Cola to concentrate its flavors, then combining it with real maraschino cherries and their syrup to create that perfect sweet-tart balance.
What makes this Cherry Coke ice cream special is how it balances the complex cola flavors with rich creaminess and bursts of cherry sweetness. The Coca-Cola provides those familiar caramel and vanilla notes that make the soda so distinctive, while the maraschino cherries add both the fruity element and those perfect pops of bright red color throughout the ice cream.
This recipe works beautifully with either an ice cream maker or using the no-churn method, making it accessible regardless of your equipment. The result is smooth, creamy ice cream that tastes remarkably like your favorite soda while delivering the satisfying richness you expect from premium ice cream.
Ingredients
For Ice Cream Maker Method:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup Coca-Cola, flat and room temperature
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
For No-Churn Method:
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup Coca-Cola, flat and concentrated
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
For Cola Reduction (both methods):
- 1 cup Coca-Cola for reducing
Instructions
Begin by preparing your Coca-Cola. Open a can or bottle and let it sit at room temperature for at least 3 hours until completely flat, stirring occasionally to release all carbonation. Flat soda is crucial—any remaining bubbles can interfere with the ice cream’s texture and freezing process.
For extra flavor concentration, pour 1 cup of flat Coke into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to about ⅓ cup of syrup, approximately 15-20 minutes. This concentrates the cola flavor significantly. Let it cool completely before using. Reserve the remaining flat Coke for the recipe.
For the ice cream maker method, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is steaming and small bubbles form around the edges. Don’t let it boil.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour about half of the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. This process, called tempering, gradually raises the temperature of the yolks.
Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture coats the back of the spoon and reaches 170°F on a candy thermometer. This creates a custard base that gives the ice cream its rich, creamy texture.
Remove from heat and immediately stir in the cola reduction, flat Coca-Cola, cherry juice, vanilla extract, salt, and corn syrup. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely cold.
Churn the chilled mixture in your ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions, usually 20-25 minutes until it reaches soft-serve consistency. During the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped maraschino cherries so they distribute evenly without breaking apart.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals, and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm enough to scoop.
For the no-churn method, whip the cold heavy cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Be careful not to overwhip—you want the cream to hold its shape but still look smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cola reduction, flat Coca-Cola, cherry juice, vanilla extract, salt, and corn syrup until smooth. The mixture should smell distinctly like Cherry Coke.
Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture using a large spoon or spatula. Once partially combined, fold in the remaining cream in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Fold in the chopped cherries last, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. Transfer to a 9×5 inch loaf pan, smooth the top, and cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface.
Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until completely firm and scoopable.
Flavor and Texture Notes
This Cherry Coke ice cream delivers an incredibly authentic cola flavor that will have you doing double-takes. The base captures that distinctive Coca-Cola taste—you’ll recognize the familiar blend of caramel, vanilla, and subtle spice notes that make the soda so beloved. The reduction process concentrates these flavors beautifully without making the ice cream overly sweet.
The texture is luxuriously creamy and smooth, with the custard base creating that premium ice cream mouthfeel that melts perfectly on your tongue. The chopped maraschino cherries provide delightful bursts of concentrated sweetness and slight textural contrast that keeps each bite interesting.
What’s remarkable is how the cherry and cola flavors complement each other just like in the original soda. The maraschino cherry juice enhances both the fruit and cola elements, creating a harmonious blend that tastes exactly like Cherry Coke in frozen form. The cherries’ bright red color creates beautiful visual appeal throughout the brown-tinted ice cream base.
The ice cream scoops beautifully when properly frozen and has excellent melting qualities. It doesn’t become icy or separate as it warms, making it perfect for serving at parties or enjoying on hot summer days.
Tips and Variations
The key to authentic cola flavor is using completely flat soda and reducing some of it to concentrate the taste. Any remaining carbonation will create an unpleasant fizzy sensation and can affect the freezing process. If you’re short on time, gently heat the Coke to about 100°F to speed degassing, then cool completely.
For even more intense cola flavor, try using Mexican Coca-Cola made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup—it has a slightly different, often preferred taste profile. You can also experiment with other cola varieties like Pepsi for subtle flavor differences.
Drain your maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry before chopping. Excess liquid can create ice crystals in the finished ice cream. Save some of the cherry juice for the recipe—it’s essential for that authentic Cherry Coke flavor.
For a grown-up version, add 2-3 tablespoons of bourbon or rum to create an alcoholic variation. The alcohol will keep the ice cream slightly softer and easier to scoop, while adding complexity that pairs beautifully with both cola and cherry flavors.
Try different cherry varieties for unique twists. Fresh sweet cherries work when in season, though you’ll need to cook them briefly with sugar to concentrate their flavor. Dried cherries soaked in warm cola also create interesting flavor and texture variations.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store this ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Press plastic wrap directly against the surface before covering with a lid to prevent ice crystals from forming. The high sugar content from the condensed milk and corn syrup helps maintain a creamy texture even after extended freezing.
This ice cream actually improves after 24 hours in the freezer as the flavors meld and develop. The cola and cherry flavors become more balanced, and the overall taste becomes more cohesive and reminiscent of the original soda.
For easier scooping, remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving, depending on your freezer temperature. The corn syrup helps prevent it from becoming rock-hard, but a brief softening period ensures perfect scoops every time.
The custard base for the churned version can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator before churning. This extended chilling time actually helps develop better flavor integration.
Individual portions can be pre-scooped and stored in muffin tins lined with plastic wrap, then transferred to freezer bags once firm. This creates perfect single servings that thaw quickly for impromptu treats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this nostalgic ice cream in classic soda fountain glasses or vintage mason jars for the full retro experience. Top with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry with its stem, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup to create an old-fashioned ice cream sundae with a Cherry Coke twist.
Create the ultimate nostalgic treat by making ice cream floats—place generous scoops in tall glasses and top with actual Cherry Coke or cherry soda. The combination of creamy ice cream and fizzy soda recreates that classic float experience with enhanced cherry-cola flavor.
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts like brownies, chocolate cake, or chocolate chip cookies. The cola flavor has a natural affinity for chocolate, while the cherry elements add brightness that cuts through rich desserts beautifully.
For summer entertaining, serve scoops alongside other retro treats like root beer floats, banana splits, or classic sundaes for a fun soda fountain-themed dessert spread that appeals to all ages.
Consider making ice cream sandwiches using chocolate wafers, graham crackers, or even chocolate chip cookies. The Cherry Coke flavor works particularly well with chocolate or vanilla-flavored cookies.
FAQ
Can I use diet cola instead of regular Coca-Cola? You can, but the flavor will be noticeably different and the ice cream less sweet. Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners that can sometimes create off-flavors in frozen desserts. If using diet cola, you may want to increase the sugar or add extra cherry juice to compensate for the reduced sweetness.
Why does my ice cream taste too sweet or not enough like cola? Balance is crucial with cola ice cream. If it’s too sweet, add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. If the cola taste is weak, make sure you’re reducing some of the flat Coke to concentrate the flavor, and don’t skimp on the reduction step.
Can I make this without maraschino cherries? While maraschino cherries are traditional for Cherry Coke flavor, you can substitute fresh cherries that have been pitted and chopped, then macerated with sugar. Frozen cherries work too—just thaw and drain them thoroughly before using.
My ice cream turned out icy instead of creamy. What went wrong? Icy texture usually results from too much liquid in the base, inadequate fat content, or incomplete churning. Make sure your Coke is completely flat and properly reduced. For the custard method, ensure you’re cooking to the right temperature. Also verify that your ice cream maker bowl is properly frozen.
How can I make the cherry flavor stronger without making it too sweet? Increase the maraschino cherry juice to ⅓ cup and consider adding a few drops of pure cherry extract. You can also use a mix of maraschino cherries and fresh cherries for more complex flavor. Balancing with a tiny pinch of citric acid can enhance the fruit flavor without adding sweetness.
This Cherry Coke ice cream brings together the best of childhood nostalgia and adult sophistication in one perfectly scoopable treat. The familiar flavors of America’s favorite cola transform beautifully into rich, creamy ice cream that’s both comforting and surprising. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, enjoying it as an evening treat, or sharing it with friends who appreciate creative flavors, this ice cream delivers that perfect combination of nostalgia and indulgence. The best part is watching people’s faces light up when they realize they’re tasting their favorite soda in frozen form—it’s pure happiness that never gets old.
