Somewhere between your afternoon coffee and a nostalgic soda fountain drink lives this Cherry Americola. Made with cherry cola, bold espresso, and an optional cherry cold foam, this fizzy iced coffee soda is way too much fun to be taken seriously!
The americola is a modern coffee drink made by combining espresso with cola or soda (similar to my homemade espresso soda). This trendy drink has been around for a while, popping up in specialty coffee cafes across the country. For a girl who kinda hates (hot) coffee, this is more my jam!
While I like the americola as is, I wanted more flavor. Cherry soda adds a subtle sweetness and a fun throwback soda fountain vibe that sets it apart from the original. And that cherry cold foam? Well, that's just the cherry on top!
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Key ingredients and substitutions
In its simplest form, this cherry americola has only 2 ingredients (cherry soda and espresso). However, if you want to spruce it up, then check out the extras below.
- Cherry soda- I'm a Coca-Cola fan, but you can use any brand of cherry cola you can get your hands on. Just note that each brand will vary by taste and sweetness, so choose one that you enjoy the flavor of on its own. If you prefer diet or caffeine-free cola- go ahead! If you're feeling fancy, hunt down a specialty craft cherry soda such as Boylan's.
- Espresso- A strong, freshly brewed espresso coffee is recommended. However, you can use your favorite coffee or cold brew. If you want to avoid caffeine, just make it decaf.
- Cherry syrup- This is optional, but it really drives home that cherry flavor. You'll also need a small amount of syrup to make the cherry cold foam if using. I talk more about cherry syrup below (so keep reading)!
- Milk- To get a good whip, choose at least 2% or a barista-style plant milk.
Step-by-step instructions
Below are guidelines for constructing the drink, but you can add the components any way you like. For the best result, chill your glass and make sure the cherry cola is cold. The cherry cold foam is optional, but it makes the prettiest pink topping!
Step 1. Fill a glass with ice. If using cherry syrup (Step 2), add it with the ice. Step 3. Add the cherry soda, leaving room for the espresso. Step 4. Add the espresso. Steps 5-6. Top with additional cherry soda and cherry cold foam (if using).
If you're in the mood to turn this into a cocktail, it's an easy upgrade. A splash of cherry liqueur and vodka keeps it simple. You can also try adding bourbon for an "Old-Fashioned" or "Manhattan" feel.
*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.
👩🍳Expert tip
Experiment with different cherry sodas and cherry flavoring to get the best flavor combo. Taste as you go- you can always add more soda, espresso, or cherry syrup to suit your personal taste.
How to get the best cherry flavor
You can keep the drink simple by mixing cherry soda and espresso, but I like to drive home that classic cherry flavor. I prefer something quick and easy that doesn't involve additional steps, so here are my top choices:
- Maraschino cherries- This is my preferred method, since they act as double duty. First, choose a high-quality maraschino cherry brand such as Luxardo for the most intense flavor (yes, they're expensive but totally worth it). Then add the syrup from the jar, reserving a few cherries to use as garnish. Stemmed maraschino cherries are easier to garnish (and look so pretty).
- Cherry-flavored syrup- You can purchase a barista-style syrup specifically made for coffee, drinks, or cocktails. The flavor and overall sweetness may vary by brand.
- Cherry juice -Cherry juice can be added, although most are sold as "tart" cherry juice, so this may add more of a tangy flavor rather than a sweet one.
And for those of you who want to flex your homemade muscles, nothing beats a from-scratch cherry simple syrup made from fresh (or frozen) cherries! A few extra steps, but totally worth it, and avoids any artificial flavors found in store-bought versions.
Serving suggestions
A cherry americola is the perfect summer drink. It's icy cold, and the distinct cherry flavor is ideal for warmer days. It pairs beautifully with savory sandwiches like BLTs, chicken salad, grilled cheese, or a Reuben.
And while a fun straw is totally optional, I'm here to convince you to go for it! I love the contrast of the classic red and white straw- it's just so much fun.
Storage and prep
Assemble the drink when ready to serve. If serving a crowd, you can brew the espresso in advance, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To get a jump start, chill your glasses in the freezer.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. If you don't have an espresso machine, strong cold brew or very concentrated brewed coffee works well. The key is using a bold coffee, so it still stands up to the cherry soda without tasting watered down.
Yes, if you prefer it without the cherry flavor, use regular cola. Or if you want the cherry flavor, but can't find cherry soda anywhere, use regular soda, then flavor it with cherry syrup.
Perfect pairings
Made this recipe? I'd love to hear about it. Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below the recipe. Snapped a photo? Tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your creation!
📖Recipe
Cherry Americola (Cherry Coffee Drink)
Equipment
- espresso machine or coffee maker
- handheld frother optional
- tall glass (16-20 ounces)
Ingredients
- 1 can (7.5-12 ounces) cherry cola or soda
- 1 shot (1 ounce) freshly brewed espresso or other strong coffee
- 2-3 teaspoon cherry syrup* *see post for options
- fresh or Maraschino cherries for garnish optional
Cherry Cold Foam (Optional)
- 2-3 ounces cold milk (at least 2%), or a barista-style plant milk
- 1-2 teaspoon cherry syrup*
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour about half the cherry cola over the ice. Stir in the cherry syrup.1 can (7.5-12 ounces) cherry cola or soda, 2-3 teaspoon cherry syrup*
- Slowly pour the coffee over the cherry cola, stirring gently to combine. Top with additional cherry cola and cold foam, if using. Garnish with cherries. Serve immediately.1 shot (1 ounce) freshly brewed espresso or other strong coffee, fresh or Maraschino cherries for garnish
Cherry Cold Foam
- In a small glass or jar, combine the milk and cherry syrup. Froth with a handheld milk frother until thick and foamy.2-3 ounces cold milk (at least 2%), or a barista-style plant milk, 1-2 teaspoon cherry syrup*
Notes
- Use less soda for a stronger coffee flavor, or a full 12 ounces for a lighter, more refreshing drink.
- Experiment with different cherry sodas and cherry flavoring to nail down the best flavor combo. Taste as you go- you can always add more soda, espresso, or cherry syrup to suit your personal taste.
- For the best cherry taste, use a premium cherry syrup such as Luxardo (see post for more details).
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, measurements, and substitutions.
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