Somewhere between your afternoon coffee and a nostalgic soda-fountain treat is this Cherry Americola. Built from cherry cola, bold espresso, and an optional cherry cold foam, this fizzy iced coffee soda is playful, refreshing, and perfect for warm days.
The americola combines espresso with cola or soda to make a modern, effervescent coffee drink. It has appeared on menus at specialty coffee shops and home kitchens alike. If you prefer cold, fizzy coffee drinks over piping hot cups, this one is a great match.
I wanted to elevate the base americola with a clear nod to classic soda-fountain cherry flavor. Cherry cola brings subtle sweetness and a nostalgic note, while an optional cherry cold foam adds a creamy pink finish—literally the cherry on top.
Key ingredients and substitutions
At its simplest, a Cherry Americola needs only cherry soda and espresso. If you’d like more depth, consider the optional components below.
- Cherry soda – Choose a cherry cola you enjoy on its own. Different brands vary in sweetness and flavor intensity, so pick one you like. Diet or caffeine-free versions work if you prefer. For a craft spin, try a specialty cherry soda made with cane sugar.
- Espresso – A strong, freshly brewed shot is ideal so the coffee stands up to the soda. You can substitute concentrated brewed coffee or cold brew if needed; decaf works for a caffeine-free version.
- Cherry syrup – Optional but effective for boosting cherry flavor. A few teaspoons stirred into the soda or used to flavor cold foam intensify the profile.
- Milk – For a stable cherry cold foam, choose at least 2% dairy milk or a barista-style plant milk to achieve a creamy froth.
Step-by-step instructions
These are straightforward guidelines for assembling the drink. For the best result, chill your glass and use cold cherry cola. The cherry cold foam is optional but creates an attractive pink topper.
Step 1. Fill a tall glass with ice. Step 2. If using cherry syrup, add it with the ice and pour about half the cherry soda. Step 3. Slowly add the espresso over the soda, stirring gently. Step 4. Top with more cherry soda and finish with cherry cold foam and garnished cherries if desired.
If you want to turn this into a cocktail, add a splash of cherry liqueur and vodka for a simple boozy version. Bourbon also pairs nicely for an Old-Fashioned–inspired take.
*These are condensed instructions; a full recipe card with ingredient amounts and detailed steps follows below.
Expert tip
Try different cherry sodas and syrups to find the balance you like. Taste as you go and adjust soda, espresso, or cherry syrup to suit your preference.
How to get the best cherry flavor
You can keep this drink as simple as cherry soda plus espresso, but a few additions really bring out classic cherry notes. Here are effective options that don’t require a lot of extra work:
- Maraschino cherries – Use the syrup from a quality jarred cherry (reserve a few for garnish). These give intense cherry flavor and add visual appeal.
- Cherry-flavored syrup – Barista-style syrups made for drinks and cocktails are convenient and consistent; brands vary in sweetness and flavor intensity.
- Cherry juice – Tart cherry juice can add depth and brightness, though it may make the drink tangier than a sweet syrup.
For a homemade option, cherry simple syrup made from fresh or frozen cherries delivers the best natural flavor and avoids artificial additives.
Serving suggestions
The Cherry Americola is ideal for summer: icy, bright, and fizzy. It pairs well with savory sandwiches and simple brunch fare such as BLTs, chicken salad, grilled cheese, or a hearty Reuben. A playful straw is optional but adds to the soda-fountain vibe.
Storage and prep
Assemble the drink when ready. For gatherings, brew espresso ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To save time, chill glasses in the freezer before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. If you don’t have espresso, use strong cold brew or very concentrated brewed coffee. The key is using bold coffee so it remains distinct against the cherry soda.
Yes. Use regular cola if you prefer no cherry flavor, or add cherry syrup to regular cola if cherry soda isn’t available.
Perfect pairings
-
Tzatziki Toast with Grilled Cucumbers
-
Brioche Grilled Cheese with Dijon Butter
-
No-Churn Pistachio Ice Cream
-
Easy Summer Plum Cake
Made this recipe? Please leave a rating and comment below. If you shared a photo, tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your version!
📖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 tsp cherry syrup (optional; see notes)
- Fresh or maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Cherry Cold Foam (Optional)
- 2–3 ounces cold milk (at least 2%) or barista-style plant milk
- 1–2 tsp cherry syrup
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour about half the cherry cola over the ice and stir in the cherry syrup if using.
- Slowly pour the espresso over the cherry cola and stir gently to combine. Top with remaining cherry cola. Add cherry cold foam and garnish with cherries if desired. Serve immediately.
Cherry Cold Foam
- Combine cold milk and cherry syrup in a small jar. Froth with a handheld frother until thick and foamy, then spoon on top of the drink.
Notes
- Use less soda for a stronger coffee flavor, or a full 12 ounces for a lighter, more refreshing drink.
- Experiment with cherry sodas and syrups to find your favorite combination. Adjust quantities to taste.
- For the most pronounced cherry flavor, use a premium cherry syrup.
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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