5 Refreshing Cherry Cola Popsicles Recipes
Cool down with 5 easy and refreshing Cherry Cola Popsicles recipes that pack a fizzy, fruity punch perfect for summer treats. These delightful popsicles combine the classic nostalgic flavors of cherry and cola into icy delights that are surprisingly simple to make at home. Each recipe brings its own unique twist, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy this bubbly frozen refreshment whether you’re lounging poolside or hosting a backyard BBQ.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: These Cherry Cola Popsicles come together quickly using common ingredients and minimal steps.
- Perfect refreshment: The fizzy cola paired with sweet cherry flavor creates an unbeatable summer cooling treat.
- Fun for everyone: Both kids and adults enjoy the nostalgic blend of cherry and cola flavors in popsicle form.
- Customizable: You can easily modify these recipes to fit dietary preferences or flavor cravings.
- Inexpensive: Cherry Cola Popsicles use affordable pantry staples and store-bought soda for budget-friendly fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These recipes rely on simple, straightforward ingredients that you may already have on hand—each brings a specific flavor, sweetness, or fizzy texture essential to the finished popsicles. Cherry syrup or juice offers natural sweetness and that signature cherry kick, while cola soda delivers the bubbly fizz that defines this treat.
- Cola soda: The core fizz and caramel flavor base for your popsicles, choose your favorite brand for best results.
- Cherry juice or syrup: Provides vibrant cherry flavor and gentle sweetness balancing the soda’s acidity.
- Lemon or lime juice: Adds bright, tangy freshness to keep flavors lively and balanced.
- Fresh cherries (optional): For garnish or blending in for texture and bursts of natural fruit.
- Sugar or honey (optional): Adjust sweetness if needed, especially if your cola or cherry component is less sweet.
- Water or sparkling water: To dilute or add extra fizz for lighter popsicle versions.
Variations for Cherry Cola Popsicles
Don’t hesitate to experiment and personalize these Cherry Cola Popsicles recipes. They are incredibly adaptable whether you want to boost fruit flavors, reduce sugar, or craft an adult-only version. Each variation lets you keep the spirit of cherry and cola while creating new flavor profiles to enjoy.
- Cherry Cola Float Popsicles: Add vanilla ice cream or yogurt swirls for a creamy float-inspired treat.
- Alcohol-Infused Version: Mix in a splash of rum or bourbon to turn these into adult-friendly frozen cocktails.
- Sugar-Free Version: Swap regular cola for diet or zero-calorie cola and use natural sweeteners as needed.
- Berry Boosted: Blend in crushed strawberries or raspberries alongside cherries for added fruitiness.
- Herbal Infusion: Add fresh mint or basil leaves to the liquid before freezing to impart a refreshing herbal twist.
How to Make Cherry Cola Popsicles
Step 1: Mix Your Base
Combine your cherry juice or syrup with cola soda in a mixing bowl, stirring gently to preserve the fizz. Add lemon or lime juice for brightness and adjust sweetness by tasting. If using fresh cherries, either blend a few for texture or chop finely for popsicle molds.
Step 2: Prepare the Molds
Pour the prepared mixture into popsicle molds, filling them just below the rim to allow for expansion. If desired, add a few fresh cherry pieces or other fruit into each mold for a decorative touch.
Step 3: Insert Sticks and Freeze
Place sticks securely into the molds and cover with lids or foil to minimize freezer odors. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or until completely solid.
Step 4: Release and Serve
To unmold, briefly run the popsicle molds under warm water to loosen the edges, then gently pull out the popsicles. Serve immediately or keep frozen until ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Cola Popsicles
- Preserve the fizz: Stir gently when mixing ingredients to keep as much carbonation as possible for that signature sparkle.
- Avoid overfilling: Leave a small gap in your molds to allow for expansion as the liquid freezes.
- Use quality cola: The flavor of your soda greatly impacts the final taste, so choose a cola you love drinking.
- Add fruit last: If adding pieces of fruit, place them in the molds right before pouring the liquid to avoid sinking.
- Gentle removal: For easy extraction, run molds under warm water for a few seconds rather than boiling water which can melt your popsicle.
How to Serve Cherry Cola Popsicles
Garnishes
Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh cherries, a sprig of mint, or a twist of lemon peel on the serving plate or glass. This adds color and an inviting aroma that pairs perfectly with the playful flavors inside the popsicle.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cherry Cola Popsicles with light, summery snacks like salted popcorn, grilled corn on the cob, or fresh fruit salad for a balanced and refreshing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your popsicles in tall glasses partially filled with fruit slices and soda for an interactive “popsicle float.” Alternatively, wrapping them in festive paper or adding colorful straws can make them even more fun for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any popsicles left over, keep them tightly sealed in their molds or in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
Freezing
Freeze your Cherry Cola Popsicles for at least 6 hours or overnight to ensure they are fully set. The carbonation may reduce slightly after freezing, so enjoy them fresh for the most fizz.
Reheating
Popsicles are best enjoyed frozen and do not require reheating—simply allow them to soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before eating for optimal texture.
FAQs
Can I use diet cola for Cherry Cola Popsicles?
Absolutely! Using diet or zero-calorie cola will work fine and reduce the sugar content, but you may want to adjust sweetness by adding a bit of natural sweetener if needed.
How long do Cherry Cola Popsicles last in the freezer?
When stored properly, these popsicles will keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months in the freezer without significant quality loss.
Can I make Cherry Cola Popsicles without popsicle molds?
Yes, you can use small paper cups or silicone muffin liners and insert wooden sticks to create makeshift molds if you don’t have traditional molds.
Are these safe for kids? Do they contain caffeine?
Most colas do contain caffeine, so if making for young children, look for caffeine-free cola varieties to keep the popsicles kid-friendly.
Will the carbonation survive freezing?
Freezing slightly reduces carbonation but a gentle stir and careful freezing help retain some fizz, giving your popsicles a nice fizzy mouthfeel.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the nostalgia and refreshing fizz of Cherry Cola Popsicles on a hot day, and these recipes make it easy to whip up your own batches at home. With fun variations and simple ingredients, you’re just steps away from creating your new favorite summer treat. So grab those molds, mix up some fizz, and chill out in style with these irresistible frozen delights!
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Cherry Cola Popsicles
Cherry Cola Popsicles are a fun, fizzy, and fruity summer treat combining nostalgic cherry and cola flavors into refreshing frozen delights. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these popsicles offer customizable options for all ages and occasions, perfect for cooling down poolside or at backyard gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 popsicles
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Cola soda (12 oz): The core fizz and caramel flavor base for your popsicles.
- Cherry juice or syrup (1/2 cup): Provides vibrant cherry flavor and gentle sweetness.
- Lemon or lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds bright, tangy freshness to balance flavors.
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh cherries (a handful): For garnish or blending in for texture and bursts of natural fruit.
- Sugar or honey (1-2 tablespoons, optional): To adjust sweetness as needed.
- Water or sparkling water (1/4 cup, optional): To dilute or add extra fizz for lighter popsicles.
Instructions
- Mix Your Base: Combine the cherry juice or syrup with cola soda in a mixing bowl, stirring gently to preserve the fizz. Add lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavors and taste to adjust sweetness as needed. If using fresh cherries, either blend a few for texture or chop finely to add into the mixture.
- Prepare the Molds: Pour the prepared mixture into popsicle molds, filling just below the rim to allow for expansion during freezing. Add a few fresh cherry pieces or other fruit into each mold if desired for decoration and texture.
- Insert Sticks and Freeze: Secure sticks in the molds and cover with lids or foil to protect from freezer odors. Freeze for at least 6 hours or until fully solid.
- Release and Serve: Run the molds briefly under warm water to loosen, then carefully remove the popsicles. Serve immediately or store frozen until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Preserve the fizz by stirring gently when mixing ingredients.
- Avoid overfilling molds; leave space for expansion.
- Use a quality cola brand to enhance flavor.
- Add fruit pieces last, placing them in molds just before pouring the liquid to prevent sinking.
- Remove popsicles gently by running molds under warm water briefly, not hot water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popsicle
- Calories: 70-90
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Sodium: 20-30mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18-22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cherry Cola, Popsicles, Summer Treats, Frozen Dessert, Fizzy Popsicles, Cherry Soda, Refreshing Snack