Cherry Americola, Cherry Coffee Drink
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 our 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 our jam!
While we like the americola as is, we 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 the cherry on top!
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 we're a Coca-Cola fan, but you can use any brand of cherry cola you can get your hands on. 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, make it decaf.
- Cherry syrup This is optional, but it drives home that cherry flavor. You'll also need a small amount of syrup to make the cherry cold foam if using. We 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 we like to drive home that classic cherry flavor. We prefer something quick and easy that doesn't involve additional steps, so here are our top choices:
- Maraschino cherries This is our 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 solid summer drink. It's icy cold, and the distinct cherry flavor is ideal for warmer days. It pairs beautifully with savory sandwiches like BLTschicken salad grilled cheese or a Reuben.
And while a fun straw is totally optional, we're here to convince you to go for it! We love the contrast of the classic red and white straw- it's 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.
Kitchen questions
Can we make a cherry americola without espresso?Yes. If you don't have an espresso machine, strong cold brew or 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.
Can we use regular soda?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.
