Skip to main content

Cherry Lime Rickey Float

5.0

(1)

Vanilla ice cream soda water cherry syrup in a glass topped with a maraschino cherry and a lime wheel.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams, Food Styling by Judy Haubert

A cherry lime rickey is a classic highball made with cherry juice, lime juice, club soda, and an optional spirit. This cherry lime rickey float recipe pays homage to the retro beverage while transforming it into a sweet summertime treat. A combination of club soda and fresh lime juice creates a lime rickey base while a splash of syrup from jarred maraschino cherries cuts the tartness and adds a striking red color. Although you can make your own Homemade Maraschino Cherries using frozen cherries, the syrup from store-bought cocktail cherries works just as well. Topping the mixture with scoops of vanilla ice cream turns the classic beverage into a dessert reminiscent of a lime Creamsicle: It’s sour, creamy, and refreshing all at the same time. A lime wheel garnish and single candied cherry ups the playfulness of the float and hints at the flavors within.

For an icy presentation and to guarantee your float stays frozen until the very last sip, chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. For a boozy spin, add a shot of gin or bourbon to the soda mixture before serving it with ice cream.

Check out this collection for more soda fountain specialties and new spins on the classics →

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    13 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 1

Ingredients

½ cup chilled club soda
¼ cup cherry syrup from Homemade Maraschino Cherries or store-bought maraschino cherries
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 scoops vanilla ice cream (about ⅔ cup)
1 lime wheel
1 Homemade Maraschino Cherry or store-bought maraschino cherry

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place one 10-oz. or larger glass in the freezer and chill at least 10 minutes.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, combine ½ cup chilled club soda, ¼ cup cherry syrup from Homemade Maraschino Cherries or store-bought maraschino cherries, and 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice in a measuring glass.

    Step 3

    When glass is ready, fill with half of club soda mixture and top with 2 scoops vanilla ice cream (about ⅔ cup). Slowly pour remaining club soda mixture down sides of glass and top with 1 lime wheel and 1 Homemade Maraschino Cherry or store-bought maraschino cherry.

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Frozen into a slushy, the classic tequila and grapefruit cocktail becomes even more refreshing.
Blend frozen mango, blanco tequila, and lime juice into these cooling margaritas. A Tajín rim adds a spicy-salty kick.
Gourmet’s version of this perfect summer drink mixes the ideal ratio of vodka with cranberry and grapefruit juices, right in the glass.
A riff on the Bicycle Thief cocktail, a citrusy, low ABV riff on a Negroni, this three-ingredient, party-ready twist features grapefruit soda.
Crème de violette is an exuberantly floral violet liqueur that gives vibrant color to this fun frozen cocktail.
With elderflower liqueur, mint, and prosecco, the effervescent Hugo spritz cocktail is a hit year round, but particularly on warm nights.
This simple honey-grapefruit cocktail dates to Prohibition, though its origin is a matter of some debate.
Named for a Scottish revolutionary, a New York City operetta—or both—this effortless scotch cocktail is built to last.