Cherry Vanilla Sparkler with Sparkling Water

Imperial June 24, 2026June 24, 2026

Quick Recipe Version (TL;DR)

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Quick Ingredients

2 cups 100% tart cherry juice, chilled to 35 to 40 degrees F
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or simple syrup
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
3 cups plain sparkling water, chilled to 35 to 40 degrees F
2 cups ice cubes, plus more for serving if desired
Fresh cherries, lemon wheels, and 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, for garnish

Do This

1. Chill the cherry juice and sparkling water to 35 to 40 degrees F before mixing.
2. In a pitcher, stir together the cherry juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and sea salt for 30 seconds.
3. Taste the cherry-vanilla base and adjust with 1 additional tablespoon syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
4. Fill 4 tall glasses with 1/2 cup ice each.
5. Slowly stir the sparkling water into the pitcher just until combined, about 10 seconds.
6. Pour into glasses and garnish with cherries, lemon wheels, and a small vanilla bean strip.
7. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beautifully balanced: Tart cherry juice, warm vanilla, bright lemon, and a tiny pinch of salt create a drink that tastes layered without being fussy.
No cooking required: This sparkling drink comes together in 10 minutes with chilled ingredients and a pitcher.
Great for everyone: It feels special enough for a celebration, but it is nonalcoholic and easy to customize for adults and kids alike.
Rich yet refreshing: The deep ruby cherry flavor feels lush, while sparkling water keeps each sip light, crisp, and bubbly.

Grocery List

Produce: 1 lemon, fresh cherries for garnish
Dairy: None needed
Pantry: 100% tart cherry juice, pure maple syrup or simple syrup, pure vanilla extract, fine sea salt, plain sparkling water, vanilla bean for garnish, ice

Full Ingredients

Cherry Vanilla Sparkler Base

2 cups 100% tart cherry juice, chilled to 35 to 40 degrees F
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or simple syrup, plus 1 additional tablespoon if you prefer a sweeter drink
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the Sparkle

3 cups plain sparkling water, chilled to 35 to 40 degrees F
2 cups ice cubes, divided among 4 glasses

For Serving

8 fresh cherries, pitted or left whole for garnish
4 thin lemon wheels
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and cut into 4 short pieces, optional but lovely

Cherry Vanilla Sparkler with Sparkling Water – Closeup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill everything well

For the best flavor and fizz, make sure the cherry juice and sparkling water are very cold before you start. Aim for 35 to 40 degrees F. Cold liquid holds bubbles better, so this small step helps the finished drink taste crisp and refreshing instead of flat or diluted.

Step 2: Make the cherry-vanilla base

In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pitcher, combine 2 cups tart cherry juice, 3 tablespoons maple syrup or simple syrup, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt. Stir steadily for 30 seconds, or until the syrup is fully dissolved into the cherry juice.

Step 3: Taste and adjust the balance

Taste a small spoonful of the base before adding the sparkling water. It should be bold, sweet-tart, and slightly more concentrated than you want the final drink to taste because it will be diluted by the sparkling water and ice. If your cherry juice is very tart, stir in up to 1 additional tablespoon syrup. If it tastes too sweet, add 1 additional teaspoon lemon juice.

Step 4: Prepare the glasses

Place 4 tall glasses on your work surface and add 1/2 cup ice cubes to each glass. If you want an especially polished presentation, add 1 lemon wheel and 1 or 2 fresh cherries to each glass before pouring. The fruit will show through the deep ruby drink and make the sparkle feel party-ready.

Step 5: Add the sparkling water gently

Slowly pour 3 cups chilled sparkling water into the pitcher with the cherry-vanilla base. Stir gently for about 10 seconds using a long spoon. Avoid vigorous stirring, which knocks out the bubbles. The goal is to combine the drink while keeping as much fizz as possible.

Step 6: Pour and garnish

Divide the Cherry Vanilla Sparkler evenly among the prepared glasses, pouring slowly so the bubbles rise without overflowing. Garnish each serving with a fresh cherry, a lemon wheel, and a short piece of split vanilla bean if using. The vanilla bean is mostly for aroma and appearance, but it gives the drink a beautiful bakery-like fragrance as you sip.

Step 7: Serve immediately

Serve right away while the drink is at its coldest and most effervescent, ideally between 35 and 40 degrees F. If the pitcher will sit for more than 5 minutes, wait to add the sparkling water until just before serving so the drink stays lively.

Pro Tips

Use tart cherry juice, not cherry cocktail: 100% tart cherry juice gives the drink a clean sweet-tart flavor and a beautiful deep ruby color without tasting candy-like.
Do not skip the salt: Just 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt makes the cherry flavor taste fuller and helps the vanilla stand out.
Add bubbles at the last minute: Mix the cherry base ahead if you like, but add sparkling water only when you are ready to pour.
Choose the right vanilla: Pure vanilla extract tastes warmer and smoother than imitation vanilla in this simple drink.
Make it extra cold without watering it down: Freeze a little cherry juice in an ice cube tray and use those cubes in place of regular ice.

Variations

Cherry Vanilla Lime Sparkler: Replace the lemon juice with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and garnish with lime wheels for a brighter, sharper finish.
Cherry Cream Soda Style: Add 1 tablespoon half-and-half or coconut cream to each glass after pouring for a creamy, old-fashioned soda fountain feel. Stir gently before sipping.
Herbal Cherry Sparkler: Lightly clap 4 fresh basil leaves or 4 mint sprigs between your hands and add one to each glass for a fresh garden aroma.

Storage & Make-Ahead

The cherry-vanilla base can be made up to 3 days ahead. Store it in a covered jar or pitcher in the refrigerator at 40 degrees F or colder. Stir well before using because the vanilla and syrup may settle slightly. Do not add the sparkling water until just before serving, or the drink will lose its fizz. Once mixed with sparkling water, the Cherry Vanilla Sparkler is best served immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; the flavor will still be good, though the bubbles will be softer.

Nutrition (per serving)