# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Cherry Syrup
01 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup water
04 - 1 tsp lemon juice
→ Floats
05 - 4 cups lemon-lime soda or club soda
06 - 8 scoops vanilla ice cream
07 - 1/2 cup fresh cherries for garnish
08 - 1/2 cup mixed berries, optional
09 - Whipped cream for topping, optional
10 - Maraschino cherries for decoration
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until cherries soften and mixture thickens, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Gently mash cherries, then strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract liquid. Stir in lemon juice and allow to cool completely.
02 - Drizzle 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup into the bottom of each tall glass and add a few fresh cherries and optional mixed berries.
03 - Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream carefully into each glass atop the syrup and fruit.
04 - Slowly pour 1 cup of lemon-lime soda over the ice cream and syrup mixture, allowing foam to rise.
05 - Finish each float with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Add extra cherry syrup as desired for a vivid appearance.
06 - Serve immediately with a straw and spoon for an enjoyable presentation.
