Cheerwine Recipe

Make the syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and corn syrup with 1/4 cup water (not listed separately because it's counted as part of overall liquids). Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly into a simple syrup (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Flavor the syrup

To the warm syrup add the maraschino cherry juice (or cherry concentrate), cherry extract, vanilla extract, citric acid (or lemon juice), and caramel color if using. Stir thoroughly until homogeneous. Taste and adjust: add up to an additional 1/2 tsp cherry extract for a stronger cherry note or a pinch more citric acid for brighter acidity.

Chill and carbonate

Allow the flavored syrup to cool to room temperature (or chill briefly in the fridge). In a pitcher, combine the chilled carbonated water with the flavored syrup. Stir gently to avoid flattening the carbonation. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity — add up to 1 tbs granulated sugar dissolved in a tablespoon of warm water if you prefer sweeter, or an extra 1/4 tsp citric acid/lemon juice for more tartness.

Serve

Fill tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour the prepared Cheerwine-style soda over ice, about 3/4 cup per serving depending on glass size. Garnish each glass with 1–2 maraschino cherries and a lemon slice. Serve immediately while fizzy.

Place 1–2 cherries into each glass and rest a lemon slice on the rim or drop it into the drink just before serving.