I’ve always been enchanted by the idea of an old-fashioned soda shop. While I haven’t found one yet, I can create my own magic at home with these cherry vanilla sodas. Cherry-flavored treats are my weakness—lollipops, candies, popsicles, and especially soda.

Cherry season brings a burst of joy. There’s nothing like the sweet, juicy taste of fresh cherries. Growing up, my family would go cherry-picking every summer, and those are some of my fondest memories. Now, I get my cherries from the farmers’ market, but the excitement remains. On a hot day, nothing beats a homemade cherry vanilla soda, simple and bursting with flavor. Cheers to summer and sweet memories!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted fresh cherries
• 2-3 tablespoons superfine sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Soda water
• Ice

How to Make It:

1. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, pour the sugar over the cherries. Let macerate for a couple of minutes, then use a fork or small potato masher to crush the cherries as smooth as possible, making sure the sugar is dissolved.
2. If you don’t like bits in your drink, strain the cherries, pressing down on the fruit to extract as much juice as possible.
3. Divide the juice evenly between two glasses and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla to each.
4. Top off the glasses with soda water and ice, stir, and enjoy!