Craving that bold, cherry-infused kick of Dr. Pepper but want to ditch the artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup? Enter homemade Cherry Dr. Pepper—a soda that’s not only easy to make but packed with real fruit flavors and just the right amount of fizz. This DIY version brings together tart cherries, earthy prune juice, and a touch of molasses for a drink that’s deep, complex, and utterly refreshing!
What Makes This Cherry Dr. Pepper Stand Out?
While traditional sodas rely on artificial flavoring, this recipe delivers bold, natural flavors. Tart cherry juice gives it a vibrant fruitiness, while prune juice adds the earthy depth that’s key to Dr. Pepper’s signature taste. A molasses-infused brown sugar syrup rounds it out with a caramel-like richness. Top it with sparkling water, and you’ve got a drink that’s robust, refreshing, and undeniably delicious.
Ingredients Needed
- Tart Cherry Juice: The star of the show. Tart cherry juice brings a natural, vibrant cherry flavor with just enough acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Prune Juice: Yes, prune juice. It may sound unusual, but it adds the deep, earthy undertones that make Dr. Pepper so distinctive.
- Brown Sugar-Molasses Simple Syrup: A rich, caramel-like sweetness that ties everything together and mimics the subtle spice of classic Dr. Pepper.
- Almond Extract: A key player in replicating that signature Dr. Pepper taste. It brings a nutty, slightly floral note that enhances the overall complexity.
- Vanilla Extract: Smooths out the flavor profile and adds a touch of warmth to balance the fruitiness.
- Orange Juice: A hint of citrus brightens everything up, adding a subtle zing that keeps the flavors from feeling too heavy.
How to Make Cherry Dr. Pepper Soda
Make the Simple Syrup
Start by dissolving brown sugar and molasses in water over medium heat. Once it simmers, remove from heat and let it cool. This syrup is the backbone of the soda’s rich, slightly smoky sweetness.
Mix the Soda Syrup
In a pitcher, combine tart cherry juice, prune juice, cooled simple syrup, almond extract, vanilla extract, and a splash of orange juice. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
Assemble Your Drink
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cherry soda syrup, then top it off with sparkling water. Stir gently and sip away.
Store for Later
Any leftover soda syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days... If it'll last that long!
Other Fruity Drink Recipes To Try
Strawberry Syrup
This homemade strawberry syrup is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, stirring into drinks, or adding a burst of fresh berry flavor to desserts.
Hibiscus Italian Cream Soda
A floral, slightly tart take on the classic Italian cream soda. This vibrant drink is refreshing and creamy all at once.
Carrot with Orange Juice
This juice is what I reach for when I am under the weather, although it's delicious enough that I would drink it every day. Orange, carrot, and ginger, oh my!
This homemade Cherry Dr. Pepper proves that making soda from scratch is not only easy but incredibly rewarding. It’s fresh, fizzy, and full of real flavor—no preservatives, no artificial junk, just a delicious homemade alternative to the store-bought stuff. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
PrintHomemade Cherry Dr. Pepper Soda + Syrup
This is no ordinary soda—it’s a punchy mix of tart cherries, earthy prune juice, and a hit of molasses that adds depth most drinks wouldn’t dare to touch. It’s bold, a little unconventional, and unapologetically full-flavored. Top it with sparkling water, and you’ve got a drink that really delivers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the brown sugar-molasses simple syrup:
¾ cup light brown sugar
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon molasses
For the soda syrup:
2 ½ cups Tart Cherry Juice
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon prune juice
¾ cup prepared brown sugar-molasses simple syrup
4 tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon almond extract
2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ teaspoons orange juice
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, water, and molasses.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Once the mixture begins to simmer, remove it from the heat.
Let the simple syrup cool to room temperature before using.
In a large mixing bowl or a pitcher, combine the tart cherry juice, prune juice, cooled simple syrup, almond extract, vanilla extract, and orange juice.
Stir well to ensure all ingredients are fully mixed.
Fill a glass with ice.
Add 3.5 ounces (about 7 tablespoons) of the homemade Cherry Dr. Pepper syrup to the glass.
Top with about 2 ounces of sparkling water.
Stir gently to combine.
Sip and enjoy your homemade Cherry Dr. Pepper.
Allow to cool and store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10.6 g
- Sodium: 3.6 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.8 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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