You can’t resist the seasonal Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry & Sprite treats which has quickly become a personal favorite. There’s something magical about the way the fizzy sweetness of Sprite mingles with the bold, fruity medley of cherry, blueberry, and cranberry flavors—it’s like a sip of summer in a cup!
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How to make Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry & Sprite
Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry & Sprite is a seasonal soft drink made by mixing Sprite with cherry, blueberry, and cranberry flavors. It’s a fizzy, fruit-flavored soda that combines the crisp lemon-lime taste of Sprite with sweet and tangy berry notes.
Ingredients
- Sprite: 1 liter of classic Sprite (you can use diet Sprite if you prefer fewer calories).
- Cherry Syrup: 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup or grenadine.
- Blueberry Syrup: 1 tablespoon of blueberry syrup.
- Cranberry Juice: 1/4 cup of cranberry juice.
- Ice Cubes: As needed, to keep your drink chilled.
- Fresh Berries (optional): A few fresh cherries and blueberries for garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Glass: Start by filling a tall glass with ice cubes. This ensures your drink is chilled from the first sip.
- Mix the Flavors: In a separate mixing glass or jug, combine your cherry syrup, blueberry syrup, and cranberry juice. Stir these well to create a balanced berry blend.
- Add the Sprite: Pour the Sprite into the glass filled with ice, leaving a bit of room at the top for the berry mixture.
- Combine: Slowly pour the berry mixture over the Sprite. This method helps the flavors blend beautifully while keeping the fizz intact.
- Garnish (optional): If you’re feeling fancy, garnish your drink with fresh cherries and blueberries on top. Not only does this add to the aesthetic appeal, but it also enhances the berry flavors.
- Serve: Give your drink a gentle stir with a straw or a stirrer. Serve immediately to enjoy the full burst of flavors while it’s perfectly chilled and fizzy.
Tips
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add more cherry syrup. Conversely, reduce the syrup if you find it too sweet.
- Syrup Substitutions: If you can’t find blueberry syrup, don’t worry! You could substitute it with a blueberry concentrate or a small amount of muddled fresh blueberries.
- Fresh Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh berries or mint leaves for an added twist.
- Diet Version: If you’re watching calories, substituting Sprite Zero and reducing syrup can make a lighter version.
What to serve with
When enjoying Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry & Sprite (or your homemade version), pairing it with the right food can elevate the experience! The drink’s sweet, fizzy, and fruity profile makes it versatile enough to match both savory and sweet dishes.
Classic Fast-Food Favorites
- Chicken Sandwiches: Pair it with a classic Chick-fil-A-style chicken sandwich (fried or grilled). The fresh, fruity flavors of the drink will balance the richness of the sandwich.
- Crispy Chicken Nuggets: The combination of a tangy soda with crispy nuggets is a winning duo. Don’t forget the dipping sauces—Chick-fil-A Sauce and Polynesian Sauce are crowd favorites.
- Waffle Fries: The light sweetness of the Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry & Sprite contrasts perfectly with the salty crunch of waffle fries, making them an ideal match.
Salads
The refreshing and slightly tart flavor of the drink pairs well with lighter dishes like salads.
- Fruit & Nut Salad: A salad with mixed greens, berries, nuts, and a light vinaigrette complements the berry tones in the drink.
- Grilled Chicken Salad: A protein-packed salad topped with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and maybe even some cranberries or berries echoes the flavors in the soda.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a spot-on copycat of Chick-fil-A’s Cherry Berry & Sprite is so much fun, but you might not always have access to all the exact ingredients. Luckily, there are several substitutions you can use without compromising too much on the flavor.
1. Sprite
The refreshing lemon-lime soda is the base of this drink, and while Sprite is ideal, you can easily substitute it with other options if it’s not available:
- 7UP: This is the closest substitute for Sprite, with a nearly identical lemon-lime flavor and carbonation.
- Sierra Mist: Another excellent option, though it might be slightly sweeter than Sprite.
- Club Soda or Sparkling Water + Sweetener: For a healthier alternative, mix sparkling water or club soda with a tablespoon of sugar, simple syrup, or a natural sweetener like honey to mimic Sprite’s sweetness.
- Homemade Lemon-Lime Soda: Combine carbonated water with freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, and sweeten to taste.
2. Cherry Syrup
Cherry syrup provides the sweet and fruity cherry flavor, but there are plenty of substitutes:
- Grenadine: A pomegranate-based syrup that works as an excellent alternative due to its sweet, fruity taste (it’s commonly available at most grocery stores).
- Maraschino Cherry Syrup: If you have a jar of maraschino cherries, use the syrup—it’s sweet, flavorful, and a perfect replacement!
- Homemade Cherry Syrup: Simmer fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and water to create your own syrup. Once the syrup thickens, strain it to remove the solids and let it cool.
- Cherry Extract + Sweetener: Combine a few drops of cherry extract with simple syrup for a quick alternative.
3. Blueberry Syrup
The blueberry syrup adds a berry-rich undertone that enhances the overall flavor of this drink. If you can’t find ready-made blueberry syrup, try these substitutes:
- Homemade Blueberry Syrup: Like the cherry syrup, you can make your own by simmering fresh or frozen blueberries with sugar and water, then straining the mixture.
- Blueberry Jam or Preserves: Stir a spoonful of blueberry jam into a small amount of hot water to dissolve it, creating a syrup-like consistency.
- Mixed Berry Syrup: If blueberry syrup isn’t available, use a store-bought mixed berry syrup (a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries works well).
- Muddled Blueberries: Crush fresh blueberries and mix them with a bit of sugar to release their juices. While it might lack the smooth consistency of syrup, the flavor will still hit the mark.
4. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice adds a subtle tartness to balance the sweetness of the berry syrups. If you can’t find cranberry juice, these options work too:
- Pomegranate Juice: Pomegranate juice delivers a similar tart yet slightly sweet flavor profile, making it an ideal alternative.
- Raspberry Juice: If you have access to raspberry juice, it can add a slightly tarter berry flavor to replace cranberry juice.
- Lemon or Lime Juice (Diluted): Mix one part lemon or lime juice with two parts water to mimic the tartness of cranberry juice and balance the sweetness of the drink.
- Apple-Cranberry Juice: If pure cranberry juice isn’t available, a blend like apple-cranberry juice can work as a substitute while adding a touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry & Sprite might quickly become your favorite afternoon pick-me-up or party drink.
More Drink Recipes:
Ingredients
- Sprite: 1 liter of classic Sprite
- Cherry Syrup: 2 tablespoons
- Blueberry Syrup: 1 tablespoon
- Cranberry Juice: 1/4 cup
- Ice Cubes: As needed
- Fresh Berries (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Glass: Start by filling a tall glass with ice cubes. This ensures your drink is chilled from the first sip.
- Mix the Flavors: In a separate mixing glass or jug, combine your cherry syrup, blueberry syrup, and cranberry juice. Stir these well to create a balanced berry blend.
- Add the Sprite: Pour the Sprite into the glass filled with ice, leaving a bit of room at the top for the berry mixture.
- Combine: Slowly pour the berry mixture over the Sprite. This method helps the flavors blend beautifully while keeping the fizz intact.
- Garnish (optional): If you're feeling fancy, garnish your drink with fresh cherries and blueberries on top. Not only does this add to the aesthetic appeal, but it also enhances the berry flavors.
- Serve: Give your drink a gentle stir with a straw or a stirrer. Serve immediately to enjoy the full burst of flavors while it's perfectly chilled and fizzy.
