That fizzy, fruity blend of cherry, blueberry, cranberry, and the classic Sprite sparkle is downright addictive—and honestly, I wish they had this Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry Sprite year-round. But as we all know, this delicious drink is a limited-time seasonal offering, and having to say goodbye to it is no easy feat.
How to make Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry Sprite
Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry Sprite is a specialty fountain drink that combines Sprite with a blend of cherry and mixed berry flavors. It’s part of Chick-fil-A’s line of “Sunjoys” and flavored beverages, where customers can enjoy a fruity twist on classic sodas.
Ingredients
To make your DIY Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry Sprite, you’ll need the following:
- 1 cup Sprite® (or any lemon-lime soda of your choice for the same crisp base).
- 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup (for that cherry flavor and gorgeous ruby hue).
- 1 tablespoon cranberry juice (adds tartness and depth to the berries).
- 1 tablespoon blueberry syrup (you can use store-bought or make your own by simmering blueberries with sugar and blending).
- Ice cubes (because it’s not complete without being chilled to perfection).
- Fresh berries for garnish (optional, but highly recommended: cherries, blueberries, or cranberries for presentation).
Instructions
- Prepare Your Glass: Start by filling your glass with ice cubes. A tall, clear glass works best to showcase the vibrant layers of the drink.
- Mix the Fruit Syrups: Pour 1 tablespoon of grenadine syrup into the glass, followed by 1 tablespoon of cranberry juice and 1 tablespoon of blueberry syrup. These fruity additions are what make this drink stand out, delivering those Cherry Berry flavors.
- Add Sprite: Slowly pour 1 cup of Sprite® into the glass. The fizzy soda will mix beautifully with the syrups as it settles, creating a light, fruity sparkle.
- Stir Gently: Use a spoon or straw to gently stir the drink. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep the Sprite’s carbonation intact.
- Garnish (Optional): Add a handful of fresh berries on top or skewer them onto a cocktail stick for an extra flair. This step elevates your drink presentation and makes it feel truly Chick-fil-A-inspired.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Berry Sprite
- Use Chilled Ingredients: Keep your Sprite and fruit syrups in the fridge before mixing to create a genuinely refreshing experience.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Want it sweeter? Add extra grenadine. Prefer it tangier? Increase the cranberry juice. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own!
- Make It Fancy: Serve your Cherry Berry Sprite in a mason jar with a fun straw or add a mint leaf garnish for a touch of elegance.
- Make It Alcohol-Free or Boozy: This recipe is naturally alcohol-free, making it kid-friendly. However, you can transform it into a cocktail by adding a splash of vodka or rum for adult gatherings.
- Batch for Parties: Hosting an event? Scale up the portions to make a pitcher of Cherry Berry Sprite. Just mix the syrups and Sprite right before serving to preserve the bubbles.
What to serve with
The bright, fruity, and fizzy flavor profile of Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry Sprite makes it a versatile drink that pairs beautifully with a variety of sweet, savory, and classic Chick-fil-A-inspired dishes.
- Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich: The subtle sweetness of the Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry Sprite balances the savory and crispy flavors of their original or spicy chicken sandwiches.
- Waffle Fries: The salty, crisp perfection of Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries pairs wonderfully with the refreshing sweetness of this drink.
- Grilled Nuggets: For a lighter option, serve the Cherry Berry Sprite with Chick-fil-A’s signature grilled chicken nuggets for a lean, flavorful pairing.
- Salad Options: The fruity Sprite works particularly well with Chick-fil-A’s seasonal salads, like the Market Salad (with apples, berries, and blue cheese) or Kale Crunch Salad.
Ingredients Substitutes
Recreating Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry Sprite at home is all about capturing that perfect balance of fruity sweetness and fizzy sparkle. However, if you don’t have the exact ingredients on hand, don’t worry!
1. Sprite® (Main Soda Base)
Original Ingredient: Sprite’s lemon-lime soda is the foundation of this drink, offering carbonation and a touch of citrus brightness.
Substitutes:
- 7-Up®: A nearly identical replacement with the same lemon-lime taste and bubbly carbonation.
- Sierra Mist® (or Starry): Another lemon-lime soda that works well. Though slightly less sweet than Sprite, it will still give a refreshing base.
- Ginger Ale: If you don’t have lemon-lime soda, ginger ale can be used as a substitute. It provides fizz with a subtle gingery kick—though for an exact replica, you may want to add a little lemon juice.
- Club Soda + Sugar + Lemon & Lime Juice: Combine these ingredients to create a DIY version of lemon-lime soda. For every cup of club soda, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
2. Grenadine Syrup (Cherry Flavor + Red Hue)
Original Ingredient: Grenadine is a pomegranate-based sweet syrup commonly used in cocktails, and it supplies that cherry-like flavor and rich red coloring.
Substitutes:
- Cherry Syrup: Straight-up cherry syrup (commonly used for desserts) is a solid alternative that replicates the flavor well.
- Pomegranate Juice (Reduced): If you don’t have grenadine, reduce pomegranate juice into a syrup consistency by simmering it on the stove with a small amount of sugar.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice: You can use the leftover juice from a jar of maraschino cherries. It provides a sweet, natural cherry flavor and mimics the red coloring of grenadine.
- Raspberry Syrup: While slightly different in taste, raspberry syrup can work as a last-resort option for a fruity and bright flavor addition.
3. Cranberry Juice
Original Ingredient: Cranberry juice adds tartness and acidity to balance the sweetness of the drink.
Substitutes:
- Pomegranate Juice: Pomegranate juice is a suitable replacement as it has a similar tart flavor and deep red color.
- Raspberry Juice: Raspberry juice provides tartness and fruitiness, though it’s sweeter than cranberry juice.
- Cherry Juice: If cranberry juice isn’t available, cherry juice can work. While less acidic, it supports the drink’s cherry flavor profile.
- Lemon or Lime Juice (Small Amount): If you can’t find any fruit juices, you can add a small squeeze of lemon or lime juice to give the drink the tangy punch that cranberry juice would provide.
4. Blueberry Syrup (Berry Flavor)
Original Ingredient: Blueberry syrup enhances the drink with a soft, sweet berry flavor.
Substitutes:
- Fresh Blueberries + Sugar: Create your own blueberry syrup by simmering fresh or frozen blueberries with sugar and a splash of water. Once the mixture is thickened, strain it to remove solids.
- Mixed Berry Syrup: If you don’t have blueberry syrup, opt for a mixed berry syrup, which will still give the drink a fruity flavor.
- Blackberry Syrup: Blackberry syrup can be used as a substitute, providing a slightly richer taste than blueberry syrup, but it blends well with the other ingredients.
- Strawberry Syrup: While it changes the taste slightly, this is a widely available option that still works for fruity sweetness.
- Blueberry Pie Filling (Thinned): In a pinch, scoop out some blueberry pie filling, add water, and heat it on the stove to create a DIY syrup.
5. Fresh Berries (For Garnish)
Original Ingredient: Fresh cherries, blueberries, or cranberries add a beautiful garnish and extra pops of fruity flavor.
Substitutes:
- Frozen Berries: Thaw frozen berries, such as cherries, blueberries, or cranberries, to use as a topping. They work just as well and are often more affordable and accessible year-round.
- Citrus Slices: If berries aren’t available, garnish your drink with lemon or lime slices for a fresh and vibrant look.
- Mint Leaves: Not a fruit substitute but adding fresh mint leaves can elevate the aroma and give the drink a refreshing twist.
6. Ice Cubes (Chilled Perfection)
Original Ingredient: Ice cubes are straightforward, but they’re crucial for keeping the drink cool and refreshing.
Substitutes:
- Crushed Ice: Adds a more authentic Chick-fil-A drink texture. If you have a blender, pulse ice cubes until crushed.
- Berry Ice Cubes: Freeze small berries like blueberries or pieces of cherry inside your ice cubes. These make the drink not just cold but visually appealing as well.
- No Ice (Chilled Ingredients): If you don’t want to water down your drink, simply ensure your Sprite and syrups are properly chilled before mixing.
Final Thoughts
With this easy Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry Sprite recipe, you don’t have to wait for Chick-fil-A’s limited-time season to enjoy the Cherry Berry Sprite.
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