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Cherry Phosphate
The soda fountain classic. Cherry syrup, acid phosphate, soda — a drink that tastes like American childhood if American childhood had been designed by a bartender instead of a Coca-Cola executive.
The Cherry Phosphate was the most-ordered drink at American soda fountains for fifty years. Every fountain had its own house cherry syrup, often made from local fruit. The Coca-Cola Company's original 1886 formula was effectively a cherry phosphate with kola nut — when you order a Cherry Coke today, you're drinking a degraded descendant of this drink.
Ingredients
- Cherry Syrup1 ounce
- Acid Phosphate0 teaspoon
- Soda Water5 ounces
- Brandied Cherry1 each
Directions
Add cherry syrup and acid phosphate to a highball glass. Fill with ice. Top with chilled soda water. Stir gently. Garnish with a brandied cherry on a pick.
Notes
Make your own cherry syrup from sour cherries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice if you can. Otherwise Liber & Co's pre-made syrup is excellent and far better than industrial grenadine.