10 Cherry-Flavored Sodas In One Fizzy Showdown

Cherry-flavored soda has been a fan favorite for decades, delivering that sweet, fruity punch that keeps people coming back for more. From classic cola blends to creamy, bubbly surprises, there are more cherry sodas out there than most people realize.

Whether you prefer bold and caffeinated or light and refreshing, the cherry soda world has something for everyone. We rounded up ten of the best to see how they stack up against each other.

1. Coca-Cola Cherry (Cherry Coke)

Back in 1985, Coca-Cola Cherry changed the soda game forever by becoming the very first flavored cola the company ever released nationwide. That bold cherry-cola combo hit shelves and never looked back.

By 2023, it had claimed the top spot in cherry cola sales across the country.

The flavor is smooth, sweet, and unmistakably cola-forward with a fruity finish. Zero Sugar and Diet versions keep it accessible for everyone.

The newest twist, Cherry Float, mixes in creamy vanilla for a soda fountain vibe right from the can.

2. Pepsi Wild Cherry

Pepsi actually beat Coca-Cola to the cherry cola punch. On November 10, 1985, Pepsi Wild Cherry hit the market first, giving cola lovers their first taste of that sweet cherry twist before anyone else could claim the idea.

Bold carbonation and a slightly sharper sweetness set it apart from its rivals. It uses high-fructose corn syrup and natural flavors to build that signature wild-cherry kick.

For fans who want their cola with a little extra attitude, this one delivers every single time.

3. Dr Pepper Cherry

Dr Pepper already has 23 flavors packed into every sip, so adding cherry to the mix sounds almost too good to be true. Spoiler: it works beautifully.

The cherry layer adds a fruity brightness that plays off the drink’s naturally complex, spiced backbone.

Keurig Dr Pepper produces this fan-favorite blend, and it has earned a loyal following among people who find regular Dr Pepper almost perfect but want just a little more sweetness. It is a soda that rewards adventurous taste buds with every cold sip.

4. Cheerwine

Since 1917, Cheerwine has proudly carried the title of the South’s unique cherry soft drink. That is over a century of fizzy, cherry-forward flavor that has built a fiercely devoted regional fan base, especially across the Carolinas.

Unlike most cherry sodas, Cheerwine skips the cola base entirely. Instead, it balances cherry and citrus notes with a hint of vanilla, creating something that feels genuinely one of a kind.

The carbonation is lively, and the sweetness never goes overboard. It is Southern charm in a bottle.

5. Crush Cherry

Fruit-forward and completely caffeine-free, Crush Cherry is the soda you reach for when you want pure, unapologetic fruity refreshment without any of the jittery side effects. Keurig Dr Pepper added it as a permanent flavor in the U.S. back in 2009.

The flavor profile leans heavily into bold, candy-like cherry sweetness rather than trying to mimic real fruit. That makes it a hit with younger soda drinkers and anyone who loves a fun, vibrant drink.

Pop one open on a hot afternoon and you will instantly understand the appeal.

6. Fanta Wild Cherry

Fanta Wild Cherry brings the same playful energy the Fanta brand is known for, but with a deep, sweet cherry flavor that feels festive and fun. Made with 100% natural flavors, it skips the artificial aftertaste that plagues some fruit sodas.

The limited-edition Crimson Sour Cherry variation adds a bright, tangy twist that sour candy lovers absolutely go wild for. Both versions are caffeine-free, making them solid choices for an afternoon treat.

Fanta has always been about bold fruit flavors, and cherry is one of its most exciting chapters yet.

7. Sprite Cherry

Lemon-lime and cherry might sound like an unexpected pairing, but Sprite Cherry makes it feel completely natural. The crisp, clean Sprite base cuts through the sweetness of the cherry flavor, creating a balance that feels lighter and more refreshing than most cherry sodas on this list.

Caffeine-free and made with 100% natural flavors, it is a smart pick for people who want something fruity without the heaviness of a cola. The Sprite Chill Cherry-Lime version even adds a cooling sensation that makes hot summer days feel a little more manageable.

8. 7UP Cherry

7UP Cherry takes the brand’s famously clean, crisp profile and layers in an all-natural cherry flavor that feels surprisingly elegant for a mainstream soda. It is caffeine-free and low in sodium, which makes it one of the more easygoing options in this entire lineup.

Keurig Dr Pepper produces this one, and they also offer a Zero Sugar version for calorie-conscious cherry fans. The flavor is gentle rather than overwhelming, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser at parties and family gatherings.

Sometimes understated is exactly what the moment calls for.

9. Stewart’s Cherries ‘n Cream Soda

Stewart’s Cherries ‘n Cream Soda feels like something your grandparents might have ordered at a 1950s soda fountain, and that is absolutely a compliment. The cherry scent hits you the moment you crack the cap, pure and inviting without smelling artificial.

Light vanilla notes weave through the bold cherry flavor, creating a creamy, dessert-like experience in every sip. At 190 calories and 46 grams of sugar per bottle, this one is a genuine treat rather than an everyday drink.

The slightly lighter carbonation makes it smooth and easy to enjoy slowly.

10. Mountain Dew Code Red

Mountain Dew Code Red crashed onto the scene like a cherry-flavored lightning bolt. Bold, sweet, and unmistakably caffeinated, it brought the high-energy Dew attitude to the cherry soda world and quickly built a passionate, almost cult-like following among fans of extreme flavors.

PepsiCo crafted this one for people who find regular cherry sodas a little too tame. The sweetness is intense, the caffeine kick is real, and the bright red color practically dares you to take a sip.

For late-night gaming sessions or long road trips, Code Red is the undisputed champion.