• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Hungry Enough To Eat Six
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Nancy Mock Food Writing, including Marry Me Chicken
  • Hungry For Vermont
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Spring
  • Cinco Mayo
  • Recipe Index
  • My Writing
  • Delectable Destinations
  • Hungry For Vermont
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    4th of July Fireworks Ice Cream Soda

    By Nancy Mock June 29, 2019 Updated February 7, 2022 Leave a Comment

    • Share136
    • Tweet
    4th of July Fireworks Ice Cream Soda! This 4th of July Fireworks Ice Cream Soda has a red, white and blue hue, just in time for the holiday! Sweet, cherry soda, ice cream and exploding Pop Rocks!
    Red ice cream sodas with striped paper straws.

    A kid-friendly recipe that's fun for everyone! This ice cream soda is red, white, and blue - perfect for the 4th of July! And it has a little fireworks action from a sprinkle of Pop Rocks!

    Two red ice cream sodas with blue Pop Rocks and bottles of IBC Cherry Soda in background.
    → Jump to Recipe

    May contain affiliate links.

    How long has it been since you've had Pop Rocks? (It has not been that long for me... I have no self-control.)

    Two packets of Tropical Punch flavor Pop Rocks, cherry soda bottles in background.

    What's your favorite kind of float? A classic root beer float? A scoop of orange sherbet in bubbly 7-Up? Creamy, cold and carbonated: such bliss. Ice cream sodas are a summertime joy!

    Colorful red and blue striped paper straws in a glass, cherry sodas in background.

    Well, let me introduce you to your new favorite: the 4th of July Fireworks Ice Cream Soda! With red, white and blue hues and a cherry soda base, it's a must-have for the holiday!

    Two bottles of IBC Black Cherry Soda on blue tablecloth printed with white stars.

    The delectable flavor combo here is rich vanilla ice cream and sweet cherry soda, plus a swirl of candy flavor!

    Why you'll love it

    This recipe calls for only one do-ahead step: swirling Pop Rocks into softened ice cream to add a ribbon of blue color and then chilling the mixture to firm up the ice cream. This is very easy to do in advance or even the night before!

    The actual ice cream sodas are fun and convenient because they're quick to assemble - perfect to make with kids. The last step of adding the Pop Rocks is the most exciting and entertaining one!

    Things needed for recipe: bottles of cherry soda, vanilla ice cream, Pop Rocks.

    🔪 How to make this recipe

    Step 1: Combine candy and ice cream

    Vanilla ice cream topped with blue Pop Rocks candies in a clear bowl.

    Stir Pop Rocks into softened ice cream. Put the ice cream back into the freezer to firm up.

    Step 2: Pour soda

    Overhead shot of blue swirled vanilla ice cream, cherry soda in two glasses.

    Pour cherry soda into two tall glasses.

    Step 3: Add ice cream

    Two glasses, one with cherry soda, the other with ice cream bubbling in the soda.

    Add ice cream to the glasses.

    Step 4: Make the fireworks happen!

    Two glasses with cherry ice cream sodas topped with blue Pop Rocks.

    Add Pop Rocks to the top of each ice cream soda, and watch the "fireworks" fly!

    Tips

    • To get the blue for your red, white and blue drink look for the Tropical Fruit Punch flavor of Pop Rocks.
    • If you are really pressed for time, you can skip the step of swirling Pop Rocks into the ice cream - there's no chilling time necessary this way.
    • There are lots of brands of cherry soda, with colors ranging from neon pink to garnet! Pick your favorite - my family preferred the flavor of the IBC Dark Cherry Soda.
    • To keep the sodas looking, tasting and popping their best, serve them immediately after assembling.

    FAQs

    Can I use a different flavor of soda? Or ice cream?

    Of course! The combination of cherry soda and vanilla ice cream here is for the delectable flavor (of course) and for the red-white-blue theme. Feel free to experiment with other sodas and ice creams, ices, or sorbets.

    Can any steps be done ahead of time?

    Stirring the Pop Rocks into the ice cream. Other steps you can do in advance: chill the sodas and glasses, have everything laid out and ready to make the drinks (straws, Pop Rocks, spoons), and you can scoop the ice cream ahead of time. Just place the scoops of ice cream on a small baking sheet, cover them with plastic and hold them in the freezer.

    Is that urban myth about Pop Rocks and soda really true?

    No 🙂 You will get lots of fizzing and bubbles when Pop Rocks meet soda but the combo will not hurt you. (Phew!)

    Tall glasses with ice cream sodas colored red.

    The recipe is below! Need more festive recipe ideas? Here are a few!

    Triple Berry Mason Jar Trifles
    Loaded with fresh fruit, layers of sweetened cream and tender shortcake, these pretty little Triple Berry Mason Jar Trifle is a great dessert to make with the family.
    Take me there
    White wood surface with berries and a mason jar with layered cream and fruit
    Make these festive and yummy Red, White & Blue Desserts for your 4th of July Table!

    This recipe is featured in the collection, Celebrate The 4th With Red, White & Blue Desserts.

    Starry Cherry Blueberry Tart
    Brimming with luscious fruit flavor and colorful pastry stars, the Starry Cherry Blueberry Tart is a festive dessert for the 4th of July or any gathering!
    Take me there

    💬 How do you like these poppin' drinks? Leave a comment below!

    📖 Recipe

    This 4th of July Fireworks Ice Cream Soda has a red, white and blue hue, just in time for the holiday! Sweet, cherry soda, ice cream and exploding Pop Rocks!

    4th of July Fireworks Ice Cream Soda

    Nancy Mock
    A kid-friendly recipe that's fun for everyone! This ice cream soda is red, white and blue - perfect for the 4th of July! And it has a little fireworks action from a sprinkle of Pop Rocks!
    5 from 1 vote. Tap stars to vote
    Print it! Pin This Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Chilling Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
    Course Chilled Dessert, Dessert, Drinks, Ice Cream, Summer Dessert, Summer Drink
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 .33-ounce envelopes of blue Pop Rocks: look for Tropical Fruit Punch flavor
    • 2 cups vanilla bean ice cream, softened
    • 24 ounces (two 12-ounce bottles) red cherry soda (I used IBC brand), chilled
    • 4 tall chilled glasses plus straws & spoons

    Instructions
     

    Prepare the ice cream:

    • Open one package of Pop Rocks and pour them over the softened vanilla ice cream.
    • Stir them together just until the Pop Rocks leave streaks of blue through the ice cream. You want the streaks to be bright and visible.
    • Cover the ice cream with plastic wrap, pressing it to the surface of the ice cream and place it in the freezer. Freeze the ice cream for 1-2 hours until it has firmed up.

    Assemble the sodas:

    • Divide the cherry sodas between the four chilled glasses, half a bottle into each glass.
    • Use a ¼-cup scoop and gently place two scoops of the Pop Rocks ice cream into each glass.
    • Open the second envelope of Pop Rocks and sprinkle them over the top of the ice cream sodas - and watch them pop!
    • Place straws into each glass and serve them immediately, along with a spoon for each. Makes 4 servings.

    Notes

    • To get the blue for your red, white and blue drink look for the Tropical Fruit Punch flavor of Pop Rocks.
    • If you are really pressed for time, you can skip the step of swirling Pop Rocks into the ice cream - there's no chilling time necessary this way.
    • There are lots of brands of cherry soda, with colors ranging from neon pink to garnet! Pick your favorite - my family preferred the flavor of the IBC Dark Cherry Soda.
    • To keep the sodas looking, tasting and popping their best, serve them immediately after assembling.
    • The combination of cherry soda and vanilla ice cream here is for the delectable flavor (of course) and for the red-white-blue theme. Feel free to experiment with other sodas and ice creams, ices or sorbets.
    • Steps you can do in advance: stir the Pop Rocks into the ice cream, chill the sodas and glasses, have everything laid out and ready to make the drinks (straws, Pop Rocks, spoons), and you can scoop the ice cream ahead of time. Just place the scoops of ice cream on a small baking sheet, cover them with plastic and hold them in the freezer.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 69mgPotassium: 131mgSugar: 31gVitamin A: 280IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment, tell me what you think!

    This post first published in June 25, 2016.

    More Drinks

    • Cream and sprinkles-topped green milkshakes.
      Green Milkshakes for St. Patrick's Day
    • Cocktail with yellow liquid and a lemon slice
      Maple Gin Hot Toddy
    • Clear brown syrup in a mason jar
      How to Make Pumpkin Spice Coffee Syrup
    • Garnished Bloody mary drinks on a metal tray
      Camping Breakfast Bloody Mary | Glamping Recipes

    Reader Interactions

    Ask Me Anything! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Woman smiling and standing next to rack with baking equipment.
    Hungry Enough To Eat Six.com

    Hi-ya! I'm Nancy Mock and I live in beautiful northern Vermont with my family.

    Hungry Enough To Eat Six is comfort food and baking inspiration!

    Find a recipe now - head to the Recipe Index.

    Pies for Pi Day

    • Slice of chocolate and whipped cream pie on plate.
      Baileys Chocolate Irish Cream Pie
    • Whipped cream topped slice of berry pi on a white plate.
      The Best Fruits of the Forest Pie Recipe
    • Slice of cream topped cinnamon pie
      Cinnamon Pie
    • Slice of chocolate cream pie
      Salted Caramel Chocolate Cream Pie

    St. Patrick's Day Recipes

    • Scone with cream, chocolate, and berries.
      Baileys Irish Cream Scones with Whiskey-Chocolate Sauce
    • Round loaf of soda bread in hands and on green cloth.
      Traditional Irish Soda Bread
    • Hands holding round loaf of baked brown bread.
      Irish Brown Bread
    • apple blackberry crumble with cream
      Blackberry and Apple Crumble & Dingle, Ireland

    Spring Recipes

    • Frosted lemon roll on a plate.
      Iced Lemon Rolls With Cardamom
    • Small glass mason jar holding whipped cream with purple lilacs in background.
      Lilac Infused Whipped Cream
    • Baked pan of scones
      Orange Cardamom Scones with Maple Glaze
    • White plate with slice of orange carrot quiche.
      Cheddar Quiche with Roasted Carrots and Onion

    Trending Recipes

    • Slice of chocolate cream pie
      Salted Caramel Chocolate Cream Pie

    • Cheesy Cheddar Kielbasa Rice

    • row of baked peanut butter cookies
      Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies

    • Two small glasses of lemon drink
      The Best Lemon Margarita

    As seen on:

    Logos for various websites
    Chocolate pie in dish and slice on a plate.
    Tap Here To See The Stories

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest

    About Me

    • ABOUT ME
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • DISCLAIMER
    • WEBSITE TERMS OF USE

    Newsletter

    • SIGN UP! for my newsletter

    Contact

    • CONTACT ME

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Banner with website logos

    © 2013-2023 Nancy Mock, Hungry Enough To Eat Six: Unauthorized use and/or duplication of content from this site without express and written permission is strictly prohibited. Contact Nancy Mock through the About Me page for permissions.

    ©2023 Foodie Pro on the Foodie Pro Theme