To make the faux cherries, macerate the strawberries in the cherry syrup for at least an hour.

Empty the Jel Dessert into a jug and mix it with the cola. It will fizz up but will quickly calm down.

Add some boiling water and mix well until all the jel granules have dissolved. ½ cup of boiling water will give you a firmer salad, ¾ cup will make it more jiggly.

Next, pour the cherry-infused strawberries and the syrup into the jug, stir to combine, then transfer to four serving dishes or one large bowl.

Let cool to room temperature then let set in the fridge for at least an hour.