You can find several drinks that fit for different occasions. We have some refreshing drinks for summer and other comforting ones for the holiday season. Among the many drink recipes, Italian cream soda is one drink that literally fits every occasion! Whether it is summer afternoon, holiday brunch, or a party, Italian cream soda comes in different flavors and takes any occasion to the next level.
This drink is refreshing, delicious, and creamy. And the best part is that it is super easy to make. For those who have never tried making Italian cream soda at home, let me tell you it is effortless! With three simple ingredients, you can prepare and enjoy this drink any time of the day.
Thanks to the many flavor options, you can create a variety of drinks that match everyone’s preferences. So, the next time you are hosting a party for your family and friends, try this amazingly delicious and easy drink, and I bet everyone will be in awe.
Is Italian Cream Soda Italian?
It is a common belief that everything that starts with Italian will automatically be Italian. Well, this supposition is correct to some extent, but in the case of Italian cream soda, you will be amazed to know that this drink has nothing to do with Italy. In fact, Italian cream soda is authentically an American drink.
The only connection this drink has to Italy is the flavored syrups. That’s because the famous brands that have been producing these delicious syrups brought the recipes from Italy. It was in 1925 that soda emerged and was introduced to the Americans. Now soda is one of the most popular drinks in the world.
Ingredient breakdown
You can make this delicious creamy soda drink using three main ingredients. These ingredients are readily available from any grocery store. Because of a few ingredients, this drink is super easy to make. Here is what you will need to make Italian cream soda:
- Sparkling water: Sparkling water in water infused with carbon dioxide. As a result, it is bubbling water that excites your tastebuds. You can easily find sparkling water in any grocery store. However, you can also use club soda instead of sparkling water. Both these ingredients are pretty much the same and are often used in place of each other.
- Flavored syrup: Flavored syrup is a compulsory ingredient in Italian cream soda. It is the ingredient that brings flavor to the soda. It is also responsible for the color of this cream soda. You can find several types of flavored syrups. These are readily available from every grocery store. Although I have used cherry flavor, you can choose strawberry, raspberry, vanilla, and coconut. It depends upon your liking for the flavors. Whatever you use, the cream soda will be just perfect!
- Half-and-half: Half-and-half is the ingredient that makes this cream soda creamy. It is a lighter version of heavy cream and adds creaminess to the soda. If you don’t have half and half, you can also use heavy cream. Whatever is available to you will work.
- Ice: Ice will make your drink chilled and perfect for summer.
- Whipped cream: Whipped cream is creamy and delicious. You can top the drink with it as much as you like. However, it is an optional ingredient. So, if you don’t feel like having whipped cream, no problem at all. Simply skip it.
- Maraschino cherry: Maraschino cherries are sweet and slightly tart-preserved, delicious cherries. Because we are using cherry-flavored syrup, I love adding maraschino cherry on top of the drink to make it more presentable and visually appealing. You can use strawberry or coconut shavings, depending on your flavor.
How to Make Italian Cream Soda
Making Italian cream soda is super easy. That’s because it uses three simple ingredients, and you don’t have to go through an extensive preparation method. It takes no more than 5 minutes to get this soda ready. Therefore, you can easily prepare it in large batches as well. Here is how you can make Italian cream soda:
Step 1: Start by preparing the serving glasses. Add ice cubes to each glass for a cold and refreshing drink. You can skip ice cubes and use refrigerated ingredients as well. You can also place the serving glasses in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before making the drink. This way, the glasses will retain the cooling effect.
Step 2: First, pour sparkling water equally into each glass, followed by cherry-flavored syrup. You can use whatever flavored syrup you like.
Step 3: Next, pour half-and-half. Give the drink a quick stir. You can save stirring for later as well. When left unstirred, you can see a gradient effect which is visually very appealing.
Step 4: Now, it’s time for garnish. Top the glass with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Can You Store Italian Cream Soda?
Unfortunately, you can’t store Italian cream soda. In fact, you can’t keep the drink for a lot of time as the heavy cream in it can start to curdle. If you want to avoid curdling, I recommend you add the heavy cream or half-and-half in last. Also, let the heavy cream sit at the bottom on its own. Don’t stir it; stirring instantly increases the chances of curdling the drink. Instead, stir it just before serving.
Italian Cream Soda Recipe
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: N/A
- Total time: 5 minutes
- Serving: 2
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sparkling water
- ¼ cup cherry-flavored syrup
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- Ice, as required
- Whipped cream, as required
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Preparation
- In a large serving glass, add ice cubes.
- Pour sparkling water equally into each glass, followed by cherry-flavored syrup.
- Next, pour half-and-half. Let it glide to the bottom of the glass. Avoid stirring.
- Top the glass with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top.
- Enjoy!
Italian cream soda
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup sparkling water
- ¼ cup cherry-flavored syrup
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- Ice as required
- Whipped cream as required
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In a large serving glass, add ice cubes.
- Pour sparkling water equally in each glass, followed by cherry-flavored syrup.
- Next, pour half-and-half. Let it glide to the bottom of the glass. Avoid stirring.
- Top the glass with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top.
- Enjoy!
