Italian Cream Soda is a nostalgic and delicious treat. My kids really enjoyed this recipe and it brought back pleasant memories for me! Making your own Italian Soda at home is fun, budget friendly and there are endless ways to customize flavors.
The name Italian Soda suggests it originated in Italy, but this treat was created in the U.S. by the syrup company Torani Syrups. Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre named their soda water and flavored syrup creation “Italian Soda” in 1925.
More drink recipes: Virgin Mojito, Dragon Fruit Smoothie, Blueberry Smoothie, Watermelon Smoothie, Orange Julius Recipe, Fruit Punch, Date Shake, Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers Drink.
Ingredients in an Italian Soda
- Sparkling Water – Use club soda, La Croix or any kind of sparkling water.
- Flavored Syrup – Choose any flavor you like. I used strawberry.
- Ice – Pebble ice is great if you have it.
- Heavy Cream – Add cream and it becomes a “Cream Soda.” You can also use whipped cream if you like.
- Fresh Fruit – An optional topping.
How to Make an Italian Cream Soda
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add flavored syrup.
- Pour seltzer water to top off the glass.
- Add heavy cream and garnish with fresh fruit.
- Serve immediately with a straw. I love these glass straws.
- Garnish with fruit like a strawberry or a maraschino cherry
Tips for Making
- Collect your favorite syrups. There are so many fun flavors like toasted marshmallow, blue raspberry, pistachio or lime.
- What are the best Italian soda flavors? I love peach, cherry, vanilla and mango. Have fun choosing and combining flavors.
- You can substitute the heavy cream for oat milk or coconut milk for a vegan option without dairy.
- These are the glasses and glass straws that I use and love.
- Create an Italian soda bar with a variety of syrups of toppings to choose from!
Italian Soda Variation Ideas
1. Creamy Italian Soda: To add a creamy twist to your Italian Soda, substitute regular sparkling water with cream soda or mix half-and-half. This variation will give your drink a richer and sweeter texture.
2. Fruity Fusion: Mix two or more flavored syrups together to create exciting fruit fusions.
3. Mocktail Magic: Create mocktail versions of popular cocktails by using flavored syrups that mimic classic cocktail flavors, such as mojito, piña colada, or margarita.
4. Fresh Herb Infusions: Enhance the flavors of your Italian Soda by infusing it with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or thyme. Muddle the herbs gently before adding the syrup and sparkling water.
5. Float: Add ice cream instead of heavy crsem to create an old fashioned float.
Italian Soda Flavor Combinations
- Tropical Dream Combine mango and strawberry syrup.
- Mojito Combine mint and lime syrup.
- Pina Colada Combine pineapple and coconut syrup.
- Creamsicle Combnine vanilla and orange syrup.
- Tiger’s Blood Combine strawberry and coconut syrup.
Serving Suggestions/Goes Great With
Other recipes you may like:
- Easy Vodka Sauce Pasta
- Easy Calzone Recipe
- Pinwheel Sandwiches
- Deep Dish Pizza
- Root Beer Float
- More Mocktail Recipes
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there caffeine in Italian Soda?
No. There is no caffeine in this recipe for Italian cream soda.
What is an Italian Soda?
An Italian Soda is a drink made of club soda and flavored syrup. It is often served with cream (also called “Italian cream soda”) and fresh fruit.
When was the Italian Soda invented?
It was created in 1925 by Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre.
Get our FREE recipe guide with our most popular recipes of all time!
Free Popular Recipe Guide
Our top 25 recipes of all time!
Get the Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce flavored syrup
- 1½ cups ice
- 8 ounces sparkling water
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 strawberry (optional garnish )
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add flavored syrup.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Add heavy cream and garnish with fresh fruit. Serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
- Collect your favorite syrups. There are so many fun flavors like toasted marshmallow, blue raspberry, pistachio or lime. Have fun with it.
- These are the glasses and glass straws that I use and love.
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
I was looking for a quick, yummy, nonalcoholic drink for family and friends this summer and this one sounded perfect! I was right – we now have lots of syrups and have made Italian sodas countless times with this recipe! It’s delicious and light and perfect!
Love these
I looove a good Italian soda!
This sounds like a lovely drink on a hot summer afternoon, thank you for the recipe!
Eek! I’ve always wondered how to make this. I suppose I thought it would be more complex. Thanks for breaking it down and allowing for many variations in the recipe!
It’s so easy! Have fun making it. xx
I’d love to try that recipe. Thank you!
Thank you so much!!! I hope you love it 🙂