Easy Italian Soda Recipe

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Italian Soda is a classic, refreshing drink that’s easy to make with 3 ingredients! I’m sharing the details on how to create an Italian soda recipe, my favorite flavor combinations, and two of the best Italian soda recipes!

This drink is one of my absolute favorite summertime treats! They’re refreshing, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. And the best part? You can customize them and use your favorite flavors! 

If you love serving fun drinks at parties, try my agua fresca recipesvirgin piña coladas, and lemon-lime spritz

Blueberry Italian Soda Recipe - club soda, cream soda.

Growing up, this was my favorite summer treat. My mom and I would always stop by a coffee shack called Coffee Heaven on road trips to Oregon. I remember ordering Italian blueberry soda instead of ice cream because they were refreshing. I wanted to recreate these for my kids to experience the same joy.

What’s in an Italian Soda?

What exactly is in an Italian soda? It’s a drink made of club soda and flavored syrup, often served with cream (aka Italian cream soda).

Torani, the San Francisco-based syrup company, invented this tasty concoction. Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre were the first to create the term “Italian soda” in 1925. 

So, what’s the secret to this delicious drink? The key ingredient is, of course, the flavored syrup. You can find a variety of syrups on the market, ranging from classic flavors like strawberry and chocolate to more unique options like lavender and almond. 

Once you’ve chosen your syrup, add a few pumps to a glass of club soda and enjoy. If you’re feeling fancy, you can top it off with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

You can use syrup from the store if you don’t want to avoid going through the hassle of making your syrup. Torani syrup works perfectly! 

These sodas are the perfect summer drink. Now, let’s make some! 

Italian Soda Video Recipe:

Looking for more drinks to make at home? Try my berry lemonade and my freshly made watermelon juice

Homemade blueberry syrup with cream and carbonated water.

How To Make Italian Sodas 

These are easy drinks using seltzer water, heavy cream, and sweet syrups. Use different flavors to create your fun drink!

The full recipe is in the recipe card below.

Shopping List and Ingredient Notes

Flavored Syrup: This can be homemade or already made, like Torani. There are a variety of flavors that you can use! 

Cream: Half and half, heavy or whipping cream, all work well. 

Sparkling Water: Club soda or seltzer water works. A soda maker that works well, too. I use mine all the time. Any type of carbonated water is suitable. 

Steps to Make Italian Soda

Step 1: Fill a glass with ice and pour in the syrup. Add more syrup for extra flavor. 

Step 2: Add the soda water over the top. 

Step 3: Next, pour in the cream and then stir it. This will make a delicious creamy drink.

Step 4: Garnish with fresh berries. 

Pouring cream into a glass filled with ice and strawberry syrup to make an Italian soda.

Homemade Italian Soda Syrup

The homemade syrup is simple. You can make any flavor you want using sugar, whatever, and fresh seasonal fruit or spices. Homemade syrups are easy to make, too!

I store them in these inexpensive glass bottles, and they work perfectly. 

If you want to make something other than your own, use flavored syrups like Torani or Monin

Ingredients 

Granulated Sugar: This is used to sweeten the syrup. 

Water: Used to dilute the sugar and create a syrup. 

Berries: We used fresh strawberries and blueberries. Raspberries would be great, too. 

Homemade syrups to make easy sodas.

Directions

To make the homemade syrup, add 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup of berries (your choice) into a saucepan. 

On medium heat, allow the sugar to dissolve into the water. Add in the berries and continue to simmer for at least 10 minutes until the berries are soft. 

Remove from the heat and let the syrup sit for another 5 minutes. Strain the mixture through a mesh sieve – keep the juice and discard the berries.

Let the mixture cool before using. It will stay fresh for a few days in the fridge.

Try my homemade hibiscus simplecranberry, gingerbread, or honey syrup

Recipe Tips 

  • Let the simple syrup cool before mixing in.
  • Use flavored carbonated water to add to the flavor depth. 
  • Use the freshest fruit available to make syrups.
  • Use a generous amount of ice for each drink.
  • You can use whole milk for these sodas, too.
  • Add an extra splash of cream if you prefer.

Italian Soda Flavors

Syrup Flavors 

The flavor combinations are endless when making an Italian soda with cream! You can mix flavors to create delicious combinations. Here are some of the best Italian soda flavors:

  • Berries: Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries
  • Cranberry would be great with my simple cranberry syrup and for a holiday party.
  • Peaches, Apples, Pear
  • Lavender, Rosemary, Mint
  • Vanilla
  • Cinnamon
  • Gingerbread
  • Caramel 
  • Orange 

Flavor Combinations 

Try any of these syrup flavors! Here are my favorite flavors and combinations: 

Pear and Vanilla – Nothing better than a pear and vanilla combo.

Lavender and Peaches – The perfect summer combination. 

Caramel and Cinnamon – Another favorite and incredible year-round. Add a little homemade caramel sauce over the top of the whipped cream for a caramel twist!

Cherry and Lime – Make this when cherries are in season. You can also do raspberry syrup.

Pineapple and Coconut – A pina colada version! 

Rosemary and Cranberry – Great for the holidays and look beautiful with a rosemary garnish.

Sugar-Free Options

There are sugar-free flavor options for this drink. You can find sugar-free fruity syrups at most grocery stores. When choosing sugar-free syrups, check the label to see if it is gluten-free.

Types of Sparkling Water

Here are some soda water variations for this recipe:

Soda Water – Carbonated water that contains no sodium. It is often used in place of regular water or Soda.

Mineral water – contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium. It is often used in place of regular water or Soda.

Club soda – Club soda is carbonated water that contains sodium. It is often used in place of regular water or Soda.

Seltzer Water – carbonated water that contains no sodium. It is often used in place of regular water or Soda.

Non-Dairy Options 

For a non-dairy Italian soda, use coconut cream or a non-dairy heavy cream alternative to replace the cream. Here are some ideas: 

  • Almond Milk 
  • Soy Milk
  • Coconut Milk
  • Oat Milk
  • Cashew Milk

How to Make an Italian Soda Bar

Making an Italian soda bar is a great way to entertain guests or enjoy a refreshing treat on a hot day. All you need is a selection of flavored syrups, club soda, and ice. Add toppings like whipped cream, fruit slices, or chocolate chips.

Start by placing the flavored syrups in individual jars with spouts for easy pouring. You can also use the bottles they come in and add pumps to make it easier.

Then, set out a pitcher of club soda and some glasses. 

Add ice to the glasses and place them on a tray. 

Finally, put out any toppings you want to offer.

Invite your guests to choose their favorite syrup and add a few pumps to their glass. Then, they can top off their drink with club soda and add toppings they like.

Check out my snow cone bar and mojito bar for more fun ideas.

Homemade Italian soda recipes with strawberries and blueberries.

Garnishes

A garnish is typically a fruit slice, candy, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or whipped cream. Here are some more ideas:

  • Fresh Fruit Slices
  • Fresh Berries
  • Candy
  • Sprinkles
  • Maraschino Cherry

Serving Recommendations 

These festive drinks are perfect for many occasions! Create an Italian soda bar where guests can make sodas and mix flavors. Here are some occasions you can serve this:

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An Italian Soda? 

An Italian soda is a soft drink made from carbonated water, cream, and simple flavored syrup.
Flavors can be fruit, herbs, or spices. The flavors are inspired by desserts or other beverages, such as amaretto or chocolate.

What does Italian Soda taste like? 

The Soda is a mixture of cream, sparkling water, and whatever flavor syrup you want. If you’ve had a cream popsicle, it tastes like that. It’s sweetened with a creamy flavor and carbonation from sparkling water.

How is Italian Soda different from regular Soda? 

They are made with syrup, carbonated water, and cream and do not contain caffeine like regular sodas, and they are freshly made. They also look different from the cream; you can create as many flavors as possible.

What cream should I use?

You can use a few different types of cream to make Italian sodas, but the most popular option is heavy cream. You can also use half and half; if you want a lighter option, use milk instead.

What do you serve Italian Sodas in?

This refreshing drink is typically served in a tall glass with ice. You can also garnish your drink with fruit slices, chocolate chips, or sprinkles.

Is this a gluten-free recipe?

Absolutely, the Italian soda recipe outlined in this post is naturally gluten-free. However, it’s always prudent to check the labels of the products you use, especially the flavored syrups, if you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, to ensure they are free of gluten-containing additives.

Is Italian Soda the same as club soda?

Italian Soda and club soda are distinct beverages, each with unique characteristics. Italian Soda is a sweetened drink made with flavored syrup and carbonated water, often garnished with a slice of fruit or a splash of cream.

On the other hand, club soda is plain carbonated water infused with added minerals. It is typically used as a mixer in cocktails or enjoyed as a standalone refreshing drink without the sweetness associated with Italian sodas.

How Much Does it Cost to Make an Italian Soda at Home?

Making an Italian soda at home is a lot cheaper than buying one in the store. On average, it costs about $1-$2 per 12-ounce glass. The ingredients you’ll need are just seltzer water, ice cubes, flavored syrup, and cream if desired.

You can buy a liter of seltzer for around $0.50, and flavored syrups typically range from $6-$7 for a 750 ml bottle. This amount will make at least 12 glasses of Italian sodas. Adding cream will add about $0.50 more to the cost of each glass.

Where do I find the Club Soda? Can I use La Croix?

​Club Soda can typically be found in the beverage aisle of most grocery stores, often near other carbonated drinks like sodas and sparkling water.

Most major supermarkets carry a selection if you’re looking for a specific brand or a store near you. La Croix, a famous sparkling water brand, is a suitable substitute for Club Soda in many recipes and drinks, especially if you want a hint of flavor without added sugars or calories.

More Sweet Drink Recipes

If you like this fun drink, try these recipes:

Strawberry and blueberry Italian soda recipes.

Be sure to check out my Strawberry Tequila Sodas and Italian Paloma Cocktail too! 

Let us know if you make this recipe by leaving a comment and review below! 

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Italian Soda

Easy Italian Sodas

An Italian soda is a classic, refreshing drink that's easy to make with just 3 ingredients! We're sharing all the details on how to make an Italian soda and two of our favorite Italian soda flavors!
4.46 from 31 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drink
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 258kcal
Author: Eden

Ingredients

Italian Soda

  • 2 ounces syrup, homemade blueberry or strawberry syrup
  • 3 ounces club soda, any sparkling water
  • 1 ounce cream, heavy cream or half and half

Instructions

Italian Soda

  • Fill a glass with ice.
  • Pour 1/4 part syrup over the ice.
    adding strawberry syrup to an Italian Soda
  • Add in the club soda.
    pouring soda water over ice and strawberry syrup in a glass
  • Pour in a small amount of cream and stir.
    pouring cream in an Italian soda

Notes

Homemade Italian Syrup 
To make the homemade syrup, add 1 cup of water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup of berries (your choice) into a saucepan. 
On medium heat, allow the sugar to dissolve into the water.
Add in the berries and continue to simmer for at least 10 minutes until the berries are soft. 
Remove from the heat and let the syrup sit for another 5 minutes. 
Strain the mixture through a mesh sieve – keep the juice and discard the berries.
Let the mixture cool before using. It will stay fresh for a few days in the fridge.
Sweeter Italian Soda
To make a sweeter Italian soda, add more syrup. To create a creamier soda, add more creamy.
Italian Soda Ratio
Use these measurements as a guide, but you can add more or less syrup, sparkling water, and half and half to make it exactly how you like it. 

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 24mg | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 417IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
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Italian Soda recipe with title.

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84 thoughts on “Easy Italian Soda Recipe”

  1. Those seriously look amazing! So pretty! And fairly healthy if you make homemade syrup. I started making my own boba (bubble) tea, and just use fresh or frozen fruit blended in the blender to sweeten.

    http://threeblindwives.com/2012/03/14/homemade-boba-bubble-tea/

    I wonder if that would work with this? I still want to try the syrup, though.

    I can’t wait to try this myself. Ooh, and I’ll have some fresh black raspberries from my garden soon! I bet they’ll taste amazing with this recipe. Thanks for sharing!

    ~Daniél

    Reply
  2. Yes! I find you right in time for summer.

    Thanks for recreating, and sharing with us. I will definitely introduce this to my son; it’s not just refreshing, it’s nutritious too.

    Reply
  3. Loved this recipe! I opted to not add cream though and made my own whipped cream to mix in. So good! I love this blog, I am so excited to see more ideas that you come up with 🙂

    Reply
  4. Thanks for all of the comments! To answer a few questions, the syrup should a little less thick than maple syrup. Also, for raspberries, I would use about 1 1/2 cup either frozen or fresh… I always prefer fresh though 🙂

    Reply
  5. We first tried these at Johnny Carinos and my girls and I fell in love! But WOW are they pricey. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us! I would love to make these in Raspberry, what measurement of raspberries would I need for the homemade syrup, and can I use frozen fruit? -Mo

    Reply
  6. My university has an international food fair in April and I think I’m going to introduce people to the awesomeness of Italian and Mexican sodas. thanks for the recipe

    Reply
  7. Delicious! I usually omit the sparkling water for a fatter creamier version. Of course, you can’t drink too much of it then, but the ice melts and waters it down a bit and it’s sooooo good!

    Reply
  8. These look very delicious! i’ve never tried soda mixed with a dairy product, but they definitely look appealing enough to drink! thanks for the great post! I’ll have to try it!

    Reply

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