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This Italian soda recipe is fizzy, colorful, and so easy to make with just seltzer water, sweet syrups, and a splash of cream. It’s a light, refreshing drink you can enjoy year-round for any party or cozy gathering!
If you love this Italian soda recipe, you’ll also enjoy my refreshing agua fresca recipes and lemon-lime spritz!
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Pin ItWhy Italian Sodas Are the Ultimate Treat
Growing up, this was my favorite summer treat. My mom and I always stopped at a little coffee shack called Coffee Heaven during road trips to Oregon.
I’d always skip the ice cream and order a blueberry Italian soda instead — they were fizzy, sweet, and so refreshing. Now I make them for my own kids, and it’s just as magical!
Here’s why Italian sodas are such a hit for any occasion:
- Totally customizable: From classic strawberry to unique flavors like lavender and hazelnut, everyone can pick their favorite syrup.
- Easy to make: Just three ingredients — soda water, flavored syrup, and cream (optional, but dreamy!).
- Kid-friendly and fun: Skip the cream for a lighter sip, or create a whole DIY soda bar for guests to mix their own.
Italian Soda Ingredients
Flavored Syrup: Choose from fruity classics like strawberry or raspberry, or go bold with lavender, hazelnut, or vanilla. Store-bought works great, or make your own for extra charm.
Cream: Use heavy cream for richness, or sub in half-and-half or your favorite milk. Optional, but it turns it into that dreamy “Italian cream soda” vibe.
Sparkling Water: Club soda or seltzer keeps it light and fizzy. A soda maker works too if you want homemade bubbles!
Garnishes: Top with a cherry, fresh herbs, or a slice of fruit to make it look party-ready and extra fun.
How to Make an Italian Soda
Garnish: Top with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a picture-perfect presentation.
Add Ice and Syrup: Start by filling a glass with ice and adding your syrup. For a more robust flavor, use a little extra syrup.
Pour in Club Soda: Add your sparkling water to create a bubbly, refreshing base.
Add the Cream: Finish by pouring in the cream, then stir to combine. This creates a creamy, dreamy drink.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Chill everything first: Cold sparkling water, syrup, and cream keep your soda fizzy and refreshing.
Add cream last: Pour the cream over the top right before serving for that dreamy layered look.
Skip the cream: Leave it out for a classic Italian soda that’s still bubbly and sweet.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut, almond, or oat milk for a delicious non-dairy twist.
Sugar-free version: Choose zero-sugar syrups to make a lighter, lower-calorie drink.
Mix & match flavors: Try combos like strawberry-vanilla, peach-lavender, or raspberry-lemon for something fun and unique!
Italian Soda Bar for Entertaining
Hosting a party? Set up a simple Italian soda bar and let guests mix their own! Just offer a few flavored syrups, chilled sparkling water, cream, and fun toppings like whipped cream, fruit slices, or cherries. It’s such a charming (and easy) way to add something interactive to your next gathering.
Here are some of my favorite seasonal Italian soda flavor combos to inspire your setup:
- Winter: Peppermint + mocha with whipped cream and crushed candy canes
- Spring: Lavender + lemon with edible flowers
- Summer: Peach + ginger with fresh mint
- Fall: Caramel + green apple with a cinnamon stick
Frequently Asked Questions
Italian sodas are made fresh with flavored syrup, bubbly water, and a splash of cream — no caffeine, no cans. They’re lighter, creamier, and way more customizable. Plus, you can dream up as many fun flavors as you want!
Yes! Italian sodas are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your flavored syrups, as some brands may add ingredients that aren’t gluten-free.
You can use heavy cream, half-and-half, or even whipping cream — whatever you have on hand! For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer works beautifully too.
I buy my syrups online or you can find them in Cost Plus World Market. They always have a great selection.
Italian soda is just flavored syrup and sparkling water — light, fizzy, and refreshing. French soda (also called Italian cream soda) adds a splash of cream for a richer, creamier drink. Honestly, growing up, I always thought an Italian soda had to have cream — it just made it extra special!
More Sweet Drink Recipes
If you like this fun drink, try these recipes:
Check out my Strawberry Tequila Sodas and Italian Paloma Cocktail too!
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Italian Soda Recipe
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 tall glass with plenty of ice — the more, the better for that refreshing chill.
- Pour about 1/4 part of your favorite flavored syrup over the ice. Adjust to taste depending on how sweet you like it!
- Slowly add club soda (or seltzer) over the syrup, letting it fizz and bubble to the top.
- Drizzle in a small splash of cream — just enough to create that dreamy, swirling effect.
- Give it a gentle stir, top with a cherry or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy, and sip away!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love Italian sodas but I’ve never made them myself. Really excited I found this!
I’ve never heard of italian soda. I’m thrilled. Thanks for the great article.
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 🙂
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
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
I was just wondering how thick is the syrup supposed to be? These look amazing!
Like a light maple syrup consistency 🙂
looks perfect i love it
Lovely photos and glasses – and the recipes are fun too – I will wish to try these at my next outing/bbq outside –
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!
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!