Italian Sodas are a classic, refreshing drink that’s easy to make with 3 ingredients. This creamy soda uses seltzer water, heavy cream, and sweet syrups. I’m sharing the easiest way to make an Italian soda and how to customize an Italian soda recipe.
This drink is not just a summer favorite of mine but a versatile treat that can be customized to your liking! It’s refreshing, bursting with flavor, and incredibly simple to make. The best part? You can tailor it to your taste and use your preferred flavors!Â
Growing up, this was my favorite summer treat. My mom and I always stopped 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 so my kids could experience the same joy.
Italian sodas are the perfect drink to serve at 4th of July Parties, Summer BBQs, Garden Parties or Summer Pool Parties. They would be perfect paired with my Italian cookies and a fresh fruit platter.
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.
The critical ingredient is the flavored syrup. There are a variety of syrups on the market, ranging from classic flavors like strawberry and chocolate to more unique options like lavender and almond.Â
These sodas are the perfect summer drink. If you’re looking for more refreshing drinks try my agua fresca recipes, virgin piña coladas, and lemon-lime spritz!Â
Shopping List and Ingredient Notes
Flavored Syrup: This can be homemade or already made, like Torani or Monin. You can use a variety of flavors!Â
Cream: Half and half, heavy or whipping cream, all work well.
Sparkling Water: Club soda or seltzer water works well. A soda maker works well, too. I use mine all the time. Any type of carbonated water is suitable.Â
Garnishes: Add fresh herbs or fruit for a charming garnish. A maraschino cherry looks nice too.
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.
Recipe Variations
Sugar-Free Options
There are sugar-free flavor options for this drink. Sugar-free fruity syrups can be found at most grocery stores. When choosing sugar-free syrups, check the label to see if they are gluten-free.
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 MilkÂ
- Soy Milk
- Coconut Milk
- Oat Milk
- Cashew Milk
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.
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; they are freshly made. They also look different from the cream; you can create as many flavors as possible.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Absolutely, the Italian soda recipe outlined in this post is naturally gluten-free. However, if you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it’s always prudent to check the labels of the products you use, especially the flavored syrups, to ensure they are free of gluten-containing additives.
More Sweet Drink Recipes
If you like this fun drink, try these recipes:
- Hydrating Watermelon Cucumber Refresher
- The Best Homemade Lemonade
- Peach Lemonade Recipe
- Watermelon Lemonade
- Arnold Palmer Drink
- Meyer Lemonade
- Dirty Shirley Temple
Be sure to check out my Strawberry Tequila Sodas and Italian Paloma Cocktail too!
Let me know if you make this Italian cream soda recipe by leaving a comment and review below.Â
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Easy Italian Sodas 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 glass with ice.
- Pour 1/4 part syrup over the ice.
- Add in the club soda.
- Pour in a small amount of cream and stir.
Delicious love this recipe!!! Silly question! I was thinking about making this in bulk (maybe tripling the recipe) and storing some. Is this something that you can save for later, by canning it in a water bath? Thank you in advance!
I had just bought a bunch of cherries when I found this recipe, so I made the Cherry Lime flavor. I used half of the sugar and no cream, and it’s so delicious and refreshing. My husband is now considering buying a soda stream so we always have carbonated water on hand.
Hi there, all your recipes look amazing 🤩. I was just wondering about how long the blueberry syrup (for the Italian soda) takes to cool down? Thank you in advance.
It will take about an hour to cool to room temp. You can put it in the refrigerator to help!
one of my favorite coffee shops makes me this and I am so glad that I can make this at home now! thank you for sharing this recipe
Just so wonderful and refreshing! I love having a simple recipe to make these at home!
Oh my goodness. Not only did this look so pretty after I made it, but it also tasted amazing!! Thank you so much for this great recipe!
We loved these! I used strawberry syrup and a it was delicious! I never thought to make my own!
LOVE Italian Cream Sodas. Great recipe. These are so good and so wonderfully refreshing! Absolutely delicious. My husband, especially, LOVES these!
It’s the first time that I tried making our own Italian soda and it was a great hit at home! My family loved it, it’s not too sweet and my kids loved strawberry!
These sodas are just perfect and refreshing! Always a warm weather favorite for us. Strawberry is our favorite flavor!
Italian soda is the best! One of my favorites growing up! Can’t wait to make these for my kids!
Do you strain using a cheesecloth??
Through a mesh sieve 🙂
So excited I found this sight,can’t wait to make the Italian sodas. Iam always looking for new recipes.
Awesome!! Thank you so much! Italian sodas are my favorite!!!
Italian Soda Recipe. WOW!!
hey girl tomorrow i am having family gathering so i going to wow them with my italian sodas enjoy your weekend altogether