Sweet, creamy, and absolutely refreshing, the Italian soda is a sleeper hit of summer drinks. If you’re the type of person who loves to mix flavors at the soda fountain, we think you’ll have a blast whipping this up. All you need are three ingredients—flavored syrup, club soda, and heavy cream (if you prefer)—to make this refreshing summer sipper that is packed with childhood nostalgia.
What Is Italian Soda?
Though the drink itself is not Italian, it was invented by two Italian immigrants: Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre, founders of Torani, makers of those ubiquitous flavored syrups you’ve likely seen behind the counter at your local coffee shop. First introduced in San Francisco in 1925, the original recipe required only flavored syrup and soda water. Soon, adding cream became popular, which is sometimes referred to as a French soda. This recipe combines your favorite flavored syrup with club soda and your dairy of choice: heavy cream or half and half.
How To Make Italian Soda
INGREDIENTS
- Flavored Syrup (such as Torani): The best part about Italian soda is how easy it is to customize! Use your preferred flavored syrup to create the soda of your dreams. You can even make your own syrup at home by infusing simple syrup with fruit, vanilla, or botanicals. Torani is a flavored syrup brand that was created to go in the Italian soda, so you can’t go wrong with the original!
- Club Soda: Club soda is what gives this drink the carbonation. Any brand of club soda will do!
- Heavy Cream or Half and Half: If you like your Italian soda a little creamy (we do!), you can either add heavy cream or half and half. The achieved effect is more like an ice cream float and brings this soda over the top as a delicious summer treat.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Fill your glass with ice first and then add the syrup. Slowly pour in the club soda and use a bar spoon or a chopstick to gently stir the two together (trying not to disrupt any carbonation!). Top with cream if you prefer and serve right away.
The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.
Italian Soda Variations
For this recipe, try out your favorite flavors or mix and match. You can even try infusing your own simple syrup instead of using the bottled stuff. For an extra creamy drink reminiscent of an ice cream float, go for 1 ½ ounces of cream or half-and-half.
Storage
If you make your own flavored syrup, you can store it separately in the fridge for up to a month in an airtight container!
