Homemade Italian Cream Soda
 |
| cincyshopper.com |
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I like to come up with one special treat a year to surprise my kiddos. Sort of a tradition that I have had since they were little. They may think that it is kinda corny now that they are no longer little kids, ha ha. This year for the holiday, I plan to make this very recipe for Homemade Italian Cream Sodas.
I was searching around on Pinterest for a red or pink drink that would be perfect for the holiday. I quickly came across a recipe found over on Butter with a Side of Bread blog. She had photos of the most amazing looking Italian Cream Sodas with so many different options.
I had not realized how simple it is to make Homemade Italian Cream Soda. The recipe is basically club soda, simple syrup, and half and half. The flavor combinations are absolutely endless. I quickly thought either a strawberry and vanilla or a raspberry vanilla flavored soda would be perfect. I decided on the later because my daughter loves raspberry flavored anything. I liked the recipe I found but I added additional syrup because I found that I needed more flavoring than what the original recipe called for.
I grew up in a very small town in Upstate NY. When I was little, I recall my grandmother taking me to the local soda bar to enjoy what I believed to be the best drinks ever. Since being an adult, I often recall the excitement I had when we were dropping in for that special drink, an Strawberry Italian Cream Soda. I now respect the entire atmosphere the soda bar had, the old school beverage and of course, the cool spinning bar stools. The decor and all of the offerings were nothing like what you can find today. Wow, it really brings back memories. That very soda bar closed years and years ago. Such a shame that most soda bars are no longer in existence.
These Homemade Italian Cream Sodas will be perfect to serve up for Valentine’s Day. I can bore these kiddos with my memories of the trips to the old school soda bar. They will not appreciate the stories as much now but I am sure when they are older, they will be fond of the memories that I share.
If you plan to make these delicious flavored sodas, you will need to purchase or make your own homemade simple syrups. I purchased my Torani raspberry and vanilla syrups right at my grocery store. You can usually find flavored syrups in the coffee section at most stores. You will need some ice, club soda and some half and half cream. Making the Homemade Italian Cream Soda is as simple as adding the ingredients to a tall glass. I topped mine with some whipped topping and sprinkles. You can use whipping cream to make homemade whipped cream or Cool Whip works to because it will not collapse as you are making additional drinks. I added on some heart sprinkles to make our special drinks a bit festive. They are not necessary. I think they would be great as a Christmas drink too. I am adding them to my Christmas to make list for next season.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Ice
- 3/4 cup Club Soda
- 4 tbsp Syrup
- 1 tbsp Half and Half
Instructions
- Place ice in a tall glass.
- Add club soda.
- Add syrup(s) (I used 3 tbsp Raspberry and 1 tbsp Vanilla).
- Add half and half.
- Garnish with whipped topping.
cincyshopper.com