Italian Soda
Cool off with a delicious Italian Soda. It’s the perfect sweet treat that only has three ingredients. Instead of making punch for a party, try this recipe instead! It’s perfect for groups because everyone can easily customize it with their own flavoring.
We love to make cream sodas because they’re simple and easy! It’s so easy kids can mix their own – they can choose their favorite syrup and top off the drink with some half and half to make it creamy. I am so excited to show you how to make Italian Sodas at home!
What are Italian Sodas?
It’s a really simple carbonated drink made with syrup! There are countless flavors you can make – we love fruit ones like lemon, strawberry, peach, orange, and cherry!
For the syrup, you can use any brand of flavored syrups. They’re easy to find online and you can buy several so everyone can make their own Italian soda.
These types of drinks are made with and without half and half and whipped cream. We love Italian cream soda so the creamy part is non-negotiable for us!
Maybe you’re wondering if this drink is from Italy? Surprisingly, it’s not – it was created in the US! The drink was actually created by Torani, a US-based company that makes flavored syrups.
What is the difference between Italian Soda and regular soda?
An Italian soda is mixed soda. They are made with club soda, flavored syrup and often served with cream so they are then referred to as an Italian Cream Soda.
A regular soda is premixed and served in a container or a fountain.
Make this Italian soda recipe just for fun, or set up a drink station for your next party. Your guests will love this cold and delicious drink.
Ingredients for Italian Soda
- Crushed ice
- Flavored syrup – any kind that sounds good to you! We love fruit syrups, but there lots to choose from. Torani syrups are a popular brand and they have a ton of options.
- Half and half – this is the traditional ingredient but you can use heavy cream, too. You just may want to add less since it’s a lot richer.
- Club soda / soda water – this adds the fizz!
- Whipped cream – this is optional but makes a nice garnish!
- Fresh fruit – use this to garnish your drinks. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, limes, sliced oranges, and lemon slices all work well depending on the flavor of your drink.
Helpful Tools
How to Make an Italian Soda
- Fill glasses with crushed ice and pour club soda over the top.
- Add the flavored syrup and half and half. Stir to combine.
- Top the drinks with whipped cream, if desired, and stir again.
- Garnish the rims with fresh fruit for garnish.
Italian Soda Flavor Combinations
What’s fun about this drink recipe is that you can mix and match syrups to come up with fun flavors! Here are a few favorite flavors you might like to try:
- Berry Soda: Combine strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry syrup.
- Lemon-Lime: The name says it all with this one! Mix equal parts lemon syrup and lime syrup for a tart soda.
- Strawberry-Banana: Yes, they make banana syrup and it’s great mixed with strawberry!
- Chocolate-Cherry: This is a classic flavor combo and works great in a cream soda!
- Creamsicle: Mix orange syrup with half and half and top it off with whipped cream.
- Pina Colada: How does pineapple and coconut sound? Mix those two syrups and you’ll have a tropical drink!
- Vanilla Peach: This is a refreshing combo you’ll love!
Can you use seltzer water instead of club soda?
Both seltzer and club soda are carbonated, but club soda has a little saltier taste. So, yes, you can use seltzer instead but your drink may have a slightly different flavor.
How much syrup should you add?
This is really up to you and the size of your glass. For a tall glass, I think three to four tablespoons of syrup is plenty but you can adjust this amount to your tastes.
Can you make them ahead?
Because this is a carbonated drink I don’t recommend making it ahead of time. If you do, the soda will go flat and the half and half could curdle depending on the flavor you make.
If you are serving it for a party, set up a drink station with the ingredients and let everyone mix their own.
Can you make them without cream?
Yes, you can omit the half and half and whipped cream and just mix soda water with the syrup.
Kids and adults will love sipping on these colorful, deliciously creamy Italian sodas! They’re so fun to make and the flavor combos are endless. Make them soon and enjoy!
More Fun and Easy Recipes
- Berry Smoothies are a delicious way to start the day!
- For the holidays, you should try our Grinch Punch for a festive party drink.
- Make some Rock Candy with the kiddos! It’s a fun and educational project that you get to eat!
If you make this soda recipe and share your pics on Instagram make sure to #kidsactivityzone or tag us @kidsactivityzoneblog so we can see them!
Italian Soda
Ingredients
- Crushed ice enough to fill glass about ¾ full
- 3-4 Tablespoons flavored syrup
- 2 Tablespoons half-and-half
- ½ – ¾ cup club soda depending on the size of your glass
- Whip cream optional
- Fresh fruit for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass about ¾ full of ice.
- Add ½ – ¾ cup club soda, more if you have a large glass.
- Add 3-4 tablespoons flavored syrup, more if you like.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons half-and-half.
- Top with whip cream and fruit, if desired.
- Stir and drink immediately.
Notes
Lemon-Lime: The name says it all with this one! Mix equal parts lemon syrup and lime syrup for a tart soda.
Strawberry-Banana: Yes, they make banana syrup and it’s great mixed with strawberry!
Chocolate-Cherry: This is a classic flavor combo and works great in a cream soda!
Creamsicle: Mix orange syrup with half and half and top it off with whipped cream.
Pina Colada: How does pineapple and coconut sound? Mix those two syrups and you’ll have a tropical drink!
Vanilla Peach: This is a refreshing combo you’ll love! CAN YOU USE SELTZER WATER INSTEAD OF CLUB SODA?
Both seltzer and club soda are carbonated, but club soda has a little saltier taste. So, yes, you can use seltzer instead but your drink may have a slightly different flavor. HOW MUCH SYRUP SHOULD YOU ADD?
This is really up to you and the size of your glass. For a tall glass, I think three to four tablespoons of syrup is plenty but you can adjust this amount to your tastes. CAN YOU MAKE THEM AHEAD?
Because this is a carbonated drink I don’t recommend making it ahead of time. If you do, the soda will go flat and the half and half could curdle depending on the flavor you make. If you are serving it for a party, set up a drink station with the ingredients and let everyone mix their own. CAN YOU MAKE THEM WITHOUT CREAM?
Yes, you can omit the half and half and whipped cream and just mix soda water with the syrup.
