Do Italian cream sodas exist on menus anywhere anymore? I've heard of them but have never seen one so I can order and try it out. Perhaps these are items lost to the past for reasons unknown to me. Given that I haven't seen them, and am not going for inside the restaurant experiences right now, I figured this was the perfect time to try making Italian cream sodas at home. And since it would be going down at home, why not try some fancier flavor choices that probably don't even exist on menus anyway?
These are an excellent way to usher in the spring season and to enjoy some lighter, springier flavors like florals, citrusy herbs, and the last of the fresh winter citrus harvest.
Making Your Own Soda Syrup
I decided to make lemongrass a flavor for sure since I recently harvested and pruned my lemongrass bush from this year and ended up with tons and tons of lemongrass. I gave some away, but kept a decent amount in the freezer for refreshing drinks throughout the year. The citrusy-sweet scent is one I enjoy in a variety of ways but it isn't as widely appreciated as I think it should be. Thai food is about one of the only cultures that uses lemongrass in their food and drinks, which probably explains why I love it so.
Unexpectedly, the day I was set to make these, I picked up a bag of blood oranges at Trader Joe's because they were there and I liked the idea of having them. So the second flavor would be blood orange, which I love for it's deep crimson coloring and it's orange-yness but with a less tart flavor. These are perfect for snacking on, just wear dark colored clothing before peeling or cutting these things.
Other syrup flavors I'd like to make include lavender, rose, violet, blueberry, vanilla, and maybe even a chocolate one made with cocoa powder.
Fancy Italian Cream Sodas
Ingredients
Flavored Simple Syrup
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup water
- flavorings of choice (see note)
Cream Soda
- 2 cups club soda
- 8 tablespoons flavored syrup
- 4 tablespoons half and half
- spray whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- If you are making your own syrup, bring the sugar and water to a low boil over medium high heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and add in fruit or herb flavorings. Set aside to cool, remove peels, leaves, etc. from syrup before adding to cream soda.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour half of the club soda over the ice in one glass, then the other.
- Divide the flavored syrup between the two glasses, then add the half and half. Do not mix.
- Top with whipped cream and any other garnishes as desired.
Notes
I think I am a cream soda convert now. They are much lighter than milkshakes, but have the same creamy feel to them, plus a little effervescence, and of course, the zippy flavors.
Other Syrup Options
If you don't want to make your own syrups, you can use pre-made flavors, like Torani or Monin syrups. Or if you're feeling experimental and open to new things, try these floral syrup variety packs.
Looking for other non-alcoholic beverage options? Try lavender lemonade and peach iced tea. Cheers to warmer temperatures ahead and even longer daylight hours!