Let's talk about how to make Italian sodas. They are delicious fizzy and fruity, and best of all, creamy. They are the perfect refreshing drink.
I'm so very excited about these Italian sodas. They're maybe the prettiest thing I've made in quite some time, and my favorite part about this recipe is that it's an idea-based recipe. You can apply the ratios below to any fruit and be met with delicious results. And seriously how gorgeous are the colors? I LOVE THEM!
If you've never had an Italian soda, they're so rich and refreshing all at the same time. You may have had one using Torani syrup--they're unfortunately super sweet filled with a bunch of additives that aren't fun. These are way more natural. I decided on three flavors: rhubarb, blackberry and strawberry, but feel free to use up any fruit that cooks down well. Other fruit ideas are pineapple, blueberries, mulberries (they just came in season!) and even mangos. If you like, you can add a scoop of ice cream instead of half and half.
How is Italian Soda Different?
Italian sodas are unique because they consist of three parts: flavored fruity syrups, club soda or sparkling water and half and half.
Most typical American sodas are just syrup and sparkling water or club soda.
Crushed ice takes these to over the top. That's probably the one big change I would make with the recipe pictured. Go with crushed ice, if you can!
What are the Best Italian Soda Flavors?
The best Italian soda flavors are fruit flavored sodas. I prefer the ones pictured here: rhubarb, blackberry and raspberry.
I love the idea of serving this at a party and making an Italian Soda Bar, allowing people to sort of assemble them as they see fit.
And the inevitable question that I asked myself, and you'll probably ask, too, is: HOW CAN I INCORPORATE ALCOHOL IN THIS?
Easy: vodka. Or whiskey. I mean, have you ever had a White Russian? My mom would order them when I was a kid and I always thought they looked so good.
They might be the most 80s drink ever invented, but who cares---this would be the modern 2014 version.
Is there Caffeine in Italian Soda?
There could be caffeine in Italian sodas if you wanted to add a coffee syrup, but in these fruit-flavored Italian sodas there is zero caffeine. While these Italian sodas are caffeine-free they are definitely not sugar-free. The syrups need the granulated sugar in order to give it a lovely viscosity.
What Equipment Do You Need to Make an Italian Soda?
The best part about Italian sodas is that they're so simple to make. With this recipe, all you need is a saucepan, a sieve or strainer and a spoon. Super simple.
Hope you enjoyed this recipe for How to Make Italian Sodas. If you make them, let me know on Instagram!
Italian Soda Recipe
Ingredients
Rhubarb Syrup:
- 1 stalk of rhubarb chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Blackberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 cup diced strawberries about 10 strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Italian Soda Assembly:
- Half & Half or you can mix together 1 parts heavy cream and 1 parts milk
- Sparkling water
Instructions
- To Make the Syrups:
- To make any of the syrups, add the fruit, water and sugar to a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over moderately medium heat and bring to a light simmer; cover the saucepan and cook for 10 minutes or so. The syrup is ready when the fruit has softened and the color of the syrup has changed. Mash the fruit with the back of a fork and pour the syrup through a sieve. Set the syrup aside and allow it to cool to room temperature.
To Assemble the Italian Sodas:
- To assemble the drink, pour ¼ cup of syrup in a glass, pour ¼ cup half & half and top with a few splashes of sparkling water. Repeat with remaining Italian sodas.
Notes
1. Use filtered water or bottled water for the syrups. I made a batch with unfiltered and oof, I could taste the terribleness.
2. This will absolutely work with frozen fruit, too!
3. If you live out of the U.S./Canada, you might have no idea what half & half is. You can make half & half by mixing together 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup milk. Milk Alternatives:
Almond milk tastes great, if you're looking for a dairy alternative! Other milk alternatives that would work is light coconut milk, oat milk or soy milk. Equipment: Saucepan | SodaStream | Silicon Spatulas
Karen Zinck says
This is an Italian cream soda. An Italian soda is just the fruit syrup and soda. Your syrup sounds good.
Sascha Xander says
With cream of any variety it is either a French soda or if in Italy, a Cremosa.
Daphne says
I'm thinking of serving these at my daughters wedding reception. So can you tell me what size the glass is, please?
Lynn says
I'm making these for a church function coming up. Any ideas on how to make a coconut syrup? Maybe cream of coconut?
Adrianna Adarme says
Yes, you could add coconut milk instead of cow's milk. I'd probably use the light coconut milk since full fat coconut milk can be a bit thick.
Flower Paige says
I really enjoyed this. I drank Italian sodas back in the 90's. They are incredibly delicious! I make a Shrub (which is similar but involves vinegar and aging) from blackberries and figs. It's on my blog crazygreenthumbs.com let me know what you think of it!
Soe Min Thu says
Thank you for your RECIEPE, I will make it, than creation
Chantal says
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Tracy says
Awesome post! I love that you gave alcohol suggestions. I just bought a SodaStream so this would work well with my new carbonating abilities. 🙂
Rebecca says
Its so funny, I also write the recipe right after I make them! I somehow feel that I would otherwise forget it 😉 The blog post itself I also write right before I publish, I want to make it as recent as possible!
Take care, rebecca
icing-sugar.net
Sabine says
awesome drink, but we Canadians do know what 1/2 &1/2 is.
elisa says
I love Italian sodas and I learned how to make them when I was living in Brazil, utilizing their tropical fruits, my favorite is pineapple syrup with coconut milk and a hint of rum!!!! Delizioso!
Adrianna Adarme says
Good gracious, that sounds amazing!
Melanie says
Oops "not" not "bit"! Darn phone.
Melanie says
Technically if you add the cream or half and half these would be considered. "French" sodas bit Italian 🙂 but they look beautiful and so delicious. Pinned!
Kelsey says
I was wondering why nobody was mentioning that!
Adri says
Beautiful and oh so inspiring! Thank you!
Renee @ Awesome on $20 says
I remember going to the city and eating at the Olive Garden when I was in high school. I would always order an Italian soda and thought they were so fancy. I obviously grew up in a very pathetic place. These look beautiful, however.
Adrianna Adarme says
No way. That's an awesome way to grow up. I grew up like that too. Macaroni Grill was as fancy as Italian got!