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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 1/4 cup of syrup in a glass, pour 1/4 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:Â Saucepan | SodaStream | Silicon SpatulasÂ
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
OMG OMG, I tried Italian soda last year for the first time, and loooved it… I don’t know why I never tried to make it at home… Love this post
Oh, yes, I want one of each please!
I love how colorful the drinks are and the fact that they are naturally flavored 🙂
We love Italian Sodas here and these look really amazing! Love all of the pictures.
This is kinda weird, buuuut, I’ve always wished I could write my blog posts in bed. It just doesn’t work for me…..I think I get too comfortable and then I get distracted. I like sitting in my office at on a stool at the kitchen counter.
I have not had an Italian soda in way too long. So pumped to make my own now!
Oooo…you know I only do it if it’s at night. During the day I sit at a desk. :/
I love Italian sodas, but haven’t had one in ages! Love the idea of making my own and customizing the flavors! Fun!
Also, I totally always wonder, too, how other people write blog posts. I tell myself that it must be infinitely more glamorous than over here, where I’m constantly shooing little hands out of my photos and writing posts while scarfing lunch at nap time. Good to know I’m not alone in my lack of glamor! 😉
Definitely not glamorous!
How long does this keep if I wanted to prepare a batch in advance for a brunch get together? Thanks for the great recipe!
Well the syrups will keep for about a week. It’d definitely recommend mixing the Italian sodas either right before serving or allowing people to assemble their own.
Thanks very much for the helpful info!
Yum! These look perfectly suit for any brunch party. these remind me of those ice cream spiders but easier.
Beautiful!! I LOVE the idea of serving them at a party… stealing that!
These look so lovely, and very impressive! A wonderful thing to whip up at a dinner party or afternoon tea… or just whenever!
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