Nothing sets you back in time at the soda shop than an Italian Cream Soda. Despite its name, the Homemade Italian Cream Sodas were invented right here in the United States. While the direct origin is unknown, it was Torani syrups that revolutionized the Italian Soda menu and created flavors like Strawberry, Chocolate, and Raspberry Italian Cream Sodas.
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All About Torani Syrups
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Founded in 1925 in San Fransisco, Torani Syrups is the invention of Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre, who were immigrants from Lucca, Italy. To introduce their syrups, the family went to local cafes and mixed their syrup with sparkling water in a tall glass for cafes to sell. The Italian cream soda recipe was born.
The best part about Italian sodas is their versatility and a few simple ingredients can turn into a yummy drink recipe.
How To Make a Raspberry Italian Cream Soda
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When it comes to Raspberry Italian Cream Sodas, there are two options: use something like a Torani raspberry syrup or spend a few minutes in front of the stove making your own DIY flavoring with fresh raspberries and sugar.
Once you have your syrup, grab a tall glass and fill it up with ice. Add a small amount of the syrup, and fill with club soda. Technically from this point, it's an Italian Soda, however, if you want to make it a little bit more decadent, you can add some half and half or even ice cream to the mix. I like to add the half & half slowly to the top of the glass so it creates a visible layer between the syrup and the heavy cream. The syrup and half & half (which is a combination of milk and heavy cream) are different weights, making it easy to layer in the glass. However, before you drink it, make sure to give it a good stir, otherwise, you'll be drinking straight syrup from the bottom of the glass.
Raspberry Italian Cream Soda
Ingredients
- 1 cup soda water, chilled
- 4 tbs raspberry syrup (Or some combo, like raspberry and vanilla or raspberry and lemon. The possibilities are endless!)
- 2 tbs half-and-half
- Ice
Instructions
- Grab two glasses and divide the syrup equally between them. Add ice, then pour in the soda water. Top with 1 tbs half and half each.
- Big batch method: If you're looking to make a lot at once, there's a quicker way to do things. Combine the syrup and half in half and let chill. When ready to serve, pour about 3 tbs into a glass, add ice, then top with soda water. It doesn't look as dramatic as the one by one version, but it tastes just as good!
