Description
Refreshing italian cream soda blends sweet syrup with sparkling water and cream for a luxurious summer beverage. Cool carbonation and silky texture create an irresistible drink perfect for quenching thirst on warm afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (44 ml) homemade fruit syrup
- 1 cup (237 ml) club soda or sparkling water
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) half & half or heavy cream
Fruit for Syrup (choose one):
- 2 cups (340 g) fresh raspberries or strawberries or ripe peaches
Supplementary Ingredients:
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Whipped cream topping
- Garnish: Fresh fruit and mint leaves
Syrup Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 cup (237 ml) water
Instructions
- Create a vibrant fruit syrup by merging chopped fruit, granulated sugar, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Elevate heat to generate a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing the mixture to transform and intensify for approximately 15 minutes.
- During the simmering process, softly crush the fruit with a wooden spoon to release additional flavors and natural juices.
- Position a fine-mesh strainer over a clean bowl and carefully pour the hot syrup, pressing gently to extract maximum liquid while capturing fruit solids.
- Allow the extracted syrup to cool completely to room temperature, ensuring no residual heat remains.
- Transfer the cooled syrup to a sealed glass container, which can be refrigerated for future use in crafting refreshing Italian cream sodas.
- When ready to serve, combine the homemade fruit syrup with chilled soda water, a splash of cream, and garnish with fresh fruit or a delicate mint sprig for an elegant beverage experience.
Notes
- Customize your syrup by experimenting with different fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches for unique flavor profiles.
- Reduce cooking time slightly for a more vibrant, fresh fruit taste that preserves natural fruit brightness.
- Make a large batch of syrup and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing quick preparation of drinks anytime.
- For a diabetic-friendly version, substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to create a low-calorie syrup option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Mocktails
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg