A few years ago, my daughter took a cooking class through her Girl Guides group and Italian Soda was one of the recipes she made. It tasted sooo good and looked so easy to make, I decided to park the idea until I had time to make my own version. Well, that time is now! This Strawberry Italian Soda is made with ingredients you're more likely to have on hand, like strawberry sundae syrup, sparkling water and whipped cream (spray can). Most Italian sodas use special syrups, but you don't need that for this recipe. It's the perfect non- alcoholic drink for a kids, a special meal, movie night, summer sippin' or any day!
🥘 Ingredients
If you've never had Italian soda, it's not only refreshing, you'll be surprised at how simple it is to make, with only a few ingredients:
- strawberry sundae syrup
- ice
- whipped cream
- sparkling water
🔪How to make Italian Soda
GARNISH: Whipped cream, berries and sprinkles (if desired)
💭 Italian Soda vs. Italian Cream Soda
Italian soda and Italian cream soda are very similar and they are often used interchangeably. Mine is a bit of a hybrid because generally, Italian cream soda is made with a heavy cream. Instead, I prefer to use a light whipped cream and spray a little in, then mix it around and top the drink with more light whipped cream.
📖 Variations
- You can go out and buy the special syrup, if you so desire, but it's not necessary.
- WW friendly version: You could use a sugar-free syrup to reduce the calories, but you'd need to buy the special syrup (i.e. Torani) as I was not able to find a brand of reduced sugar or sugar-free sundae syrup in strawberry flavor (only caramel or chocolate). This drink is high in points because of the sugar in the sundae sauce.
- You can also use real whipped cream instead of the spray whipped cream. And you don't need to use the light version (that just happens to be the one I always have on hand). However, it will increase the calories in this drink.
- You can even use different flavored syrups and different fruit. You could also add more fresh fruit on top or even in the drink, itself.
- Some recipes suggest using club soda, but I tried it and didn't enjoy the taste. I recommend sticking to the lemon or lime sparkling water.
This Strawberry Italian Soda is a really easy, yet super tasty drink to make and you likely have the ingredients on hand. Bottoms up!
📋 Strawberry Italian Soda Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp strawberry sundae syrup * you could substitute a sugar-free syrup if you prefer
- 1 cup sparkling water approximately
- ½ cup crushed ice
- 1-2 tbsp whipped cream * I use light
Garnish (optional)
- fresh strawberries
- colored sprinkles
- whipped cream
Instructions
- Add crushed ice to a tall glass and pour in sundae syrup.
- Add the sparkling water.
- Spray a little whipped cream in.
- Stir in whipped cream. *At this point, taste it to ensure it's sweet enough for your taste
Garnish
- Garnish with additional whipped cream, fresh strawberries and sprinkles. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can go out and buy the special syrup, if you so desire, but it's not necessary.
- WW friendly version: You could use a sugar-free syrup to reduce the calories, but you'd need to buy the special syrup (i.e. Torani) as I was not able to find a brand of reduced sugar or sugar-free sundae syrup in strawberry flavor (only caramel or chocolate). This drink is high in points because of the sugar in the sundae sauce.
- You can also use real whipped cream instead of the spray whipped cream. And you don't need to use the light version (that just happens to be the one I always have on hand). However, it will increase the calories in this drink.
- You can even use different flavored syrups and different fruit. You could also add more fresh fruit on top or even in the drink, itself.
- Some recipes suggest using club soda, but I tried it and didn't enjoy the taste. I recommend sticking to the lemon or lime sparkling water
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