Holiday food is great and all but a fun tradition we have is to make specialty drinks, particularly for New Year’s.
Italian Cream Sodas are a favorite of mine but they are so overpriced at restaurants I tend to not order them often. Did you know that you can make your own for a fraction of the price? Seriously! They’re super tasty and I love how they look. Aren’t they so festive and pretty?! They are indeed.
Image credit: Tablespoon
Variations
This drink is very forgiving. Mix it up and try it in different combos and ratios. Here’s how versatile it can be:
- Grown-ups: Want to add some doodle to your dandy? Substitute a shot of raspberry (or vanilla) vodka for the raspberry syrup.
- Don’t like raspberry? Substitute any other flavored syrup that lights your fireworks.
- Barter the bubbly: club soda, sparkling water, ginger ale or even lemon-lime soda pop can be used. Choose whatever bubbles float your boat.
- Add ice if you’d like, don’t if you won’t. For smallish barware like ours, crushed ice works best.
Recipe by tbspSusan
Less of a Good Thing
Remember, syrups and sodas are available sugar-free!
Party Idea
Set up a soda bar and let your guests mix their own creations to their liking. Garnishes are half the fun, so offer lots! Outdoor party? Use plastic stemware for all the fun minus the “gotta be careful”ness.
American-Style Italian Soda
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp raspberry syrup (found at coffee shops or the coffee aisle of the grocery store)
- 1/2 cup sparkling water, club soda, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- (for whipped cream topping)
- (forblueberries topping and/or garnish)
Directions
- Add 1 Tbsp raspberry syrup to a clean, clear 8 oz. glass. (A slender parfait glass works well.)
- Slowly add 1/2 cup cold sparkling water (or other clear carbonated water or soda).
- Add crushed ice if desired.
- Top with whipped cream and blueberries. Garnish with a stir stick strung with blueberries if desired. Serve immediately.
