Name: Raspberry Italian Cream Soda
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup raspberry syrup; 1 cup club soda or sparkling water; 1/4 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer taste); Ice cubes; Fresh raspberries for garnish (optional); Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Raspberry Italian Cream Soda is a fun and easy-to-make drink that offers a refreshing burst of flavor with every sip. The combination of the tangy-sweet raspberry syrup and the creamy half-and-half provides a delicious contrast, while the effervescence from the club soda adds the perfect amount of sparkle. Whether you’re serving it as a special treat for yourself or impressing guests at a gathering, this drink will quickly become a favorite. Plus, it’s customizable – you can adjust the sweetness, creaminess, and intensity of the raspberry flavor to suit your taste.

Ingredients

1/4 cup raspberry syrup (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup club soda (or sparkling water)
2 tablespoons half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer version)
Ice cubes
Fresh raspberries (for garnish, optional)
Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.
Add the raspberry syrup: Pour the raspberry syrup into the glass. You can use store-bought syrup or make your own by heating fresh raspberries, sugar, and water together until the raspberries break down into a syrup-like consistency (strained to remove seeds, if desired).
Pour in the club soda: Slowly pour the club soda over the syrup and ice, allowing the carbonation to mix with the syrup. Stir gently to combine.
Add the cream: Add the half-and-half to the drink and stir gently to combine. For a richer, creamier version, you can add a little more cream or use heavy cream.
Garnish and serve: Top the drink with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired, and garnish with fresh raspberries for an extra touch of elegance.
Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, fizzy treat!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Flavored syrups: You can swap out raspberry syrup for other flavors like strawberry, peach, or blueberry for a fun twist.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of half-and-half for a dairy-free version of this drink.
Lighter version: For a lighter version, use sparkling water instead of club soda and reduce the amount of syrup to suit your taste.
Extra fruit: Add a few fresh raspberries or crushed berries to the bottom of the glass for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Raspberry Italian Cream Soda is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the raspberry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating: This drink is meant to be served cold, so reheating is not recommended. Just make it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I make this drink without syrup?

Yes, if you don’t have raspberry syrup, you can substitute it with fresh raspberry puree mixed with sugar, or even a store-bought fruit syrup of your choice.

2. Can I use sparkling water instead of club soda?

Yes, sparkling water can be used instead of club soda for a less sweet option. It may have less carbonation, but it will still work well with the raspberry syrup.

3. Can I make this drink with other fruits?

Absolutely! You can easily swap raspberry syrup with strawberry, blueberry, or peach syrup for different fruit flavors. You can also make your own syrup with fresh fruits and sugar.

4. Is this drink kid-friendly?

Yes, Raspberry Italian Cream Soda is a great drink for kids, as it’s non-alcoholic and refreshing. You can adjust the sweetness by controlling the amount of syrup.

5. Can I make this drink ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh to keep the fizz, you can prepare the raspberry syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just mix the syrup with club soda and cream when ready to serve.

6. Can I use a different type of cream?

Yes, you can use milk, heavy cream, or any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter version of the creaminess.

Conclusion

Raspberry Italian Cream Soda is a refreshing, fizzy treat that’s perfect for warm weather or any time you want a sweet, creamy beverage. The vibrant raspberry flavor paired with the creaminess of half-and-half and the effervescence of club soda makes for an indulgent drink that’s light and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a party, enjoying it on a hot day, or serving it as a special treat, this easy-to-make beverage will never disappoint. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a delightful, homemade Raspberry Italian Cream Soda today!