About this recipe

A refreshing, café-style Italian cream soda made with sparkling water, flavored syrup, and a luscious float of heavy cream — endlessly customizable and ready in minutes. Light, bubbly, and just sweet enough, this classic soda fountain treat is perfect for summer entertaining, afternoon treats, or a fun mocktail alternative at any gathering.

Instructions

1. 1

   Fill a tall 16 oz glass (Large) generously with ice — all the way to the top. A cold glass keeps the drink from diluting too quickly, so chill your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes beforehand if you like.

2. 2

   Pour 3 tablespoons of your chosen Italian syrup directly over the ice. Raspberry, strawberry, vanilla, and peach are crowd favorites, but any Torani or Monin flavor works beautifully.

3. 3

   Slowly pour the chilled sparkling water over the ice, filling the glass to about 1 inch from the top. Pour gently along the side of the glass to preserve as much carbonation as possible. Give it one or two gentle stirs to combine the Italian syrup.

4. 4

   To create the signature cream float, hold a wooden spoon just above the surface of the soda with the back of the wooden spoon facing up. Slowly pour the cold heavy cream over the back of the wooden spoon so it cascades gently onto the top of the drink without sinking. This keeps the heavy cream floating in a beautiful white layer.

5. 5

   If desired, drizzle an extra tablespoon of Italian syrup over the heavy cream layer for a more decorative, café-style finish. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon wheel on the rim.

6. 6

   Serve immediately with a straw and a long wooden spoon. To drink, stir the heavy cream into the soda or sip through the straw and let the heavy cream hit your palate with each sip — both ways are delicious.