strawberries and cream soda

Not to be confused with strawberries and cream soda. :)

I’ve had this idea rattling around in my head for quite a while now. I love making my own drinks and was inspired by this article to try and make some homemade sodas. My first attempts, following the article, were less than satisfactory so I decided to give the idea a break.

When I saw these gorgeous flavoured syrups on Annie;s Eats, I knew I had to give it another go – this time with a slightly different adaptation. It turned out just like I;d been hoping for. Lot;s of fruity flavour while still maintaining that soda feel.

The concept is so simple – an easy sugar syrup mixed with carbonated water. You can head in whichever direction you like with flavourings. Try different fruits and extracts to make your own dream soda.

If you pour the liquids over ice they will stay separate (which I think is rather pretty). This is because the syrup is denser than the carbonated water and when you pour it over ice it slows down the mixing process and the lighter layer sits on top. If you want a mixed look, you can pour the liquids in first and then add ice.

I can;t wait to try this with ice cream. Doesn’t a strawberries & cream float sound amazing?


What would be your dream soda flavour?

Strawberries & Cream Soda

The amount of sugar used depends on your sweet tooth and the sweetness of the strawberries.

Strawberry-Vanilla Syrup
  • 1.5 – 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups chopped strawberries
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla

Combine sugar, water and strawberries in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat and allow to simmer for 15 min, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, stirring berry solids gently to allow all the juices to flow through. Allow to cool before storing, covered, in the fridge.

To Make Soda
  • ice
  • strawberry-vanilla syrup
  • carbonated water (club soda)

For one serving: Add ice to glass, top with 1/3 cup  syrup and 2/3 cup carbonated water. Serve immediately.

For a pitcher: Add ice to pitcher, top with 2.5 cups syrup and 5 cups carbonated water. Serve immediately.

Makes: 7-8 servings