Ingredients:

  • Flavored syrup, 6 tablespoons (90 ml) total — about 3 tbsp (45 ml) per serving (e.g., raspberry, vanilla, peach, or orgeat; store-bought or homemade)
  • Chilled club soda or sparkling water, 2 x 12 oz (2 x 355 ml) bottles/cans OR 24 oz (710 ml) total
  • Ice, as needed (about 1–1½ cups / 240–360 ml per glass)
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for Italian cream soda): 4 tablespoons (60 ml) total — about 2 tbsp (30 ml) per serving
  • Fresh garnish (optional): lemon or lime wheel, fresh berries, mint sprig
  • Granulated sugar (for homemade simple syrup base), 1 cup (200 g)
  • Water (for homemade simple syrup base), 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Flavoring for homemade syrup: 1 cup (240 g) fresh or frozen fruit puree, or 2–3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, or 2–3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs/flowers steeped (e.g., basil, mint, lavender) — adjust to flavor

Instructions:

  1. Prepare syrup if making homemade: combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan (1:1), heat until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
  2. Add chosen flavor to the warm syrup: stir in fruit puree, vanilla, or steeped herbs; simmer briefly (2–3 minutes) if using raw fruit to meld flavors.
  3. Strain the syrup if needed through a fine mesh sieve, then chill until cold. Store refrigerated up to 1–2 weeks.
  4. Chill components: place tall glasses in the fridge or freezer for 10–15 minutes and use cold club soda and cold syrup for best fizz.
  5. Build each glass: pour about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) flavored syrup into the bottom of a chilled 12–16 oz glass.
  6. Add ice to the glass, leaving room for liquid and optional cream (about ¾ full).
  7. Slowly add 12–16 oz (355–475 ml) chilled club soda down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation; pour gently to avoid excessive foam.
  8. Stir once or twice gently with a long spoon to combine syrup and soda without flattening the drink.
  9. Add cream for an Italian cream soda (optional): slowly float or drizzle about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half on top; stir lightly for a marbled look or leave layered.
  10. For a frothier top, shake the cream with a little simple syrup and ice in a cocktail shaker, then pour over the soda.
  11. Garnish and serve: add a lemon or lime wheel, fresh berries, or a mint sprig and serve with a straw.