This homemade Strawberry Cream Soda is a delightful, fizzy indulgence that features fresh strawberry simple syrup, sparkling seltzer water, and a hint of cream for a smooth, rich drink. Unlike commercial sodas, this recipe uses real fruit and natural ingredients, with beetroot powder added for a beautiful pink color without artificial dyes. The sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries and creamy texture make this an ideal refreshing beverage for any event. Whether you’re nostalgic for vintage soda fountains or seeking a fun mocktail for kids, this recipe is a must-have!
Strawberries and cream are a match made in dessert heaven, but why should ice cream and shortcakes have all the fun? Enter the strawberry cream soda, a fizzy, nostalgic treat that brings a whole new level of indulgence to your glass. Sure, store-bought versions exist, but nothing beats the flavor of real strawberries, homemade syrup, and a splash of rich cream. If you love the comforting richness of a strawberry latte, this soda offers a similar creamy, fruit-forward experience, only with a refreshing, bubbly twist.
This isn’t just any soda. It’s a creamy, bubbly delight that balances sweet, fruity freshness with velvety smoothness, creating a refreshing and indulgent drink. The homemade strawberry simple syrup lays the foundation, blending seamlessly with bubbly soda water and a touch of cream for that signature frothy finish. And for that vibrant pink hue? A little beetroot powder naturally enhances the color, with no artificial dyes or compromise on flavor.
If you’re looking for more delightful drinks, there are many options to discover! Consider trying a Blueberry Matcha Latte for a creamy, antioxidant-packed lift, or opt for a Cranberry Mule Mocktail if you prefer a tangy, refreshing twist. Feeling fruity? Peach Lemonade is ideal for warm weather, while Apple Kompot offers a cozy, homemade comfort. For something distinctive, taste a Blackberry Mocktail or a Raspberry Mocktail both bursting with vibrant berry flavors. Indulge in the sweet richness of Serbian Caramel Milk or or enjoy the floral notes of a Rose Chai Latte or Butterfly Pea Latte. And for those who love coffee, an Espresso Tonic offers a bold, fizzy boost!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with Real Ingredients: Unlike commercially produced sodas with artificial flavorings and preservatives, this old-fashioned strawberry cream soda recipe features fresh strawberry syrup, real cream, and sparkling soda water. It delivers a truly authentic and refreshing flavor. The natural taste is prominent, offering a delightful combination of fruity, creamy, and perfectly balanced sips.
- No Artificial Dyes or Flavors: While many commercial sodas incorporate red food dye and artificial sweeteners, this recipe uses beetroot powder to create a beautiful, natural pink color. It maintains the flavor while providing a vibrant, Instagram-worthy hue, completely free of chemicals or additives.
- Nostalgic and Fun: This beverage evokes the charm of vintage soda fountains, making it an ideal throwback treat. Whether you fondly recall enjoying classic cream sodas in your childhood or simply adore the concept of a retro-style drink, this recipe provides that everlasting, comforting experience with a refreshing homemade touch.
- Tailored to Your Preference: One of the greatest advantages of homemade beverages is the freedom to modify the ingredients according to your tastes. You can manage the sweetness, opt for dairy-free alternatives, or try out various flavors such as vanilla, citrus, or a touch of spice for a distinctive flair.
- Perfect for All Ages and Occasions: This homemade strawberry soda with cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you serve it as a kid-friendly mocktail at a birthday party, enjoy it as an afternoon treat, or dress it up for a fancy brunch or summer gathering.
Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberry Simple Syrup: The essence of this drink comes from real strawberries and sugar, resulting in a naturally sweet and lively fruit flavor. This homemade syrup stands apart from store-bought options by offering a clean, fresh taste free of artificial additives, allowing the strawberries to shine as the drink’s essence.
- Sparkling Soda Water: It delivers a characteristic fizzy texture, contributing to its refreshing and light qualities. Seltzer presents a pure, neutral flavor, whereas club soda introduces a subtle minerality for added complexity. Try different options to find your favorite!
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Heavy cream fuses a luxurious richness and smooth texture, perfectly balancing the fruity tartness of the strawberry syrup. It results in a richer, milkshake-like thickness, whereas half-and-half offers a lighter, smoother experience.
- Beet Root Powder (Optional): It naturally adds a pink tint without changing the flavor. This eliminates the necessity for artificial dyes, resulting in a visually appealing drink that’s perfect for Instagram.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free or Vegan Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, think about substituting half-and-half with coconut, oat, or almond milk. Coconut milk provides a rich, tropical flavor, whereas oat milk delivers a smoother, lighter consistency. These options allow you to enjoy a creamy drink without compromising on flavor or texture, making them a fantastic choice for vegans.
- Strawberry Soda Without Cream: For a lighter, fruit-forward beverage, leave out the cream to make a traditional homemade strawberry soda. The combination of fresh strawberry syrup and sparkling water provides a vibrant, refreshing taste reminiscent of an old-fashioned soda shop delight. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can also enhance the freshness.
- Healthier Sweetener Options: Instead of refined cane sugar, consider substituting honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Honey and maple syrup provide a richer, more layered sweetness. Remember to adjust the sweetness according to your preferences, as the intensity of natural sweeteners can differ.
- Alternative Bubbly Base for Various Textures: Seltzer water is the standard option for a clean, crisp fizz, but you might also explore club soda for a hint of mineral flavor, or pre-made vanilla cream soda for added richness. For those who prefer a bolder strawberry flavor, consider using strawberry-flavored sparkling water to intensify the fruitiness.
- Extra Creamy Float-Style Twist: Looking to transform this into a lavish dessert beverage? Simply add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy the luxurious, fizzy foam that forms on top! This elevates the drink to a strawberry cream soda float, offering a delightful milkshake-like consistency.
- Citrus Twist for Enhanced Flavor: A dash of lemon or lime juice infuses this drink with a refreshing tartness that complements its sweetness. This variation suits those who appreciate a light, zesty contrast in their beverages, making it even more revitalizing on a warm day.
- Experiment with Various Simple Syrups for a Flavor Boost: While strawberry syrup provides the distinct taste of this drink, numerous alternatives can introduce delightful variations. For a berry-centric option, consider using raspberry syrup or blackberry syrup, which contribute a slightly tangy counterpoint to the creamy soda. Blueberry syrup imparts a soft, jammy sweetness, whereas peach syrup adds a cheerful, summery flair. If you prefer citrusy notes, blood orange syrup brings an invigorating depth and zest. For a festive or autumn-inspired alternative, cranberry syrup gives a tangy kick, while apple brown sugar syrup adds a rich, caramelized warmth that harmonizes wonderfully with the fizzy texture. Regardless of the syrup you select, each variant reimagines this soda into a unique flavor adventure!
How to Make Strawberry Cream Soda
Step 1: If you haven’t made it yet, prepare homemade strawberry syrup by simmering fresh strawberries, sugar, and water until it thickens. Allow it to cool completely before adding it to your drink to preserve the carbonation and ensure the best flavor.
Step 2: Add strawberry syrup to a jar.
Step 3: Optionally add beetroot powder to intensify the pink hue.
Step 4: Add ice and sliced strawberries to a jar.
Step 5: Gently pour half-and-half over the ice.
Step 6: Top with soda water.
Step 7: If desired, add garnish options like extra sliced strawberries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of strawberry puree. Stir before drinking. Enjoy!
Pro Tip
Chill all ingredients, such as strawberry syrup, soda water, and cream, before making the drink. Keeping everything cold helps retain carbonation, stops the cream from curdling, and provides a smooth texture. For an even more refreshing experience, consider chilling the serving glass in advance. This easy step greatly enhances the drink’s fizziness, flavor, and overall balance every time!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Opt for Fresh Strawberry Syrup for Best Flavor: Homemade strawberry syrup made with real fruit and sugar imparts a vibrant, natural strawberry taste that store-bought syrups can’t match. Allow the syrup to cool thoroughly before mixing it with the soda to maintain carbonation and ensure the drink remains light and fizzy.
- Select the Ideal Cream for Texture: Heavy cream delivers a sumptuous, velvety texture, whereas half-and-half offers a lighter, more delicate creaminess. For a richer, milkshake-like consistency, opt for full-fat heavy cream. If you desire something less indulgent yet still creamy, half-and-half or a non-dairy option will do the job perfectly.
- Chill Ingredients Before Mixing: To enhance fizziness and freshness, chill the strawberry syrup, soda water, and cream in the refrigerator before making the drink. Chilling these ingredients prevents the cream from curdling upon contact with the carbonation, guaranteeing a consistently smooth texture.
- Gently Stir for Perfect Blend: Rather than mixing the drink forcefully, softly incorporate the cream into the soda to achieve a lovely swirling effect while preserving the bubbles. For a layered appearance, slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon, allowing it to rest on top before mixing.
- Enhance with Garnishes: Presentation is key! A fresh strawberry on the rim, a dash of freeze-dried strawberry powder, or a swirl of whipped cream elevates this drink to something truly special. For a party setting, consider adding a whimsical straw or a retro soda glass to capture the charm of a classic soda fountain.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! This homemade strawberry soda incorporates natural coloring from beetroot powder, which enhances the pink color without changing the flavor. Freeze-dried strawberries can also achieve a comparable effect.
The best choice depends on your taste. Seltzer water offers a refreshing fizz, whereas club soda has a subtle mineral flavor that enriches the overall taste.
You can substitute coconut, oat, or almond milk for the half-and-half. These alternatives provide a creamy texture while making the drink vegan-friendly and lactose-free.
Definitely! Prepare the strawberry syrup beforehand and store it in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks. When ready to serve, mix the syrup with cold soda water and cream for optimal flavor.
For a decadent twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a strawberry cream soda float. Alternatively, adjust the cream-to-soda ratio for a thicker, milkshake-like consistency.
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Recipe
Strawberry Cream Soda
Ingredients
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup light brown sugar or cane sugar
- 2 cups strawberries
Strawberry Cream Soda
- 1 ½ oz strawberry simple syrup
- 3 oz half-and-half
- 1 – 2 oz seltzer water
- ¼ teaspoon beetroot powder (optional)
- 2 sliced strawberries (optional)
Instructions
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- Prep the strawberries: Rinse the fresh strawberries under cold water, remove the stems, and chop them into small pieces.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium pot, add the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and water. Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, adjusting the sweetness as needed.
- Simmer the syrup: Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and release the strawberry flavor. Simmer for 15 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Strain: Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for 15 minutes. Using a spoon, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove as much syrup as possible. Discard the strawberry solids.
- Cool and store: Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to a clean glass jar or syrup dispenser. Use a small funnel to prevent spills.
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to two weeks and use as needed for lattes, cocktails, and desserts!
Strawberry Cream Soda
- Prepare the strawberry syrup in advance and let it cool completely.
- Add the strawberry syrup to a serving jar or glass. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
- Stir in a small pinch of beetroot powder to enhance the pink color naturally.
- Fill the glass with ice, adding a few sliced strawberries for extra flavor and a decorative touch.
- Pour in the half-and-half, letting it swirl into the syrup for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Slowly top with seltzer water, pouring carefully to preserve the fizz and create a light, frothy layer.
- Stir gently, and garnish with a fresh strawberry. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Chill all ingredients: For best results, ensure the strawberry syrup, seltzer water, and half-and-half are well chilled before assembling. This helps preserve the carbonation and prevents the cream from curdling.
- Pour seltzer slowly: Gently pour the seltzer water along the glass’s side to preserve the bubbles and achieve a light, frothy layer on top. One option is to reverse the spoon and let seltzer flow over it.
- Stir gently: Lightly swirl the cream into the soda to combine. Avoid over-mixing, which can reduce the fizz.
- Beetroot powder is optional: This natural color booster enhances the pink hue without altering the flavor, making the drink even more vibrant.
- Customize sweetness: Start with a smaller amount of syrup and adjust to taste for the perfect level of sweetness.
- Dairy-free option: For a vegan-friendly, creamy, and delicious version, substitute half-and-half with oat, almond, or coconut milk.
- Cream-free strawberry soda: For a lighter, fruitier drink, leave out the cream to create a refreshing homemade strawberry soda with the same vibrant flavor.
Nataša
I made this Strawberry Cream Soda, and it was a fun, refreshing treat! The homemade strawberry syrup provided a vibrant, natural taste, while the beetroot powder infused a lovely pink hue without altering the flavor. The half-and-half blended in flawlessly, giving it that traditional soda fountain appearance and smooth texture. I also made it without the cream, and the straightforward strawberry soda was just as tasty. It’s easy to personalize and great for anything from afternoon snacks to gatherings. I’ll definitely make it again!