This homemade Strawberry Cream Soda combines real strawberry syrup, fizzy seltzer, and a splash of cream for a sweet, refreshing treat. A hint of beetroot powder provides a naturally vibrant pink color, eliminating the need for artificial dyes. Perfect for summer parties, retro mocktails, or anytime you crave something nostalgic and fun.
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.
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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. If you love naturally sweet drinks made from real fruit, try my Peach Lemonade for another sun-kissed summer option.
- 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. For another naturally colorful sip, you might also enjoy a Butterfly Pea Latte, featuring stunning blue-violet tones and a floral flavor.
- 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. For more fizzy fun, don’t miss my Espresso Tonic, a bold and bubbly coffee twist.
- 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. Looking to mix it up? Consider trying the Raspberry Mocktail or Blackberry Mocktail, both of which are packed with berry goodness, for a delightful flavor variation.
- 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. For a cozy, family-friendly option, try Apple Kompot, a comforting Serbian fruit drink that can be served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberry Simple Syrup: Made with real strawberries and sugar, this syrup adds natural sweetness and a bold fruit flavor. It is clean, vibrant, and free of artificial ingredients, allowing the strawberries to really shine.
- Sparkling Soda Water: Adds light fizz and refreshing lift. Use seltzer for a crisp, neutral base or club soda for a touch of minerality.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Cream adds richness and smooth texture. Use heavy cream for a thicker, milkshake-like soda, or half-and-half for a lighter feel.
- Beetroot Powder (Optional): Naturally enhances the pink color without altering the flavor, perfect for an Instagram-worthy finish, with no artificial dyes needed.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free or Vegan Option: Avoiding dairy? Swap half-and-half for oat, almond, or coconut milk. Oat milk delivers a neutral, silky texture, while coconut milk adds a rich, tropical flavor. If you enjoy creamy dairy-free drinks, my Iced Oat Milk Latte and Oat Milk Hot Chocolate are great examples of how smooth plant-based options can be.
- Strawberry Soda Without Cream: Skip the cream for a brighter, naturally fruity soda that tastes like a classic soda shop favorite. A splash of lemon or lime can add a refreshing touch. If you like this style, you’ll enjoy my Peach Mocktail for a naturally sweet, cream-free sipper.
- 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: Use seltzer for a clean fizz, club soda for minerality, or even pre-made vanilla soda for a flavor boost. If you enjoy creative, carbonated drinks, try my Kiwi Gin Cocktail, a fun mix of sparkle and fruit with a unique twist.
- 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. If you enjoy creamy drinks with a fluffy, decadent finish, my Dalgona Latte is another fun treat to try.
- 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 defines this drink, other fruity or seasonal syrups can completely change the flavor. Try raspberry syrup or blackberry syrup for a tangy twist, or peach syrup for a bright and summery flavor. For cozy or festive vibes, cranberry syrup or apple brown sugar syrup works beautifully. Looking for more ideas? Explore all my homemade syrup recipes to find your favorite flavor match!
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. For another antioxidant-packed drink made with real fruit, try my Blueberry Matcha Latte. It’s creamy, refreshing, and equally easy to make at home.
- 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. Craving something even richer? Serbian Caramel Milk is a comforting treat with an ultra-smooth finish.
- Chill Ingredients Before Mixing: To enhance fizziness and freshness, chill the strawberry syrup, soda water, and cream in the refrigerator before making the drink. Just like with a carrot juice mocktail, starting with cold ingredients helps preserve the bubbles and ensures the flavors stay vibrant. In this case, it also prevents the cream from curdling upon contact with 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, a retro soda glass, or even pairing it with a festive Cranberry Mule Mocktail to create a complete mocktail bar experience for guests.
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.
More Refreshing Sips to Try
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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: Keep the syrup, seltzer, and cream cold to preserve fizz and prevent curdling.
- Adjust sweetness: Start with less syrup and add more to taste.
- Beetroot powder (optional): Adds vibrant color without affecting the flavor.
- Pour seltzer slowly: Gently pour down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon to maintain bubbles.
- Make it dairy-free: Use oat, almond, or coconut milk for a creamy vegan option.
- Skip the cream: Leave it out for a lighter, naturally fruity strawberry soda with a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Stir gently: Lightly swirl in the cream, avoiding over-mixing to keep the soda frothy.
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!