Italian Sodas are a delicious way to freshen up on a hot summer day. Made from a flavoured syrup, sparkling (or club) soda and ice – they’re tasty and quick to make. Flavours range from scrumptious to downright bizarre – but some of the more popular flavours are:

• Strawberry
• Cherry
• Raspberry
• Blue Raspberry
• Watermelon
• Pineapple
• Lemon
• Lime
• Peach
• Mango
• Coconut

There are a number of brands of flavoured syrups on the market, but the market leader is Torani, who are also the most affordable because of their economies of scale. With over 70 flavours (30+ sugar-free variations) and more being added every year, you’re sure to find a flavour that suits your tastes.

Also available is a Root Beer syrup that can be used to make rootbeer right at home.

Advanced Italian Sodas

Italian Sodas are typically made from a single flavour, but multiple flavours can be combined to make an extremely unique and elegant drink. For example, a non-alcoholic “Pina Colada” Italian Soda can be made by combining Pineapple and Coconut syrup that will make you believe you’re on a beach in an exotic vacation – while being right at home. Strawberry Watermelon is another popular combination.

The proportions make all the difference in the world – it’s usually best to start at a 50/50 mix and adjust each of the flavours up or down until you get the desired strength.

Anything that has a “cream” on the end of it (Strawberry Cream) can be made by adding Vanilla syrup to the above fruit-flavoured ones. Vanilla has a unique taste that actually works to enhance and contrast the original flavour instead of destroying it. While a number of different vanillas are available – vanilla bean, french vanilla, cinnamon vanilla – the classic vanilla taste tends to do best. Yes, actual cream can be added as well for a thicker mouth-feel.

Experimenting with new flavours is fun, grab a couple friends and try it yourself!