Name: Strawberry Cream Soda
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; ½ cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Ice cubes; Sparkling water or club soda, chilled; Optional: Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

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This homemade Strawberry Cream Soda is the ultimate summer refreshment. With a vibrant, sweet strawberry syrup, a creamy vanilla touch, and the fizz of sparkling water, it’s the perfect drink for a hot day or when you’re craving something sweet and bubbly. Fresh, fruity, and oh-so-creamy, this treat is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Strawberry Cream Soda

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Not only is this Strawberry Cream Soda easy to make, but it’s also incredibly customizable. The homemade strawberry syrup bursts with fresh strawberry flavor, while the creamy vanilla base adds a smooth richness that pairs beautifully with the sparkling fizz. Whether you’re looking for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up or a fun, festive drink for guests, this recipe delivers a refreshing and delightful beverage.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
¼ cup water
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice cubes
Sparkling water or club soda, chilled
Optional: Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Directions

Make the Strawberry Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and water.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally for 10–15 minutes, or until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash the strawberries. If you prefer a smooth syrup, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Whisk the cream and vanilla together until lightly combined.
- For the best results, chill the cream mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble the Strawberry Cream Soda:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour about 2–3 tablespoons of the cooled strawberry syrup into the glass.
- Gently pour 2–3 tablespoons of the chilled cream mixture over the strawberry syrup.
- Slowly pour the chilled sparkling water or club soda into the glass, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Use a long spoon or straw to gently stir the soda.
- Taste the soda and adjust the sweetness or creaminess as desired.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a slice of strawberry.
- Serve your strawberry cream soda immediately and enjoy the refreshing, fizzy goodness!

Servings and timing

Yield: 1 serving
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Berry Variations: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to create a different berry cream soda.
Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the strawberry syrup for a fresh, tangy kick.
Vegan Option: Use coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
Ice Cream Float: Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream to turn this into a delicious float.
Herb Infusion: Try infusing the strawberry syrup with basil or thyme for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Boozy Version: Add a shot of vodka, rum, or gin to make a fun, adult version of this drink.
Adjust Sweetness: If you want a less sweet drink, reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
Large Batch: Double or triple the syrup recipe and store in the refrigerator for up to a week for easy use all week long.
Frozen Strawberries: You can also use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh strawberries aren’t in season.
Control Fizz: If you prefer less fizz, use regular club soda or still water.

Storage/Reheating

The strawberry syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing. The cream mixture can also be refrigerated until ready to use. Keep the sparkling water or club soda chilled until you’re ready to assemble the soda.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the strawberry syrup and cream mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just assemble the drink when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with a sugar substitute, honey, or maple syrup, though this may alter the taste slightly.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, thaw and mash frozen strawberries to make the syrup.

How can I make this drink less sweet?

If you want a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or add extra lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Can I make this in a larger batch?

Yes, just multiply the ingredients for the syrup and cream mixture to serve more people.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cream Soda is the perfect refreshing treat for hot days, offering the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the creaminess of vanilla, all topped off with sparkling water for that bubbly, thirst-quenching finish. It’s a customizable drink that can be made your own with endless variations, whether you want a boozy twist, a citrusy zing, or a dairy-free version. Whatever the occasion, this drink is sure to add a touch of joy and fun to your summer!