This Easy Homemade Strawberry Cream Soda is a refreshing treat! It combines sweet strawberries with fizzy soda and creamy goodness to create a bubbly drink that’s perfect for hot days.
Making it is a breeze: just mash the strawberries, mix with soda, and add a scoop of ice cream on top. I love seeing those strawberry bits float! 🍓 Who wouldn’t want to sip on something so fun?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star here! Choose ripe ones for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries; just thaw them first.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the strawberries, but feel free to substitute with honey, agave, or a sugar alternative like stevia if preferred.
Lemon Juice: This adds a nice tang that helps balance sweetness. If you don’t have fresh lemon, a splash of bottled lemon juice works too.
Club Soda: To keep it fizzy, use club soda or any flavored soda like lemon-lime. Sparkling water is a good choice if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla is a favorite, but you can switch it up with strawberry or even chocolate ice cream for a unique twist!
How Do You Get the Perfect Strawberry Mash?
Mashing the strawberries well is key to creating a flavorful base for your soda. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with ripe strawberries; they mash easier and taste sweeter.
- Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Use a fork, fork, or muddler to mash them for 2-3 minutes until they are syrupy.
- Don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth; some chunks add texture!
Easy Homemade Strawberry Cream Soda
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup cold soda water or club soda
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Fresh strawberry halves, for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Optional: strawberry syrup for extra sweetness and color
How Much Time Will You Need?
Overall, this delicious drink takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a refreshing soda on a warm day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberry Mixture:
Start by taking the sliced strawberries and placing them in a small bowl. Add in the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Use a fork or muddler to mash the strawberries together gently. Continue mashing for about 2-3 minutes until the strawberries release their juices and form a syrupy texture. This will be the sweet and fruity base of your soda!
2. Assemble Your Glass:
Take a tall glass and fill it with a few ice cubes. Next, spoon in the mashed strawberry mixture, making sure to include all the delicious juice. You should have a beautiful layer of strawberries at the bottom of the glass.
3. Add the Fizz:
Now, slowly pour cold soda water or club soda over the strawberries in the glass. Pour gently to avoid too much fizz overflowing. Stir gently with a spoon to mix everything together, allowing the bubbly soda to combine with the strawberry layer beneath.
4. Top with Ice Cream:
Grab a scoop of vanilla ice cream and place it right on top of the fizzy strawberry mixture. This creamy addition makes the drink even more delightful!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your strawberry cream soda by adding a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. For an extra touch, place a fresh strawberry half on the rim of the glass. It looks pretty and it’s totally inviting!
6. Enjoy Your Creation:
Serve your homemade strawberry cream soda immediately with a straw. Enjoy the refreshing mix of sweet strawberries and creamy goodness—it’s a treat you’ll love!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing. It might create a slightly different texture, but the flavor will still be delicious!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you’d like your cream soda to be sweeter, you can add more sugar or a splash of strawberry syrup. Start with an extra teaspoon of sugar or syrup after tasting the mixture, and adjust to your liking!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the strawberry mash and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the soda and ice cream right before serving to keep everything fizzy and creamy!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
If you have leftover strawberry mixture, store it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can make a new soda by adding fresh soda water and ice when you’re ready to enjoy it again. Just remember that the fizz won’t be as strong, but it will still taste great!
