Homemade Herbal Italian Soda Recipe

Italian soda has had a special place in my heart since I was a teen! I worked at a pizza restaurant in high school and ran the espresso bar. When customers came in, I would make Italian sodas for them. 

As much as I loved making these sodas — and of course, drinking them too — a typical Italian soda recipe is made with syrup that comes from a restaurant supplier. Highly processed syrups like these are filled with synthetic dyes and corn syrup and really have nothing good or natural about them. 

I drank many of these sodas growing up, and I'm sure it contributed to my “sugar allergy.” They were so tasty, though! I missed them so much, so I set out to recreate this high school favorite using herbs and healthier sugar alternatives. 

Today, we will be sharing our top recipes for homemade herbal Italian soda. Each Italian soda drink recipe is flavored with a delightful Farmhouse tea blend. I will also share my favorite Italian cream soda recipe, which is just as tasty as it is fun to make! Join us as we explore the different ways we can enjoy the God-given gift of herbs. 

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What is Italian Soda?

Italian soda is a fizzy beverage made with carbonated water and flavored syrup. This refreshing drink is perfect for summertime! 

Did you know that, despite its name, the original Italian soda recipe doesn’t actually come from Italy? This popular beverage was invented in the United States. The founders of the Torani syrup company started making Italian sodas in the 1920s, and these drinks were a big part of everyday life in the following decades, thanks to the soda fountain. 

It has now been about a century since Italian sodas first rose to popularity, but they remain a beloved beverage by many. Here are some of the reasons why our family loves Italian sodas, along with why we prefer making our own instead of buying them in a store or restaurant.

• Homemade Italian sodas are easy to customize with your favorite flavors. When it comes to making delicious flavor combos, there are tons of options and ways to be creative.
• Making soda with herbs and healthier sugar alternatives will help you avoid a liver or adrenal crash. You will have full control over the ingredients, and they will be way better for your health.
• All you need to make a delicious Italian soda recipe is a few simple ingredients.

We can’t talk about Italian sodas without mentioning Italian cream sodas too! These start off with the same base recipe as your classic Italian soda. The difference is that you will add a creamy component to the glass. The result is a richer, creamier soda that’s almost like a dessert.

How is Italian soda different from regular soda?

Both beverages are delicious and so fun to enjoy, but there are a few key differences that set these two drinks apart. One of the most important differences is the caffeine content! While regular soda tends to have caffeine, Italian sodas are usually caffeine-free. This means you can enjoy all the amazing flavor without the negative side effects of this stimulant.

Making Tea-Infused Italian Soda Syrup for the Best Italian Soda Drink Recipe

What makes our Italian soda recipe unique is the infusion of herbal tea in every sip. Using loose-leaf tea to make Italian soda not only adds an amazing layer of flavor, but it also allows you to enjoy the benefits of the herbs that are in the tea blend. 

Before we dive into some more specific recipes, I wanted to introduce you to the standard recipe that we use as the tea syrup base for all of our herbal Italian sodas. It’s made with minimal ingredients and comes together in just a few quick steps. You will need water, a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and your loose-leaf tea of choice.

Start by simmering your loose-leaf tea in water for 10 minutes. Once concentrated, strain your tea and return the liquid to the pot. While the tea is still warm, stir in your sweetener of choice until it is fully dissolved. 

At this point, you may also add a little bit of vanilla extract if you wish. This step is optional, but it will add some extra smoothness to the recipe. Cool and store your tea in a glass jar in the fridge. It will last about 2 weeks. 

When you are ready to make a fresh Italian soda, grab your tea syrup and combine a few tablespoons with sparkling water. Serve over ice, adding a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream for a cream soda, and enjoy!

Our Favorite Farmhouse Italian Soda Recipes to Try

We’ve come up with a variety of satisfying flavors, including peach, berry, elderberry, chocolate, and chai! Keep in mind that each Italian soda drink recipe can be made into a cream soda, but you can choose to skip the creamy component for a classic version.

Farmhouse Tea Italian Cream Soda (Paleo-Friendly)

This paleo-friendly recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to make Italian cream soda at home. Use it as a base for a variety of different tea syrup options! To make the drink rich and creamy, we recommend using either full-fat coconut milk or a raw and or organic cream. Add a whipped coconut cream topping to make your recipe complete!

Ingredients: 

• 2–3 tbsp tea syrup (see options below)
• 1 cup sparkling water (unsweetened, no additives)
• 2 tbsp full-fat coconut milk (from the can, well-shaken) OR raw cream
• Ice
• Optional: Whipped coconut cream for topping

Cottage Peach Italian Soda Recipe

Our recipe for Cottage Peach Italian Soda is delightfully fruity and refreshing, and turning it into cream soda will give you your fix of peaches and cream! Garnish with a fresh peach slice to take your soda to the next level.

Harvest Berry Italian Cream Soda Recipe

This bold berry recipe has a sweet fruity flavor with a hint of cinnamon and spice. Be sure to garnish with fresh berries to make this Italian soda recipe complete.

Elderberry Elixir Cream Soda

This warming, herbal berry soda with a wellness kick features the tart flavor of elderberry, brightened with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg spice. 

Herbal Chai Spice Cream Soda

With a bold chai flavor and a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg, this spiced vanilla cream soda is cozy and unique!

Chocolate Conniption Not Coffee Italian Cream Soda Recipe

Here’s an unbeatable treat for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and coffee. This recipe for Italian cream soda is just like a mocha soda float: rich and creamy, but in this case, caffeine-free!

Italian Soda Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare a batch of Italian soda in advance?

Italian soda is best made fresh, especially since it is carbonated. While you can prepare your herbal tea syrup in advance and store it for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, do not assemble the soda until you are ready to serve it.

Can I make Italian soda without sugar?

Yes! We personally love using honey or maple syrup in every Italian soda drink recipe, but you can opt for sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia if you prefer.

What are the best garnishes for Italian soda?

Adding a beautiful garnish to your drink will make it more fun while also enhancing its appearance. Some of the best garnishes for soda drinks include fresh fruit and herbs, and if you’re making a cream soda, whipped cream goes perfectly on top!

Fizzy Fun Drinks to Enjoy without the Junk

Italian soda is so nostalgic for me. Using herbs to make a healthier and more natural version of this drink has reminded me that I can still find ways to enjoy the things I love without risking any harm to my body — and the same goes for you! Whether you decide on a classic Italian soda or a delicious Italian cream soda, happy sipp'n friends! 

If you love these caffeine-free Italian soda recipes and want to learn about more alternatives to caffeine, be sure to download our FREE Coffee Drinker’s Guide to Loose-Leaf Tea!

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• Copy Cat Summer Starbuck's Drinks
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