Homemade Lemon Cream Soda

Name: Homemade Lemon Cream Soda
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: Zest and Juice of 4 Medium Lemons; 1 Cup Sugar; 1/2 Cup Water; 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1-2 Ounces Lemon Syrup; Seltzer Water; Ice; Lemon Wedges (for garnish)

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This Lemon Cream Soda is a delicious homemade drink made from lemon zest and vanilla! It tastes like the perfect mix of sparkling lemonade and old-fashioned cream soda. Made with real ingredients!

Two glasses of lemon cream soda, garnished with a lemon wedge and yellow striped straw.

The internet has been loving my homemade sodas. It is SO much fun to make soda at home. The flavors are so vibrant and bright, AND real! There's nothing like real fruit juice, zest, spices, etc. It tastes so much better than store bought.

When I got a request for lemon cream soda, I knew I had to make it. It's like the most delicious cross between the classic cream soda flavors you know and love (hello, strawberry cream soda) and a sparkling lemonade.

If you love lemonade, this is the drink for you. It's lemonade turned up a notch. And it's fabulous!

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Why You'll Love This Lemon Cream Soda
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Step-By-Step Instructions
Serving Suggestions
Serve a crowd
FAQ & Expert Tips
Recipe Prayer
Related Recipes
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Why You'll Love This Lemon Cream Soda

Healthier version of a classic - when I tell you I couldn't believe how good this tastes despite being a homemade version!
Nostalgic - a throwback to classic soda shop vibes
Naturally non-dairy -you don't actually need cream to make cream soda! All those creamy vibes come from the vanilla
Warm weather drink - perfect for warm days or when you're craving a sweet treat
Choose your favorite sweetener - feel free to make this drink with regular cane sugar, or a refined sugar free alternative like agave

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Lemon Syrup

Lemon Juice & Zest: this drink needs both lemon juice and zest. Fresh lemon juice is the base of the syrup, but the zest actually gives the lemon flavor. Without it, the syrup will not taste like lemon. Grab a microplane and get zesting!
Sugar: I use organic cane sugar to make sure the syrup is vegan. For a refined sugar free version I recommend using agave. It works great and doesn't change the flavor!
Water
Vanilla: vanilla is the KEY to a cream soda flavor. It's what turns the drink from lemon into lemon cream. You cannot skip this!

For soda

Lemon Syrup: from above
Seltzer Water: you can also use club soda or any other unflavored sparkling water.
Ice
Garnishes: a fun straw and a lemon wedge - for vibes!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1. In a small saucepan heat the lemon juice and zest, sugar, and water over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture bubbles slightly.

Homemade Lemon Cream Soda Step 1 - heat the water, sugar, lemon juice & zest.

Step 2. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let cool completely.

Homemade Lemon Cream Soda Step 2 - remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

Step 3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer.

Homemade Lemon Cream Soda Step 3 - strain.

Step 4. For soda, serve 1-2 ounces of syrup over ice. Top with a lemon wedge and a striped straw!

Homemade Lemon Cream Soda Step 4 - serve the syrup over ice, topped with sparkling water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over ice in a cute soda glass for a classic soda fountain experience.

Add a lemon wedge and a striped straw for some fun!

Serve a crowd

Hosting brunch or a summer party? Mix a large batch of syrup just before serving.

FAQ & Expert Tips

Can I make the syrup ahead of time?

Yes! The syrup can be refrigerated until you're ready to make individual drinks.

Can I use flavored sparkling water?

Plain sparkling water makes for a classic flavor, but a lemon flavored sparkling water would enhance the citrusy vibes. Or choose a lime soda for more of a Sprite flavor.

Storage

This syrup is great for long-term storage. Good in the fridge for about 2 months.

Pro Tip: Avoid boiling the lemon zest for too long. A gentle simmer extracts plenty of citrus flavor while minimizing bitterness from the peel.

Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for this sweet, refreshing drink. Thank you for healthier versions of our favorite foods. Amen.

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