Strawberry Cream Soda

Name: Strawberry Cream Soda
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 Ounces Fresh or Frozen Strawberries (tops removed); 1 Cup Water; 1 Cup Organic Cane Sugar (OR Agave OR Maple Syrup); 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice; 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract; Sparkling Water; Ice; Strawberries (for garnish)

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This Strawberry Cream Soda is fruity, fizzy, and nostalgic. A homemade and healthier version of a classic. Naturally sweetened with homemade strawberry syrup.

A soda glass of strawberry cream soda garnished with a strawberry and a red striped straw.

I am a cream soda girly. There is something about that extra depth of flavor that's beyond just a nice fruity drink. When I made my strawberry simple syrup I knew that I had to try out a strawberry cream soda.

Fun fact: you don't actually need cream to make a cream soda!

The real 'cream' flavor actually comes from vanilla! So you can get all those delightful cream soda vibes by just adding vanilla to strawberry syrup. Mix with sparkling water and you've got yourself a glass of nostalgic cream soda heaven!

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Why I Love This Strawberry Cream Soda
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Serving Suggestions
FAQ & Expert Tips
Recipe Prayer
More homemade soda drinks to try
Tried this recipe?
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Why I Love This Strawberry Cream Soda

Healthier version of a classic - when I tell you I couldn't believe how good this tastes despite being a healthy version. My eyes were popping out of my head
Nostalgic - a throwback to classic soda shop vibes
Super easy - just three ingredients!
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

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

For strawberry syrup

This syrup is a version of my strawberry simple syrup, but with vanilla added - that's all you need for cream soda vibes!

Strawberries: fresh or frozen strawberries both work great!
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
Lemon Juice: use fresh juice for the best flavor. A bit of lemon juice helps create a deeper flavor
Vanilla: vanilla is the KEY to a cream soda flavor. It's what turns the drink from strawberry into strawberry cream. You cannot skip this!

For Soda

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

Pro Tip: Use chilled ingredients to keep your soda fizzy longer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Strawberry Cream Soda Step 1 - heat the sugar, strawberries, and water.

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

Strawberry Cream Soda Step 2 - add the vanilla and let cool

Step 3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer.

Step 4. For soda, serve 1-2 ounces of syrup over ice. Fill the glass with sparkling water. Then top with a strawberry and a striped straw for funsies!

Strawberry Cream Soda Step 4 - serve over ice, topped with sparkling water.

Serving Suggestions

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

Add a strawberry and a striped straw for some fun!

FAQ & Expert Tips

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the syrup in advance, but mix the soda just before serving to preserve the carbonation.

Can I use flavored seltzer?

Yes! Try a hint of lemon or berry-flavored sparkling water for added depth.

For a clean flavor, stick with plain seltzer.

Storage

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

Pro Tip: purchase seltzer water in cans (instead of a larger bottle) to have the most carbonation for each drink.

Recipe Prayer

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

More homemade soda drinks to try

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