What is an Italian Soda?
Customers at gourmet coffee shops may notice a cold beverage option called an Italian soda, also known as a creamosa or French soda in different parts of the world. An Italian soda is a refreshing combination of flavored syrup and club soda or seltzer water mixed in a cup of ice. The addition of half-and-half or milk turns an Italian soda into a creamosa or French soda. Some coffeehouses add a dollop of whipped cream to an Italian soda to create a creamier texture. Surprisingly, the Italian soda recipe we know today did not originate in Italy. Some sources credit an immigrant Italian family living in San Francisco during the 1920s with concocting the familiar syrup and sparkling water beverage. Using imported coffee flavorings from Italy, the family would mix up their Italian soda recipe in the back room of their grocery store. The drink soon became popular as an alternative to flavored coffees or espresso. Eventually, the recipe would be picked up and refined by mainstream coffeehouse
