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Nothing quite captures the essence of sweet summer nostalgia like a perfectly crafted ice cream soda. That magical combination of creamy ice cream slowly melting into fizzy carbonated water, creating a frothy delight that's both refreshing and indulgent. Today, we're excited to share everything you need to know about this classic American treat, from its fascinating history to our signature honey ice cream soda recipe that puts a unique spin on tradition. Whether you're craving an old-fashioned ice cream soda experience or looking to try something new, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Grab your long spoon and tall glass—it's time to dive into the wonderful world of ice cream sodas!
What is an Ice Cream Soda?
An ice cream soda is a classic American dessert beverage made by combining ice cream with flavored syrup and carbonated water. This refreshing treat has been delighting taste buds for generations, especially during hot summer days. Whether you're nostalgic for those old-fashioned ice cream soda shop experiences or discovering this delightful concoction for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the perfect ice cream soda, featuring our signature honey ice cream soda recipe.
Try making your ice cream soda with different types of honey for a different flavor profile
The Rich History of the Ice Cream Soda
The ice cream soda dates back to 1874 when Robert Green, a Philadelphia soda fountain operator, ran out of sweet cream for his flavored sodas. In a stroke of genius, he substituted ice cream, creating the first ice cream soda. Soon, soda fountains across America were serving this delightful treat.
During the early 20th century, the soda fountain became a social hub in American culture. These establishments were more than just places to enjoy an ice cream soda – they were community gathering spots where people could socialize while enjoying sweet treats. The soda jerks, as the servers were called, became known for their showmanship in preparing elaborate ice cream sodas topped with whipped cream and various garnishes.
Classic Ice Cream Soda vs. Root Beer Float
While many people use the terms interchangeably, an ice cream soda and a root beer float are distinct beverages:
- A classic ice cream soda typically starts with flavored syrup (often chocolate syrup) mixed with a bit of milk and seltzer water, then topped with ice cream (usually vanilla ice cream) and more seltzer water.
- A root beer float, on the other hand, is specifically made with root beer and vanilla ice cream.
Both are delicious in their own right, but understanding the difference is essential for any ice cream soda enthusiast!
Like sweet treats? Try our Honey Lollipops!
Our Signature Homemade Ice Cream Soda Recipe with Honey
Ingredients
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Warm water
- Honey ice cream
- Carbonated soda water (unflavored)
- Fresh lavender sprigs
Instructions
Start with a tall empty soda glass. Fill the bottom with the honey syrup made with equal parts of our Eastern Shore Honey and warm water. The syrup will mix easily with the soda. Add about 2 inches of unflavored carbonated soda and mix the syrup with the carbonated water. Add several scoops of honey ice cream in the tall glass. Fill the balance of the tall glass with unflavored carbonated soda until the glass is filled and the resulting foam rises above the top of the glass. Garnish with sprigs of fresh picked lavender. Serve immediately with a long spoon for the best experience.
The key to a perfect honey ice cream soda is to serve immediately while the ice cream is still firm and the soda is fizzy. The combination of our artisanal honey, cold ice cream, and bubbly seltzer water creates that magical experience that has made this ice cream soda a customer favorite.
We made this version with our homemade Blueberry Ice Cream
Traditional Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Soda
While our honey ice cream soda is our signature creation, here's a classic version for those who prefer a more traditional approach:
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Club soda or seltzer water (about 1 cup)
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream for topping
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Equipment
- Tall soda glass
- Long spoon for mixing and eating
Instructions
- Pour chocolate syrup into the bottom of a tall soda glass.
- Add milk and stir with a long spoon to combine with the chocolate syrup.
- Pour in a small amount of club soda or seltzer water (about 2 inches) and stir gently to create a frothy mixture.
- Add one scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Slowly pour more seltzer water until the glass is about three-quarters full.
- Top with another scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Add a final splash of seltzer water to create a foamy top.
- Garnish with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top.
- Serve immediately with a long spoon and a straw.
Egg Cream: The Ice Cream Soda's Cousin
While not technically an ice cream soda (since it contains no ice cream), the Egg Cream is a related beverage worth mentioning. Despite its name, it contains neither eggs nor cream!
Classic New York Egg Cream Recipe
- 1/3 cup cold milk
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- Seltzer water
Pour milk into a tall glass, add chocolate syrup, and stir vigorously with a long spoon. Gradually add seltzer water while stirring until the glass is nearly full and a frothy head forms on top. The key to a perfect egg cream is in the vigorous stirring to create that signature frothy top.
Tips for the Perfect Ice Cream Soda Experience
- Use well-chilled ingredients: Cold milk (for traditional recipes), cold seltzer water, and hard ice cream make for the best texture and temperature.
- Choose quality ice cream: The ice cream is the star of the show, so use a premium brand with good flavor and texture.
- Get the right glass: A traditional tall soda glass not only looks authentic but provides the perfect shape for layering the ingredients.
- Master the pour: Add seltzer water slowly along the side of the glass to prevent excessive foaming.
- Invest in proper tools: A long spoon is essential for both making and enjoying your ice cream soda.
- Serve immediately: An ice cream soda waits for no one! The perfect moment to enjoy it is right after it's made, while the ice cream is still solid and the soda is still fizzy.
Chocolate Lovers' Ice Cream Soda
For chocolate enthusiasts, this indulgent version doubles down on the chocolate elements.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Seltzer water
- 2 scoops chocolate ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Drizzle some chocolate syrup inside the glass in a decorative pattern.
- Add 3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup to the bottom of the glass.
- Add milk and stir with a long spoon to combine.
- Pour in about 2 inches of seltzer water and mix gently.
- Add a scoop of chocolate ice cream.
- Pour in more seltzer water until the glass is about three-quarters full.
- Add the second scoop of ice cream.
- Top with a final splash of seltzer water.
- Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- Serve immediately.
The Perfect Ice Cream Soda Bar
Hosting a party? Set up an ice cream soda bar with various syrups (chocolate syrup, fruit syrups, our Bee Inspired Honey), different kinds of ice cream, milk, club soda or seltzer water, whipped cream, and toppings like sprinkles, chopped nuts, and fresh fruit. Don't forget the root beer for those who prefer a classic root beer float! Provide tall glasses and long spoons, and let guests create their own custom ice cream soda creations.
Why the Ice Cream Soda Endures
In an age of complex desserts and artisanal everything, the humble ice cream soda continues to charm us with its perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fizzy. Our honey ice cream soda takes this classic to new heights by incorporating the natural sweetness and complexity of quality honey.
Perhaps it's the nostalgia for simpler times at the old-fashioned soda fountain, or maybe it's just that the combination of ice cream and carbonated sweetness creates a perfect sensory experience. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: the ice cream soda isn't just a dessert—it's a piece of American culinary heritage that deserves to be celebrated and enjoyed for generations to come.
So grab your long spoon, mix up some honey with seltzer water (or try the chocolate syrup with milk variation), add your favorite ice cream, top it with whipped cream if desired, and take a sip of history. Just remember to serve immediately and enjoy every fizzy, creamy moment!
