It’s been a while since I’ve shared a mocktail. They’re one of my favorite things to make…and drink! This black raspberry Italian cream soda is a creamy, fruity delicious drink. It’s made with black raspberry syrup, sparkling water and cream.
Black raspberries (or blackcaps as we call them!) grow wild in the woods behind our house. My boys picked a bunch last month, so I had fun coming up with recipes to use them in, like this Italian cream soda. And I’ll have another recipe using them coming soon.
A fruity, creamy drink sounded perfect for a hot summer day. Caitlin shared an Italian cream soda recipe years ago, using raspberries, and that inspired me to make this!
Italian Cream Sodas are made with fruit flavored syrups. I like to use a slightly thicker syrup with mine. It just makes this drink a real treat – so thick and creamy! These photos are before I stirred the drink. You can see what it looks stirred in the last photo.
![two glasses on wood cutting filled with black raspberry italian cream soda drink](https://themerrythought.com/wp-content/uploads/BlackRaspberryItalianCreamSoda2-713x1024(pp_w480_h689).jpg)
What is an Italian Cream Soda?
An Italian cream soda is a drink made from carbonated water, flavored syrup and cream. These drinks are simple and easy to make. They’re also non-alcoholic, so perfect for kids! Or for friends like me who drink mocktails!
Black Raspberry Italian Cream Soda Ingredients:
For the black raspberry syrup:
- black raspberries*
- sugar
- water
You can make the black raspberry syrup ahead, and keep it in the fridge.
*Feel free to use any berry you like.
For the Italian cream soda:
- black raspberry syrup
- crushed ice (I just throw regular ice cubes in the food processor or blender for a few seconds)
- plain sparkling water or club soda
- heavy cream (or half n half or even milk for a lighter drink)
![an italian cream soda in a clear glass with heavy cream and black raspberry syrup in the glass](https://themerrythought.com/wp-content/uploads/BlackRaspberryItalianCreamSoda3-713x1024(pp_w480_h689).jpg)
![black raspberry italian cream soda drink with gold spoon in drink on white cloth sitting on wood cutting board](https://themerrythought.com/wp-content/uploads/BlackRaspberryItalianCreamSoda1-150x150.jpg)
- 1 cup black raspberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2-3 tablespoons black raspberry syrup (our family preferred it with 3 tablespoons, taste and adjust to your preferences)
- crushed ice (I just throw regular ice cubes in the food processor or blender for a few seconds)
- plain sparkling water (or club soda)
- heavy cream (or for a lighter drink you can use half n half or even milk)
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In a small saucepan over medium low heat, mix together berries, sugar and water.
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Simmer until sugar has completed melted and berries have softened. Remove from heat.
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Blend berry mixture until completely smooth (use blender or immersion blender).
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Push berries through a fine mesh sieve, removing seeds. Discard seeds.
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Let syrup cool to room temperature and then refrigerate. (The syrup will be on the thicker side. You can add a little more water to thin it out if preferred).
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Place black raspberry syrup in glass.
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Top with crushed ice.
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Fill glass 3/4 full with sparkling water.
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Top with heavy cream.
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Stir before drinking.
![a dark purple black raspberry italian cream soda in a vintage glass on a wood cutting board](https://themerrythought.com/wp-content/uploads/BlackRaspberryItalianCreamSoda4-713x1024(pp_w480_h689).jpg)
The drinking glasses I used can be found here.
Be sure to check out more of our delicious mocktail recipes here.
-Manda