Ice cream sodas are a favorite summertime treat that are very easy to make. Also known as ice cream floats, they are made by combining ice cream with soda or carbonated water and flavored syrup. While many people consider root beer and vanilla ice cream to be the classic ingredients, there are many possible variations for you to try. For example, you can make a “Brown Cow” by mixing cola, chocolate syrup, and vanilla ice cream. Make a “Canary Island Special” by combining chocolate ice cream, vanilla syrup, and seltzer.
When making an ice cream soda, don’t be afraid to get creative with your drink concoction. Whipped cream and cherries are very popular add-ons, while coffee lovers often add a hint of instant coffee to their ice cream floats. Chocolate sprinkles may also be a good choice.
Although the recipe for this drink is quite simple, there is a trick to creating the perfect drink. Plain soda foams because it releases carbon dioxide gas, but ice cream is actually a foamy mixture of liquid, ice crystals, and air pockets. Therefore, if you want to make a drink with a lot of foam, put the ice cream in the glass before pouring the soda. If you want to make a treat with a minimal amount of foam, add the ice cream after the soda has been poured.
While ice cream sodas are certainly delicious, they’re not particularly healthy. If you’re worried about excess calories, try using diet soda in your favorite recipe. You can also try making a low-fat drink by combining your favorite flavor of sherbet with sparkling soda water.
As you’re enjoying your beverage, take time to reflect upon the history of your treat. Legend has it that the float was invented in Denver in 1871 by Otto Baur. His frothy concoction became an immediate favorite among children and teens, although many adults failed to see the drink’s appeal. Soon, there were soda fountains and ice cream parlors scattered throughout the United States.
Ice cream sodas are often thought of as a classic American delicacy, but it is interesting to note that this concoction is enjoyed by people throughout the world. In Australia and New Zealand, it is often called a spider. In Japan, children often order a cream soda drink that essentially consists of melon-flavored soda and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
