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Homemade Real Fruit Irish Cream Soda – Drinks and Smoothie Recipes

There's something oddly satisfying about making your own soda at home. I still remember the first time I tried this—it was on a lazy Saturday afternoon when I was craving something sweet and fizzy, but didn’t want another can of the usual stuff. You know the feeling, right? You open the fridge, close it again, stare at the counter, and then a wild idea hits you—homemade cream soda. This version brings the kind of joy only real fruit can offer. The strawberries melt into this sweet syrup that smells like summer. Add a splash of cream, and you’ve got that smooth vanilla vibe that makes cream soda, well, creamy. Toss in the sparkling water, and boom—magic in a glass. You’re sipping on something that tastes way more expensive than it is, with a nostalgic twist that’s part diner, part dreamy picnic. If you’re into fruit soda, fruit smoothie recipes, or homemade cocktails that don’t come from a bar cart, this is one to try. It's a little creamy, a little fizzy, a lot delicious, and very forgiving. No fancy tools, no strange ingredients—just a few things you’ve probably got around the kitchen. And the best part? It's part of my favorite collection of drinks and smoothie recipes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cream soda aesthetic, Drinks and Smoothie Recipes, Easy real food recipes, Fruit smoothie recipes, Fruit soda, Homemade Cocktails, recipes and drinks
Servings: 2 glasses
Author: Eleanor

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • Sparkling water (to top)
  • 2 tbsp half and half or heavy cream (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, water, and sugar.
  2. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries soften, about 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and mash the strawberries. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a jar. Let cool.
  4. To serve, fill a glass with ice. Add 2–3 tablespoons of syrup, top with sparkling water, and finish with cream if using.
  5. Stir gently and sip right away with a smile.