Let’s have a drink with our avocado toast!
Right now I’m probably sipping something bright and simple—bringing basic into 2016 never tasted better.
Sometimes you need a special non-alcoholic sip, and this one fits the bill. Trust me, it’s worth it.
This is cream soda in its truest, nostalgic form: fizzy, vanilla-forward and a little like vanilla frosting in a bottle. I loved cream soda as a kid, then it vanished for a while. Lately it has made a comeback (we’re fans of Boylan’s) and I’ve been enjoying it all over again.
I decided to make my own version: a faux cream soda made with the juice of many clementines—okay, about ten. I adore clementines and use them in everything: smoothies, desserts, even savory dishes. They’re tiny flavor bombs, and they work perfectly here.
The process is straightforward and satisfying:
- Make a simple vanilla syrup.
- Juice the clementines.
- Use lots of crushed ice—crushed is essential.
- Stir syrup and juice together, taste and adjust.
- Top with seltzer for bubbles.
Sweet, fizzy and citrusy—the exact combo I want on a warm day.
Now for the best part: add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream (or lemon, if you’re feeling adventurous) and you have a homemade creamsicle float. It’s creamy, bright and nostalgic—far better than any forgotten freezer popsicle.
Clementine Cream Sodas
Yield:
2
sodas
30
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review »
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 vanilla bean
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup clementine juiceabout 7 clementines juiced (yours may vary)
- seltzer waterfor topping (about 3–4 ounces per glass)
- vanilla ice creamoptional, for a float
Instructions
-
Place the sugar, water and vanilla bean in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and bring to a simmer. Let cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Stir in the vanilla extract. Store sealed in the refrigerator for up to a week; you’ll have extra syrup.
-
To assemble each soda, combine 3 tablespoons of the vanilla syrup with 1/3 cup clementine juice in the bottom of a glass with crushed ice. Top with 3–4 ounces seltzer and stir. Taste and adjust with more juice or syrup if desired.
-
For a float, add a generous scoop of vanilla (or lemon) ice cream and serve in a larger glass.
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to tag your photos with #howsweeteats and share your results. I appreciate you!
At least it’s packed with vitamin C.