Ice Cream Soda

June 30: National Ice Cream Soda Day

Cool off during the hot summer season with something fun, frosty and fizzy—an old-fashioned ice cream soda (also called an ice cream float). Highlander ate it as a youngster and wanted Islander to try this traditional summertime treat. Until recently, because of her lactose intolerance, she was unable to enjoy desserts with dairy. But after discovering a lactose-free ice cream at the grocery store, Highlander now can prepare an ice cream soda for his wife. Making it at home is just as sweet and simple and quicker and cheaper than going to an ice cream parlor or shop.

Try this retro recipe for an old-fashioned ice cream soda for summertime and on National Ice Cream Soda Day.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream (we used Breyer’s brand)
• 7Up (or carbonated/soda water)
• whipped cream (we used Cool Whip brand)
• maraschino cherry

Directions

In a tall chilled glass, scoop some vanilla ice cream. Fill with 7Up until foam floats to the top of the glass. Alternatively, add another scoop of ice cream on top of the foam. Swirl whipped cream on top and add a maraschino cherry (optional). Insert a straw and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• To date, vanilla is the only lactose-free flavor by Breyer’s. The Lactaid company makes other flavors but may not be readily available at supermarkets.
• There are many variations of ice cream sodas. Change the ice cream and soda (cola, root beer, etc.) flavors and mix in chocolate or other syrup for variety.
• Root beer float is a type of ice cream soda. A recipe is posted on National Root Beer Float Day on August 6.