Homemade Real Fruit Irish Cream

There is nothing quite as refreshing as a homemade real fruit Irish cream soda on a warm afternoon It feels equal parts nostalgic and luxurious and is an easy way to bring a little vintage soda fountain magic into your kitchen The combination of real strawberries real cream and bubbly club soda makes this drink miles above anything store bought

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: sweet and juicy choose berries with deep red color and no white tops or mushy spots
• Sugar: brings out the juices in the berries you can use more or less depending on berry ripeness
• Heavy cream: for that lush classic float taste look for cream with no added thickeners for best texture
• Club soda or sparkling water: brings a crisp refreshing fizz choose club soda for a little salt or plain sparkling water for pure fruit flavor
• Vanilla extract: use pure vanilla for warmth and depth not vanilla flavoring
• Ice cubes: necessary for a supper cold and crisp experience
• Fresh mint leaves: optional but they add a gardenfresh note and gorgeous color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries:

Combine sliced strawberries and sugar in a bowl Let them sit for about ten minutes until juicy and glossy Stir gently with a spoon to help the sugar dissolve and the berries release their flavor

Make the Cream Mixture:

In a separate bowl whisk together heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form This will take about two to three minutes by hand Do not overwhip or the cream will become stiff and lose its classic float texture

Combine Ingredients:

Add two or three tablespoons of the macerated strawberries and their juice to the bottom of each glass Fill with ice cubes almost to the top Pour club soda or sparkling water over the ice stirring gently to mix the berries with the bubbles

Top with Cream:

Use a spoon to float a generous dollop of the whipped cream on top of each glass Let the cream rest on the surface do not mix in

Garnish and Serve:

Tuck in a sprig of fresh mint and hand each soda over with a straw Serve right away for best bubbles and chill

Save This

This soda always reminds me of the old-fashioned soda fountains my grandmother loved The simple combination of in-season berries and cream transports me right back to those childhood stories she shared around our summer table Homemade strawberry syrup with real berries always wins out over bottled and the fizz makes it a party in a glass

Storage tips

These cream sodas are best assembled and served immediately but you can prep components separately hours ahead Store whipped cream covered in the fridge and keep the sweetened fruit chilled Preassemble only right before serving to keep things bubbly

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap strawberries for ripe raspberries or mixed berries for a fun twist For a dairy-free version coconut cream is a richer option than coconut milk and whips up nicely Agave or honey can take the place of sugar if you like a different sweetness

Serving suggestions

Serve in tall glasses with colorful straws and a big dollop of whipped cream for a vintage soda shop effect They also shine at picnics kids parties or as a playful dessert after a light summer meal

Cultural context

Cream sodas like this trace back to classic soda fountains in the late 1800s where hand-mixed sodas with fruit syrup and fresh cream were the highlight of the menu In Ireland similar sodas use locally grown berries with thick cream and sometimes a dash of elderflower

Common Queries

→ Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?

Yes, raspberries or blueberries also work well and add their own unique flavors and colors.

→ What’s the best way to whip the cream?

Use chilled heavy cream and a whisk or electric mixer. Stop at soft peaks for a light, airy topping.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

The strawberry mixture can be prepared ahead, but assemble with soda and cream just before serving to preserve fizz.

→ Is sparkling water a good substitute for club soda?

Absolutely. Sparkling water adds effervescence without altering the drink’s flavor profile.

→ How can I adjust sweetness?

Taste the strawberry mixture and add more or less sugar, depending on the ripeness of your fruit.