February 23, 2018
What’s your favorite Italian soda flavor?
Italian soda combines everything we love about soda with all of the charming qualities we associate with Italy. However, while Italian soda is most definitely made with soda water, you won’t find it on the menu in Italy! Check out these interesting facts about this handcrafted American drink.
Origins of Italian Soda
While the name would lead you to believe it was invented in Italy, Italian soda was actually made by Torani, the San Francisco-based syrup company. Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre were the first to coin the term “Italian soda” in 1925 for a drink made of flavored syrup mixed with soda water.
Not Quite Italian
Italian sodas are based on the American soda fountain, so they are definitely not Italian in their origin. According to Le Cordon Bleu, Italian sodas are actually “scoffed at by most full-blooded Italians.” However, Italians do enjoy a similar beverage made with myrtifolia juice, a native-Italian citrus fruit.
Ingredients
Like most soda, Italian sodas are made of 3 basic ingredients: soda water, flavored syrup, and ice. However, unlike name brand soda you can buy in a store, Italian sodas, and the syrups they’re made with, can come in a variety of flavors, from fruit to spices. They can even emulate other popular drinks, like Chai tea. Typically, they don’t have caffeine and are non-alcoholic, so they’re great for children, while you can enjoy a glass of wine.
Variations
Since Italian soda is handcrafted, you have some options when it comes to your soda. Some cafes ask if you’d like to add cream to your soda or even ice cream for a float. Most places have a variety of different syrups, so you can mix and match to create your perfect flavor. If you’re trying to stay healthy, Torani now makes a whole series of sugar-free syrups, so you can get zero-calorie Italian sodas too!
For over 12 years, we have been providing Marylanders with delicious Italian cuisine cooked with fresh, high-quality ingredients. We have delicious pasta dishes with unlimited salad and breadsticks, and scrumptious fine Italian wines. To make a reservation at our Timonium location, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 308-0838. To make a reservation at our Fallston location, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 692-5200. To find out more about our menu, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
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FAQs
While the name would lead you to believe it was invented in Italy, Italian soda was actually made by Torani, the San Francisco-based syrup company. Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre were the first to coin the term “Italian soda” in 1925 for a drink made of flavored syrup mixed with soda water.
What are some fun facts about Italian soda? ›
While the name would lead you to believe it was invented in Italy, Italian soda was actually made by Torani, the San Francisco-based syrup company. Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre were the first to coin the term “Italian soda” in 1925 for a drink made of flavored syrup mixed with soda water.
Why are they called Italian sodas? ›
For decades, classic Italian sodas were a staple in cafes and diners throughout North America. So, what is the Italian connection? The sodas were originally introduced by two Italian immigrants living in San Francisco in 1925 when they brought back a recipe from Lucca (Italy) to make flavoured syrups.
What are the benefits of Italian soda? ›
The biggest difference between Italian soda and regular soda is the lack of artificial ingredients. They're made with natural flavors, while most regular sodas are made with artificial flavors and colors. This means that they're generally healthier than regular sodas.
Is Italian soda alcoholic? ›
An Italian soda is a soft drink made from carbonated water and flavored syrup.
What are some fun facts about soda? ›
Ten Soda Facts That Might Surprise You
- 1: The name "soda" comes from "sodium" ...
- 2: Commercially available soda was available only in pharmacies at first. ...
- 3: You can use soda to remove rust. ...
- 4: Humans purchase 6,700 aluminum soda cans every second. ...
- 5: Fanta and Volkswagen have something in common.
But don't worry, with Italian Sodas there is very little to lose. Unopened syrups have a shelf life of 3 years. They don't “expire” for 6 months after being opened. From a cost standpoint, a bottle of syrup usually runs around $6 and can comfortably yield 17 drinks.
Does Italian soda have sugar? ›
Italian Soda is a Simple Drink at Heart
Back when the Torre couple started selling their drinks, the recipe was simple: they mixed their Italian fruit-based syrups with sparkling water, sweetened it with sugar, and got an organic soda drink on their hands.
Does Italian soda have caffeine? ›
Italian soda is typically prepared using flavoring syrup made from fruits and often contains fewer sweeteners than traditional soft drinks. It's important to note that most Italian sodas do not contain caffeine, though they can be mixed with energy drinks.
Is Italian soda bitter? ›
I believe that bitterness is what really differentiates sodas in Italy from American sodas. Bitterness is an often-missing flavor aspect in American meals, as well as in their drinks.
Discover the perfect balance of sweet and bubbly with an Italian Soda! Made with carbonated water over ice and sweetened with any flavor of your choosing, it's a classic sparkling drink that can be enjoyed all year long.
What do Italians call soda water? ›
noun. acqua di seltz. Copyright © by HarperCollins Publishers.
What is another name for Italian soda? ›
Chinotto soda is often referred to as simply Chinotto back in Italy. Chances are, if you find Chinotto on a menu in an eating establishment, it's referring to the drink.
What is the Italian soda like co*ke? ›
Chinotto (Italian: [kiˈnɔtto]) is a carbonated soft drink produced from the juice of the fruit of the myrtle-leaved orange tree (Citrus myrtifolia). The beverage is dark in color. Its appearance is similar to that of cola, but it is not as sweet, having a bittersweet taste.
Are Italian sodas gluten free? ›
Is it Gluten Free? Yes!
What is the most popular soda in Italy? ›
The most popular soft drink in Italy is generally considered to be Coca-Cola. It is a well-known and widely consumed carbonated beverage that has a significant presence in the Italian market.
What is the national soda of Italy? ›
Chinotto, is often referred to as Italy's national soda. It is however, not an Italian knock off of Coca-Cola. It is in fact, more bittersweet than that co*ke.
What is the Italian soda similar to co*ke? ›
Chinotto (Italian: [kiˈnɔtto]) is a carbonated soft drink produced from the juice of the fruit of the myrtle-leaved orange tree (Citrus myrtifolia). The beverage is dark in color. Its appearance is similar to that of cola, but it is not as sweet, having a bittersweet taste.
