Homemade Italian Strawberry Soda

Imagine sipping on a bubbly, sweet, and slightly tangy strawberry soda on a hot day. Sounds amazing, right? This homemade Italian-style strawberry soda is the perfect drink to cool you down.
Unlike store-bought sodas loaded with artificial flavors and too much sugar, this version is made with fresh strawberries, a simple homemade syrup, and fizzy water. The result? A refreshing and naturally delicious drink!
Making your own fruit soda at home is surprisingly easy. You only need a few simple ingredients. And the best part is that you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Plus, this drink is free from preservatives and artificial coloring, making it a healthier choice.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, looking for a fun drink to enjoy with family, or just craving a fresh and fruity treat, this strawberry soda is a must-try.
It’s a great way to use up fresh strawberries and impress your friends with a homemade Italian-style soda that tastes just as good—if not better—than what you’d get at a fancy café!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Soda
- Made with real fruit: Fresh strawberries give this soda an authentic, natural sweetness and flavor.
- Simple ingredients: No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives—just real, wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable sweetness: You can adjust the sugar to your liking or even swap it for honey or a sugar alternative.
- Fun and refreshing: The bubbly texture and fruity taste make this a perfect drink for warm weather.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a party, picnic, or just a relaxing day at home, this drink is a delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for a little tang and freshness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds depth to the flavor)
For the Soda:
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (chilled)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
- Fresh mint or sliced strawberries for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make this homemade Italian-style strawberry soda, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Small saucepan – for making the strawberry syrup
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir the syrup while it cooks
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth – to strain out the strawberry pulp for a smooth syrup
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements
- Blender or potato masher – to break down the strawberries (optional, but helps release flavor)
- Glass jars or bottles – to store the syrup
- Tall glasses – for serving the soda
- Ice cube tray – for chilling your drink
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Syrup
- Cook the strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and water. Place it over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
- Mash and simmer: Once the strawberries soften (about 5–7 minutes), use a spoon or potato masher to break them down, releasing more juice and flavor. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and vanilla: Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, then remove the saucepan from heat.
- Strain the syrup: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle. Use a spoon to press out as much liquid as possible. Discard the leftover pulp or save it for smoothies.
- Cool and store: Let the syrup cool completely before using. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Step 2: Assemble the Strawberry Soda
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add 3–4 tablespoons of strawberry syrup (or more if you like a stronger flavor).
- Top with chilled club soda or sparkling water.
- Stir gently and taste. Adjust the syrup or soda as needed.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves, and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use ripe strawberries: The riper the strawberries, the sweeter and more flavorful your soda will be.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet soda, reduce the sugar in the syrup or add more club soda to dilute it.
- Chill everything: For the best taste, make sure your syrup, soda water, and glasses are cold before serving.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a splash of lime juice for an extra tang or a few basil leaves for a unique twist.
- Store the syrup properly: Keep it in an airtight jar in the fridge. If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.
- Make it fancy: Serve in a tall glass with a reusable straw and a fresh strawberry on the rim for an extra special touch!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Want to switch things up or adjust the recipe to fit your preferences? Here are some great ingredient swaps and variations to try:
Substitutions
- Sugar alternatives: Swap granulated sugar for honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
- Lemon juice: If you don’t have lemon juice, lime juice works just as well. It adds a slightly different citrusy tang.
- Club soda: Sparkling water, seltzer, or even flavored carbonated water (like lemon or lime) can be used instead.
Variations
- Mixed berry soda: Replace half the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a berry blend.
- Herbal twist: Add a few fresh basil or mint leaves to the syrup while it simmers for a subtle herbal flavor.
- Creamy Italian soda: Stir in a splash of half-and-half or coconut milk before serving for a rich, creamy treat.
- Spiced soda: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a small piece of fresh ginger while cooking the syrup for a warm, spiced note.
- Strawberry lemonade soda: Mix the strawberry syrup with homemade lemonade instead of club soda for a tangy, refreshing variation.
FAQ
1. Can I make the syrup ahead of time?
Yes! The strawberry syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray for longer storage.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well. Just let them thaw slightly before cooking, or increase the simmering time by a few minutes.
3. Is this drink suitable for kids?
Yes! Since it’s naturally flavored and free from artificial additives, it’s a great homemade soda option for kids. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
4. How do I make this a fun party drink?
Serve the soda in fancy glasses with colorful straws, fresh fruit garnishes, and maybe even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a strawberry soda float!
5. Can I make this without soda water?
Yes! If you prefer a non-fizzy drink, you can mix the strawberry syrup with still water for a delicious strawberry-infused drink.
6. How can I make this healthier?
Use a natural sweetener like honey or reduce the sugar amount. You can also use unsweetened sparkling water for a lighter version.
7. Can I turn this into a cocktail?
Definitely! Add a splash of vodka, rum, or prosecco to make a refreshing strawberry cocktail.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Homemade Italian Strawberry Soda
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or potato masher
- Glass jars or bottles
- Tall glasses
- Ice cube tray
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice for a little tang and freshness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, but adds depth to the flavor
For the Soda:
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water chilled
- Ice cubes as needed
- Fresh mint or sliced strawberries for garnish optional
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Syrup
- Cook the strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and water. Place it over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
- Mash and simmer: Once the strawberries soften (about 5–7 minutes), use a spoon or potato masher to break them down, releasing more juice and flavor. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and vanilla: Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, then remove the saucepan from heat.
- Strain the syrup: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle. Use a spoon to press out as much liquid as possible. Discard the leftover pulp or save it for smoothies.
- Cool and store: Let the syrup cool completely before using. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Step 2: Assemble the Strawberry Soda
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add 3–4 tablespoons of strawberry syrup (or more if you like a stronger flavor).
- Top with chilled club soda or sparkling water.
- Stir gently and taste. Adjust the syrup or soda as needed.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~80–100 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Sugar: ~18g
- Protein: ~0.5g
- Fat: ~0g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Vitamin C: ~30% of the Daily Value
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.