Italian Sodas and a Virtual Baby Shower
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Today, I am taking part in a virtual baby shower for my blogging friend Aggie from Aggies Kitchen. She is expecting a boy on September 30th! We have become friends through blogging and being a part of Bush’s Team Bean. I am thrilled to be able to participate in a virtual shower for her and include all of you.
The theme for the shower is Italian so we have put together an assortment of recipes for appetizers, non-alcoholic drinks, salads, entrees and desserts. To see the other recipes and blogs involved check out the bottom of the post. I am sharing a recipe for a non-alcoholic drink – Italian Sodas.
I first had an Italian soda when I went to a family Christmas party.
My aunt is an awesome party person and had an Italian themed dinner for us. The food was amazing and she also served Italian sodas along with the meal. I was hooked on them once I tried them. Who would have thought a simple drink could be so enticing.
An Italian soda consists of 2 main ingredients – carbonated water and flavored syrup (preferably fruit ones). Traditional fruit flavors are strawberry, cherry, peach, and raspberry. You can “up the ante” and make an Italian cream soda by adding a splash of cream or half and half. You can get even crazier and top it with some whipped cream! This is my favorite way to have them.
For the carbonated water, you can use club soda, seltzer water, sparkling water, etc. Basically you want something that is clear and carbonated with no added flavoring.
For syrups, I personally use Torani Syrup.
You can usually find some flavors of these types of syrups in the grocery store or Sam’s and Costco on the coffee isle. World Market is another place to pick them up.
However, online is a great option for more variety of flavor. DaVinic Gourmet brand (can find from Amazon
)and Stasero (at Orson Gygi) are some other known brands. You can also buy pump dispensers for your bottles and some brand do carry sugar free syrups for those that need it.
The for the ice, in my opinion it’s gotta be pebble ice. Some stores carry it but you can also pick it up at Sonic Drive Ins, they will sell you some by the bag. If not just pick a smaller pieced ice to use.
This is a fun way to get any gathering started.
Everyone can make their own drink and have fun while doing it. You can also mix flavorings. Strawberry with coconut or raspberry with peach are some great combinations.
Be sure to serve them in clear cups – you want to see everything in the drink. And don’t forget to include some fun straws. You gotta sip your Italian soda with a straw!
Italian Sodas
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 12 oz. sized clear drinking cups
- flavored syrups
- ice I prefer pebble ice
- chilled sparkling water or other clear and non-flavored carbonated water
- straws
- whipping cream or half and half optional
- Reddi Whip optional for garnish
Instructions
- Add 2-4 Tbsp of flavored syrup to each cup.
- Fill each cup 1/2 to 2/3 with ice.
- Then fill the glass with sparkling water.
- If you want an italian cream soda, add about 1 tbsp cream and top with Reddi Whip if desired for garnish.
- Serve drinks with straws.
Appetizers
- Sundried Tomato Hummus from Robyn of Add a Pinch
- Melon & Prosicutto Balls from Paula of bell’alimento
- Bruschetta from Sheila of Eat2gather
- Jalapeno Poppers from Ali of Gimme Some Oven
- Grilled Naan White Pizza Bites from Jamie of Mom’s Cooking Club
- Watermelon Feta Bites with Basil Olive Oil from Sandy of Reluctant Entertainer
- Pesto Caprese Fried Wontons from Julie of The Little Kitchen
- Blue Cheese Wedge Salad Crostini from Cheryl of TidyMom
Drinks
- Toasted Coconut Milkshakes from Bev of Bev Cooks
- Lemon Cream Soda from Angie of Eclectic Recipes
- Peach Sorbet Bellini and Spritzers from Shaina of Food for My Family
- Non Alcoholic Berry Spritzer from Lisa of Jersey Girl Cooks
- Virgin Peach & Raspberry Bellinis from Milisa of Miss in the Kitchen
- Italian Basil Sparkling Lemonade from Marly of Namely Marly
- Italian Sodas from Laura of Real Mom Kitchen
- Cafe Mocha Punch / or Iced Cafe Mocha from Amy of She Wears Many Hats
Salads
- Italian Chopped Salad in a Jar {with Creamy Caesar Dressing} from Brenda of a farmgirl’s dabbles
- Caprese Salad with Mozzarella Crisps from Christine of Cook the Story
- Pesto Pasta Stuffed Tomatoes from Suzanne of Kokocooks
- Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad from Liz of The Lemon Bowl
- Herbed Israeli Couscous Salad with Tomato and Mozzarella from Rachel of Rachel Cooks
- Chickpea, Avocado, & Feta Salad from Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod
- Lentil and Chickpea Layered Salad from Lisa of With Style & Grace
Entrees
- Chicken Cacciatore from Meagan of A Zesty Bite
- Zucchini, Bell Pepper & Edamame Stir-Fry from Cassie of Bake Your Day
- Potato-Crusted Vegetarian Quiche with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Feta from Dara of Cookin’ Canuck
- “Straw & Hay” Tagliatelle in Cream Sauce from Flavia of Flavia’s Flavors
- Grilled Italian Chicken with Veggie & Bow Tie Pasta from Katie of Katie’s Cucina
- Grilled Naan Pizza with Summer Veggies & Turkey Sausage from Kelley of Mountain Mama Cooks
- Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Panini from Kathy of Panini Happy
Desserts
- Fresh Blueberry Shortbread with Lemon Cream Frosting from Sommer of A Spicy Perspective
- Crostata di Mango from Lora of Cake Duchess
- Italian Ice from Kristen of Dine & Dish
- Roasted Banana and Nutella S’mores Bruschetta from Jenny of Picky Palate
- Italian Cream Cake from Deborah of Taste and Tell
- Panna cotta from Leslie of The hungry housewife
- Fortune Cookies from Shari of Tickled Red
- Baby Vanilla Bean Scones a la Starbucks from Tara of Unsophisticook
