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Create an old fashioned ice cream soda like they use to serve at the local lunch counter at home! With just a few ingredients you can enjoy this delicious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I feel lucky to have grown up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where my high school was right downtown and we had an open lunch hour. On special days, my friends and I would head to Woolworth’s—the five-and-dime that had a little of everything but, best of all, a lunch counter. There was nothing better than sliding onto a stool, ordering lunch, and finishing it off with a frosty ice cream soda.
A classic chocolate ice cream soda was always my favorite—creamy, fizzy, and just a little bit indulgent. The good news is you don’t need a vintage soda fountain to enjoy one. This easy recipe comes together in minutes and delivers all that nostalgic charm right at home.
(Thanks to Google Images I was able to find a photo of the actual lunch counter from my Woolworths!)
Ingredients Needed
- Vanilla Ice cream
- Chocolate syrup. I use Hershey’s syrup.
- Soda/seltzer water
- Whip cream
- Sprinkles
How to Make An Old Fashioned Ice Cream Soda
- Add chocolate syrup into glass. I like to start with a frosted or chilled glass. The amount of syrup you will add depends on the size of your glass. I used about 2 Tablespoons of chocolate syrup to 1/2 cup soda/seltzer water.
- Add in soda/seltzer water.
- Scoop in enough ice cream to reach the top of the glass. Use a tall glass.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Add a straw and long spoon.
Tips from Leigh Anne
- Chill your glass first. Pop your serving glass into the freezer for 5–10 minutes before assembling. A cold glass keeps the soda fizzy longer and helps prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
- Add soda slowly. Pour the soda gently down the side of the glass to control the foam. Ice cream and carbonation create a big fizz, so slow pouring keeps it from overflowing.
- Use good quality ice cream. Because there are only a few ingredients, quality matters. A rich, creamy vanilla (or chocolate!) ice cream will give you that classic soda fountain texture and flavor.
- Customize the flavors. Try different soda and syrup combinations—root beer for a classic float, strawberry syrup with lemon-lime soda, or chocolate syrup with club soda for that traditional chocolate ice cream soda.
- Serve immediately. Ice cream sodas are best enjoyed right away while they’re fizzy, creamy, and perfectly frothy on top. Add a straw and a long spoon for the full soda fountain experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soda works best?
Club soda or sparkling water is traditional for chocolate or fruit-flavored ice cream sodas because it lets the syrup shine. Lemon-lime soda or cola can also be used for a sweeter twist.
What is the difference between an ice cream soda and a float?
An ice cream soda typically includes flavored syrup, soda (often club soda or sparkling water), and ice cream, creating a creamy, fizzy drink. A float is usually just soda and ice cream—like a classic root beer float—without added syrup.
Can I use different ice cream flavors?
Absolutely! Vanilla is classic, but chocolate, strawberry, or even coffee ice cream are delicious options depending on the flavor profile you want.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Ice cream sodas are best made and served immediately. If made too far in advance, the soda will lose its fizz and the ice cream will melt.
There’s something so special about the perfect ice cream soda—the fizz, the creamy scoop melting into the bubbles, and that sweet drizzle of syrup on top. It’s simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make any day feel a little more fun. Whether you’re recreating a memory or starting a new tradition at home, this classic recipe is a timeless treat you’ll come back to again and again.
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Old Fashioned Ice Cream Soda
Ingredients
- 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 Tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1/2 cup seltzer or soda water
- whip cream and sprinkles to garnish
Instructions
- Pour chocolate syrup and soda water into glass.
- Stir to mix well.
- Add in ice cream
- Top with whip cream and sprinkles.
Tips & Notes:
- Chill your glass first
Pop your serving glass into the freezer for 5–10 minutes before assembling. A cold glass keeps the soda fizzy longer and helps prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly. - Add soda slowly
Pour the soda gently down the side of the glass to control the foam. Ice cream and carbonation create a big fizz, so slow pouring keeps it from overflowing. - Use good quality ice cream
Because there are only a few ingredients, quality matters. A rich, creamy vanilla (or chocolate!) ice cream will give you that classic soda fountain texture and flavor. - Customize the flavors
Try different soda and syrup combinations—root beer for a classic float, strawberry syrup with lemon-lime soda, or chocolate syrup with club soda for that traditional chocolate ice cream soda. - Serve immediately
Ice cream sodas are best enjoyed right away while they’re fizzy, creamy, and perfectly frothy on top. Add a straw and a long spoon for the full soda fountain experience.
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Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
We had a Woolworth’s but it didn’t have a soda fountain!! #notfair Love this ice cream soda!!!
Kathy says
Loved seeing the old pictures of Woolworth. I remember that counter. They also had great ice cream treats at the Dutch Maid downtown and the Spot Drive Inn on the southside.
Leigh Anne says
Kathy, The Spot was one of my favorite places!
Marti King says
Thanks for sharing your childhood memories. What a nice place to grow up!
I love soda’s and floats. One of my favorite treats.
We are on our way to your town for our granddaughter’s wedding in the Portland temple. Thinking about you!
Leigh Anne says
Enjoy Portland! I will be working at the Visitor’s Center next to the Temple Friday from 3-6 today!
Denise says
Oh Leigh Anne, You are sooo bad ~ Hubby and I have LOVED making the vanilla cherry ice cream float and I always wanted to know how to make a chocolate soda. Is this the same as a ‘brown cow?” I love hearing about these wonderful mid western and east coast home town ‘oldies’ How wonderful to bring them to us–both the young and the older ‘young at heart’ folks. My folks emigrated from Switzerland, so as kids we never got to venture out much. I’m sure I missed alot. I am old now, and am trying many things for the first time, and having the excuse to try it out on the grandkids is a bonus . It is wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Oh…and as a side note, and forgive me for mentioning it here, but the pills for allergy were a 100% success by freezing them first. Thanks so much again for the tip !
Leigh Anne says
I’m not sure if it is the same as a brown cow but it sure is good! So glad you have enjoyed the Vanilla cherry floats!! You’re never to old to try new things!! So glad the allergy pills are working!!
Minicat says
Your Woolworth’s looks just like mine did in downtown Glendale, CA. I loved the malts!