Easy Coffee Soda Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing, low-octane way to enjoy your java, give my easy Coffee Soda recipe a try! Simply made by mixing cold brew coffee with sparkling water, simple syrup, and, if you’re feeling decadent, a splash of cream, I’m declaring this bright and fruity carbonated coffee drink the Queen of Summer Bevvies.

As someone who runs a blog all about coffee, you know I’m a fan. But sometimes, I don’t have it in me to drink my joe at full potency. It could be because it’s too late in the day, I’m super thirsty, or I’m already juiced up from gulping down a cold brew drink earlier. 

Whatever the reason, there are times when I want coffee drinks but not as strong, and this orange iced coffee soda delivers in a great way. It starts with rich, full-flavored cold brew, gets a splash of sweetness from coconut syrup, and then a tongue-titillating burst of effervescent freshness from orange soda water. The end result is a supremely slurpable, thirst-quenching drink with a mild hint of coffee flavor.

Since it requires fewer than 5 ingredients and zero heat, it takes only a couple of minutes to mix up—perfect for the mom on the go! So, if you’re on board with the idea of sparkling coffee or a Manhattan special, give this fun twist on iced coffee a try. I have a feeling you coffee lovers are going to love it!

Jump to:

• What is Coffee Soda?
• What does it taste like?
• Why You’ll Love This Italian Coffee Soda Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• Substitutions
• How To Make Coffee Soda At Home
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Success Tips
• FAQs
• Homemade Coffee Soda Nutrition
• Other Summery Coffee Recipes
• Easy Coffee Soda Recipe

What is Coffee Soda?

Just what it sounds like — a delicious soda-coffee combo. While different recipes may have you mix some kind of cola (e.g. Pepsi or Coke) with coffee, I prefer my Italian soda-inspired version made with coffee and sparkling water. 

There are no weird preservatives, artificial colors, or high-fructose corn syrup to speak of. The only sweetener is from homemade simple syrup made with good ol’ granulated sugar. I also love the bright, citrusy flavor of the orange seltzer against the rich undertones of the cold brew and tropical coconut. 

What does it taste like?

This fantastically fizzy coffee drink honestly tastes more like a citrusy soda than it does coffee. But I’m not talking about the neon orange soda you’d find at the gas station — this one is decidedly more elegant. 

My DIY coffee-flavored soda is reservedly sweet, light on the palate, with a crisp finish. The optional addition of a splash of cream gives it a dessert-like vibe — think iced coffee meets orange creamsicle, but bubbly. 😋

Why You’ll Love This Italian Coffee Soda Recipe

• Healthier Than Regular Soda - Forget the laundry list of ingredients they pack into modern-day soda pop. This light n’ lovely drink is primarily made from water, so I can feel good about keeping myself hydrated while also getting something sensational to sip on.
• Super Speedy - There’s no need for fancy equipment or painstaking processes. Just pop open a can of seltzer, pour a few simple ingredients in a glass with ice, and boom! Bliss in a glass in just 2 minutes.
• Totally Customizable - Between the number of seltzers and syrups to choose from, the flavor combinations are nearly endless. 

Ingredients Needed

As you might expect, you don’t need much to make this refreshingly cool coffee with soda water:

• Coconut Syup - This is my newest coffee syrup recipe, and I can’t get enough of it with this warmer weather. If you make a batch, it’s also awesome in my coffee boba tea!
• Cold Brew Coffee - Since it’s brewed with cold water, this special iced coffee has much lower acidity than regular. If you plan on adding cream to the mix, this is very beneficial.
• Orange Selzer Water - I used Orange Vanilla Polar Seltzer, and it works so well because of the vanilla! That said, any brand of plain orange selter can easily be swapped in.
• Ice - Because soda should be ice cold!
• Heavy Cream - For the full Italian soda/French soda effect, add a splash of richness. It softens all the edges and feels very indulgent. 🤤 I highly recommend it if you’re in the mood for a treat!

Substitutions

• Coconut Syup - Depending on the vibe you’re going for, you can swap in any simple syrup you like, or just a splash of simple syrup! Just be thoughtful about what flavor sparkling water you pair with it, and remember: plain club soda is always an option!
• Cold Brew Coffee - You’re welcome to use either conventionally brewed coffee or French press espresso that has been chilled. Just note that coffee that is brewed hot has higher acidity, which, when paired with seltzer’s bubbles can be a bit much. That higher acidity may also cause the cream to curdle in your espresso soda, especially if you try to swap in lower-fat options.
• Orange Selzer Water - Again, feel free to experiment! Double down on the coconut love and pair with coconut seltzer. Or, mix lemon soda and coffee for an easy citrusy twist.  
• Ice - For added coffee oomph, use coffee ice cubes. 
• Heavy Cream - Use full-fat canned coconut milk (well shaken!) or vegan whipping cream for a plant-based alternative. The added coconut flavor of coconut milk is delightful. 

How To Make Coffee Soda At Home

Step 1: Add ice to a tall glass, then pour in the coconut syrup.

Step 2: Stir in the cold brew coffee

Step 3: Top with seltzer water.

Step 4: Add heavy cream (or coconut milk) if desired, then drink up!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

This Italian soda coffee knows no limits when it comes to flavor pairings, so have fun experimenting! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Cream Soda Coffee - Use vanilla syrup or sugar cookie syrup and plain or vanilla seltzer with a splash of cream for a treat that’s reminiscent of the sweet soda.
• Go Nuts! - macadamia nut syrup, or hazelnut syrup, and plain or vanilla seltzer
• Almond Cherry - Use almond syrup and cherry seltzer for a yummy, quasi-Dr. Pepper-y vibe.
• Irish Coffee Soda - Use Irish coffee syrup and plain seltzer with a splash of cream (or Bailey’s if you’re feeling saucy!).
• Go Spicier - Swap out the coconut syrup for gingerbread syrup which pairs great with the orange seltzer.

Serving Suggestions

• Brunch Bestie: Pour your coffee soda over ice in a cute mason jar and serve with a splash of cream for a decadent start to the weekend. Serve in chilled glasses garnished with fresh mint or a slice of orange for added Instagrammability. Perfect for sipping while you brunch with your squad! 
• Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Skip the line at the coffee shop and whip up a glass of this fizzy delight. It's just the thing to get you through your midday slump, plus it’s super refreshing and hydrating!
• Happy Hour Twist: Mix it up for your next happy hour by adding a shot of your favorite liqueur. Coffee soda with a splash of Baileys or Amaretto? Yes, please!
• Summer Soiree: Cool down your pool parties with our revivifying coffee soda float. Add a scoop of ice cream instead of the heavy cream for a delightful treat, and/or mix with a bit of rum for a grown-up twist. 
• DIY Barista Bash: Hosting a get-together? Set up a DIY Italian Coffee Soda bar! Lay out various syrups, cream options, coffee, and sparkling water flavors. Let your friends mix their own creations, then consider having a contest for the best recipe — then send the winner home with a bottle of homemade coffee syrup!

Enjoy your fabulous coffee soda adventure, and don't forget to share your fave combos with me in the comments below or on social media! Cheers! 🥂

Recipe Success Tips

• If you’re going creamy, fat matters. Regular whipping cream (which is slightly lighter with 30-36% milkfat compared to heavy cream’s 36% minimum) will work. Vegan whipping cream can also be used. You’re welcome to experiment with half-n’-half for a lighter version, but there’s a chance it will curdle. (TL;DR? The higher the fat, the less likelihood of curdling.) I don’t recommend you use dairy or plant-based milk unless you’re going for cottage cheese texture. 😂
• Plan ahead. Cold brew needs a minimum of 6 hours to brew, and you’ll want your simple syrup infusion to cool before assembling the coffee-flavored soda.

FAQs

Homemade Coffee Soda Nutrition

Each serving of this Italian coffee soda (made without the optional cream) comes in at just 68 calories, which is pretty neat for a refreshing beverage — way better than a regular soda! It's also completely fat-free and protein-free, and there's just 4 milligrams of sodium.

Now, it does have 17 grams of carbohydrates, most of which come from sugars — about 16 grams per serving. That's something to keep in mind if you're keeping an eye on sugar intake. However, you can easily adjust the sweetness by using less syrup or swapping in a sugar-free or reduced sugar syrup.

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 68 calories
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Sodium: 4 mg
• Carbohydrates: 17 grams
• Sugar: 16 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Other Summery Coffee Recipes

xoxo Megan