As I sit here, feet up, lap top on my lap, I am distracted by the view outside our living room window. I’m suppose to be searching for details on the origins of the original Ice Cream Soda. It’s a warm day, and our Humming Bird Feeder is alive with activity. Humming birds are so fast. So beautiful, and oh so tiny.
Where were we? Oh yes, Ice Cream Soda. Today is Ice Cream Soda Day. This is not to be confused with an Ice Cream Float. Ice Cream Sodas are made with soda water, a flavoring syrup and ice cream.
There are many claims to the invention of this delicious treat. Like most recipes, the claims cannot be substantiated. Two of the most popular are also the most believable. The first is a claim was made by Robert McCay Green. As the story goes, Green was working at a soda fountain in Philadelphia sometime around 1874. Green was known for his shaved ice treats. One day he ran out of ice, so he used ice cream instead. It was a hit. Mr. Green wanted to go down in history as the creator of the Ice Cream Soda, so he actually left instructions in his will that his gravestone read, “Here lies the originator of the ice cream soda.” Yeah, a bit much.
Now according to the folks in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Philip Mohr would mix soda water with ice cream to make the drink colder. His practice took place as early as 1862 beating out Mr. Green’s claim.
My feeling – who cares? If you want to enjoy an Old Time treat and take a giant step back in time, serve up an Ice Cream Soda. Better yet, put on some Rag-Time Music, invite a few friends and have an Ice Cream Social.
Old Time Ice Cream Soda
4 (16-oz) Soda Glasses
3/4 cup Chocolate Syrup, divided
1 cup Milk, divided
4 cups chilled Soda Water, divided
8 scoops Chocolate Ice Cream, divided
Canned Whipped Cream, optional
Maraschino Cherries, optional
Place glasses in the freezer for about 20 minutes to chill well.
Into each chilled glass, drizzle 3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup. Tilt glass while drizzling to spread the chocolate around rather than have a big hunk of syrup at the bottom of the glass.
To each glass, add 1/4 cup cold milk and 1 cup soda water. Gently stir until foamy.
Add two scoops of ice cream to each soda glass. Finish with a squirt of whipped cream and a cherry if desired.
Serve with a straw and a long handled ice tea spoon.
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