Recipes {Strawberry Oregon-Italian Soda}

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Growing up, my favorite restaurant was a tea shop that served salads, soups and the most amazing sandwiches. The soup special changed daily but it was always clam chowder on Fridays - a classic for a reason. With crisp linens, vintage china and flowers on the table I trust it was here that I first discovered my love for a good lunch date. On special occassions my dad would take me there on a school day and, if I was REALLY well behaved, my mom would take us during summer break. I was extra lucky and had a birthday tea party there. 

One of my fondest memories from this tea house was the Italian sodas. A fizzy drink with a fruit flavor and topped with whipped cream! And it came in a fancy glass. When Oregon Specialty Fruit offered to send me their new Pourable Fruit Topping I knew exactly what I wanted to make - Italian sodas!! And I must say that chunks of Oregon strawberries are far superior to the artifically flavored corn syrup based flavoring from my childhood! To bring it to an even more adult level I decided to include some Crater Lake Vodka  - what can I say? I like a theme!

Strawberry Oregon-Italian Soda

Serves 2

2 TBS Oregon Specialty Fruit's Pourable Fruit - Strawberry

1 Can Sparkling Water (La Croix is my favorite!)

3 Ounces Vodka (optional)

Whipped Cream

1. In a high-ball glass add one tablespoon of Oregon Specialty Fruit's Strawberry Pourable Fruit. Repeat in a second high-ball glass. Fill both glasses with ice.

2. Add 1.5 ounces of vodka to each cocktail. Top off with sparkling water.

3. Top with whipped cream. Use a straw to mix while drinking.