Bean

Maple Cream Soda

by:
March 29, 2012
4.5
2 Ratings
  • Makes 4-6 (Depends on serving size)
Author Notes

I really love an old fashioned cream soda and I usually make a vanilla simple syrup and make my own. Using the same idea instead of sugar I used maple syrup, vanilla bean, vanilla paste and some lemon peel. The maple syrup gives it a complexity that sugar doesn't. Just add some ice and seltzer or club soda and enjoy. I used vanilla paste but if you don't have it use 2 vanilla beans. This also makes a great ice cream soda! —sdebrango

Test Kitchen Notes

There's a simple brilliance to this recipe. The grade A maple I used caramelized a bit, adding depth to the flavor. Vanilla adds that welcome creamy hug and the lemon is such an unexpected twist. Maple is a warm, fall & winter flavor [for me at least] but sdebrango's recipe is a great celebration of spring & summer maple. And can I tell you how delicious my grown-up float was? 3 oz maple cream syrup, 1.5 oz bourbon, 8 oz seltzer and one hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream, a simple and satisfying dessert. —Food52

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Ingredients
  • 1 cup maple syrup (Grade A or B)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out
  • 1 2 inch wide slice of lemon rind (not the white pith)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
Directions
  1. Add the maple syrup, vanilla bean the seeds, lemon, vanilla paste and water to a sauce pan bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let sit until the syrup cools to room temperature. To store pour it in a lidded jar include the vanilla bean and remove the lemon rind. Refrigerate. I recommend letting it sit overnight before using as the vanilla and maple will meld producing a more intense flavor.
  2. To make the soda, add 2- 3 tbs maple/vanilla syrup to an 8 oz glass, add seltzer or club soda, ice cubes and enjoy. This is great as an ice cream float, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can adjust the amount of syrup to suit your taste.
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I have loved to cook for as long as I can remember, am self taught learning as I go. I come from a large Italian family and food was at the center of almost every gathering. My grandfather made his own wine and I remember the barrels of wine in the cellar of my grandfathers home, I watched my mother and aunts making homemade pasta and remember how wonderful it was to sit down to a truly amazing dinner. Cooking for me is a way to express myself its my creative outlet. I enjoy making all types of food but especially enjoy baking, I live in Brooklyn, NY, and I share my home with my two dogs Izzy and Nando. I like to collect cookbooks and scour magazines and newspapers for recipes. I hope one day to organize them.

12 Reviews

DobsonatorX September 11, 2023
For an even more complex and exciting twist on this recipe, simmer some cocoa nibs in the syrup and remove at the end, then add 1/4 teaspoon of Himalayan salt + 40ml of Glycerine
sdebrango September 12, 2023
Thank you so much!
Emily H. April 12, 2012
As my testing notes show, this recipe is fab! My bourbon maple cream float was so heavenly. Thanks again, sdebrango!
Kitchen B. March 31, 2012
I love the idea of a maple vanilla syrup - they go so well together. Sounds sweet and refreshing, creamy and indulgent - right up my alley
jenniebgood March 30, 2012
I am definitely making this drink this weekend! Yummy.
gingerroot March 30, 2012
This sounds fabulous!
lorigoldsby March 29, 2012
S! you are starting the summer drink dash off early--thank you! As soon as I'm over this old and can taste again--I'm trying this!
drbabs March 29, 2012
yum
hardlikearmour March 29, 2012
Yum! I wonder if I could use extra seedless pods to get the vanilla flavor - I save them after I scrape them for just such things.
Kitchen B. March 31, 2012
Hardlikeamour - you could also dry the seedless pods (in the microwave or oven) and make some vanilla powder. I usually make vanilla powder, though using the entire (dried) pod - it is awesome, nothing goes to waste and I get more mileage.
hardlikearmour March 31, 2012
Thanks, KB, that's a great idea!
BlueKaleRoad March 29, 2012
Love it! I'm always looking for more soda options to make with our SodaStream and this sounds like such a treat (especially with vanilla ice cream...).