If you are looking for a refreshing summer drink that feels fancy but is still easy to make at home, this Keto Italian Cream Soda is one of my favorite treats. Made with homemade sugar-free berry syrup, sparkling water, and a splash of cream, this drink tastes like something from a speciality coffee shop while still fitting into your low carb lifestyle and in your budget.
And the best part? You can make it with fresh blackberries right from the garden, farmer’s market, or freezer. I make it often during the summer when berries are cheaper.

Whether you are following a keto diet, trying to cut back on sugar, or simply looking for a fun homemade drink recipe, this Italian cream soda is creamy, fruity, bubbly, and absolutely delicious.
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Is Italian Cream Soda Keto Friendly?
Italian cream sodas have such a pretty color! I first tried an Italian cream soda when I saw my friend’s drink and heard her talking about how good they were. And it was! So then I started wondering if I could make it at home. Searching for recipes on Pinterest, I discovered a basic Italian soda recipe.

But then I saw how a traditional Italian cream soda was loaded with sugar from flavored syrups and soda. That got me to thinking, what if I made my syrup with natural sweetener and berries that were lower in carbs! My homemade version is both low carb and keto friendly when made with:
- Sugar-free sweetener
- Fresh raspberries or blackberries
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Heavy cream
Because the berries are simmered into the syrup and then strained out, the final carb count stays fairly low compared to traditional syrups.
Using a keto-friendly sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or xylitol helps keep this recipe low in sugar while still tasting sweet and refreshing.
Why We Love This Recipe on the Farm
During hot summer days, you want to reward yourself with a fun, sweet treat. However, during the week, I try to choose a more low carb diet. But with creamy my Low Carb Italian Cream Soda, I can have both!
This homemade Italian cream soda feels special enough for:
- Porch sitting after chores
- Summer cookouts
- Farm family movie nights
- Baby showers or brunches
- A fun treat for kids
It is also a beautiful drink recipe to serve guests because the cream swirls through the sparkling berry soda and looks gorgeous in a glass. It makes a perfect mocktail!
How to Make Homemade Sugar-Free Berry Syrup
This simple syrup works with raspberries and blackberries. If you are wanting to choose more low carb options then choose either raspberries or blackberries. Strawberries are slightly higher in carbs, while blueberries and cherries are much higher in carbs
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- sugar substitute equivalent to 1 cup of sugar (My favorite is Truvia or Monk Fruit)
- 1 1/2 cup of berries
Instructions to Make Fruit Syrup
- Add water and sweetener to a saucepan. Stir on low heat until sugar dissolves.

- Next, wash the berries. Add berries to the water and sugar mixture. Turn up heat slightly. Boil the berries for about 10 minutes.

- Then simmer for another 10 minutes, lightly mashing the berries.

- Lastly, pour juice through a sieve or fine mesh strainer (like this small jar strainer) to remove the berry solids. Then pour Italian Soda Syrup into a glass jar to cool.

- Allow syrup to cool then store in the refrigerator.
This syrup keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and can also be added to iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water.
How to Make a Low-Carb Italian Cream Soda
To make a yummy Italian Cream Soda you’ll only need a few ingredients!
Low Carb Italian Cream Soda Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of your homemade sugar-free berry syrup
- 4 ounces sparkling water or club soda
- 1 ounce heavy cream or half and half
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in homemade berry syrup.
- Add sparkling water (like Bubly or LaCroix).
- Slowly pour the cream over the top.
- Stir gently if desired and enjoy immediately.

Tips for the Best Italian Cream Soda
Use Heavy Cream for Keto
If you want the lowest carb option, heavy cream is the best choice because it contains fewer carbs than half and half.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste
Some sugar substitutes are sweeter than others. Start small and adjust based on your preference. When using in season berries, you will need less sugar.

Use Fresh or Frozen Berries
Yes, you can use frozen berries. Frozen berries work beautifully, which makes this recipe easy to make year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian cream soda?
Italian cream soda is a drink made with flavored syrup, sparkling water, and cream. It is sweet, fizzy, and creamy all at the same time. It is the perfect summer mocktail drink!
Can Italian cream soda be low carb?
Yes. By using sugar-free syrup and heavy cream, Italian cream soda can easily fit into a low carb or keto lifestyle. As mentioned above, make sure to use raspberries or blackberries to make your homemade syrup as they are the lowest in carbs.
What sweetener works best for keto syrup?
Monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, and allulose are all popular keto-friendly sweeteners. For my family, I typically choose Truvia or monk fruit with allulose. If I can find Swerve on sale, I like to buy it but I don’t like using it by itself as it has erythritol. Some sweeteners I can’t use as they have pure stevia which causes me headaches.
When wanting to use less sugar in your diet, try a couple different sweeteners to see what works best for you and your family.
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes. You can substitute coconut cream or another dairy-free creamer if desired.
Low Carb Summer Mocktail
There is something so fun about making simple homemade treats from ingredients you already have at home. And it is a great way to use all those summer berries.
This Keto Italian Cream Soda is refreshing, easy to customize, and perfect for warm summer days on the farm. Whether you use fresh-picked berries from the garden or frozen berries from the freezer, this low carb drink recipe is a delicious way to slow down and enjoy the season.
Low-Carb Italian Cream Soda
Equipment
- 1 Small pot
- 1 Small Strainer
- 1 Jar
Ingredients
Italian Cream Soda Berry Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups berries raspberry or blackberry
- 1 natural sweetener equivalent to 1 cup of sugar Monk Fruit, Gentle Sweet, Swerve, Truvia
- 1 cup water
Italian Cream Soda
- sparkling no calorie/ no sugar water like La Croix or Bubly
- heavy cream
- homemade syrup
Instructions
- Wash and rinse berries.
- Place 1 cup of water and equivalent of 1 cup of sugar in small pot on stovetop.
- Warm over medium heat until sugar melts.
- Add berries and bring to gentle boil for 10 minutes
- Turn heat down a little and simmer for 10 more minutes, gently mashing berries.
- Pour berries and juice through small strainer or mesh sieve to remove berries.
- Allow berry syrup to cool before placing in fridge.
Make Italian Soda
- Add ice to fill your glass.
- Fill the glass 1/4 way full with homemade berry syrup.
- Pour sparkling water over syrup. Gently stir.
- Add a splash of heavy cream. Give a quick stir and serve with straw!




2 thoughts on “Low Carb Italian Cream Soda (Sugar-Free)”
I can’t wait until our blackberries are ripe to try this. It looks delicious.
Julia, Yes! It is a favorite and a great way to use those sweet summer berries! Enjoy, Miranda