Earl Grey Vanilla Italian Cream Soda

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 vanilla bean (Split lengthwise and seeds scraped)
• 3 bags Earl Grey tea bags (Use 4 bags for a stronger flavor)
• seltzer water (Enough to fill each 8-ounce glass about three-quarters full)
• half-and-half or whole milk (To top each drink; amount not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape its seeds into the sugar mixture, and rub the pod in the sugar until fragrant. Add 3–4 Earl Grey tea bags.

2. 2

   Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Increase the heat to medium and bring the syrup to a gentle boil.

3. 3

   Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully lift out the tea bags with tongs; avoid steeping the tea too long, which can make the syrup bitter. Let the syrup cool completely before using. For best flavor, let it infuse overnight.

4. 4

   To assemble each drink, fill an 8-ounce glass about three-quarters full with seltzer water.

5. 5

   Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cooled Earl Grey vanilla syrup to the seltzer, adjusting the amount to your preferred sweetness.

6. 6

   Gently top with half-and-half or whole milk to create a creamy layer.

Notes

The source gives conflicting yields: the page excerpt says serves 3, while the structured recipe yield says 5–6 drinks. Serving count follows the excerpt; the method does not specify the amount of milk or seltzer needed for the full batch.

Nutrition per serving

• drink
• Italian
• non-alcoholic
• creamy
• sparkling
• homemade syrup