Serving Ice Cream Soda

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Historical Article (1901)

Serving Ice Cream Soda
E.F. White
The Spatula Soda Water Guide and Book of Formulas for Soda Water Dispensers. Boston: Spatula Publishing Company. 1901. pp. 54-57.

My experience leads me to believe that no one comes to your counter who knows so well when he has been properly served, as does the lover of an ice cream soda.

            When we find as we do, in some places out of town, that the syrup is to be found largely at the bottom of the glass, and generally far too much of it, making the first taste of the drink very much like plain soda, and the last so sweet and sickish that one can hardly drink it; is it any wonder that the customer is disatisfied?

            Never let this be said of a drink you serve.

            Use good materials, and then by following these directions you will in a short time with a reasonable amount of practice become proficient.

            The finest glass that can be used is a 14 1-2 oz thin soda glass. We now draw one ounce of syrup, or if it be a fruit flavor one-half the amount will be sufficient, into the glass. Then with the coarse stream we draw the glass about one-fourth full of soda, and with the fine stream mix the soda thoroughly. Your glass is then about one-half full. Now add your ice cream, and where fruits are used add them at the same time, then fill the glass nearly full with soda and syrup as well as possible, taking care not to cut the ice cream any more than than is necessary.

            It is impossible to lay down any set rule as to the amount of syrup to be used, one must study the wants of a customer; but, as a general thing, the quantity given above will be correct. Young ladies generally like things sweeter than the gentlemen. Try and find out what each of your customers likes, and then always see that they have it.

            Ice cream may be served with any flavor desired, though some are more preferable than others.

Ice Cream for Fountain Use

            The question to settle first is, "Will it pay me to serve an ice cream soda?" Nearly every one does and space will not permit the discussion of the subject here.

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Maintaining this website (which you are enjoying for free!) takes a lot of time and resources.
Please show your support for all our hard work by telling your friends about Sarah's books —and by buying them yourself, too, of course!

Historical Article (1901)