National Ice Cream Soda Day is celebrated every year on June 20. Americans all over the country enjoy their favorite dessert by trying out various flavors and making it in different styles. With more than a century of history, there is so much to learn about ice cream sodas, right from how they were invented to the different methods of preparing and consuming them in different states and cities of the U.S.
History of National Ice Cream Soda Day
As with most inventions, ice cream soda was created unintentionally by the coming together of ice cream and soda. It is believed that Robert Green was trying to prepare chilled soda at a Philadelphia fair but had run out of ice shavings. He came up with the idea of adding ice cream to the soda to cool it. Thus, the ice cream soda was born.Now, there are many different stories about the invention of ice cream soda. Even though Robert Green loudly claimed to be the inventor of the ice cream soda — and even had it inscribed on his tombstone — another legend goes that it was Fred Sanders who invented the delicious summer drink. Sanders ran a confection shop and added ice cream to soda when he could not find sweet cream.More people continued to claim credit for the invention of the ice cream soda, especially because it was marketed so well and hugely popular. George Guy and Philip Mohr are two well-known claimants to the title of inventor of ice cream soda.
National Ice Cream Soda Day timeline
Soda water becomes mass-produced by Simmons and Rundell.
Robert Green creates the first ice cream soda at the Franklin Exhibition in Philadelphia.
Soda shops start using front-serving soda fountains.
Robert Green mentions in his will to be recognized as the ‘Originator of the Ice Cream Soda’ on his tombstone.
National Ice Cream Soda Day FAQs
Can I have ice cream sodas in winter?
Why not? There are many fantastic winter ice cream soda recipes that you can try like adding ginger beer to the ice cream, which adds a touch of spiciness to the drink.
Can I add fresh fruit to ice cream soda?
Yes, you can add any variety of seasonal fresh fruit to your ice cream soda and make it a super healthy drink. Peaches and berries are quite popular additions.
What if I run out of soda water?
There are many affordable soda water machines that you can buy online to make soda water in the comfort of your home.
How to Celebrate National Ice Cream Soda Day
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Try a new flavor
Even if you are a regular lover of ice cream sodas, chances are you have tried only a few flavors of this amazing drink. A great way to celebrate National Ice Cream Soda Day is to visit the nearest ice cream parlor or soda shop and try a flavor you have never tasted before. Even better, why not ask the server to whip up something special for you. This would create an unforgettable memory for you as you would always remember this little summer adventure.
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Visit a new soda shop opening
Soda shops are opening all the time, but most people choose to stick to their preferred shops. Why not visit a new shop and give them your support? You could also turn this into a road trip with friends to search for an unexplored ice cream soda shop. You could even blog about it and add some photographs on your social media page.
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Create an ice cream soda shop map
A fun thing to do is to create a map of your city or state marking all the ice cream soda shops in the area. You can also add some interesting details such as their opening hours, a bit of history, the flavors that they offer, and so on. This is a great activity that will provide hours of fun and also increase your knowledge about your area.
5 Facts About Frozen Desserts That Will Blow Your Mind
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The original Baskin Robbins flavors
When Baskin Robbins was introduced, they offered 31 flavors — one for each day of the month.
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The most popular frozen dessert in Germany
The ‘brezel,’ a type of frozen pretzel, is the most popular frozen dessert in Germany.
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The oldest frozen dessert
Sorbet is known as the earliest type of frozen dessert, which was made around 5,000 years ago by mixing ice with fruit.
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The origins of gelato
Gelato was invented by an Italian architect in the 14th century.
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The first ice cream advertisement
The first advertisement for ice cream appeared on 12 May 1777.
Why We Love National Ice Cream Soda Day
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It is an opportunity to relax
Summers can be very stressful due to the high temperatures and humidity. Having a cool and refreshing ice cream soda is a great way to relax and keep your body cool and stress-free. It is also a good way to socialize with friends and treat them to something sweet.
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It helps to support local businesses
Soda shops are generally on the decline since a lot of people believe that ice cream sodas are unhealthy, when in fact they can be quite harmless in moderation. Visiting your local soda shop on National Ice Cream Soda Day creates valuable business for these shops and helps them stay profitable.
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It supports creativity and inventiveness
Learning about how ice cream soda was invented is such an inspiring story about being creative and inventive. It teaches us that we should find an opportunity in every crisis instead of giving up hope and admitting failure. National Ice Cream Soda day is also a time to recognize the achievements of American entrepreneurs and experiment with some ideas of our own.
National Ice Cream Soda Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
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2023 | June 20 | Tuesday |
2024 | June 20 | Thursday |
2025 | June 20 | Friday |
2026 | June 20 | Saturday |
2027 | June 20 | Sunday |