Definition of cream soda

The origin of the term "cream soda" can be traced back to the late 1800s, a time when bottled soft drinks first became popular. The phrase "cream soda" seems to have been coined in the United States, likely as a marketing tactic to suggest that the drink's creamy, sweet flavor was both refreshing and indulgent. The specific ingredients that make up cream soda can vary from brand to brand, but most commonly base flavors include vanilla, sugar, carbonated water, and sometimes a touch of anise or licorice. Some also include dairy products such as condensed milk or cream, hence the name. It's uncertain who first created cream soda, but a popular legend attributes the drink to a Tennessee soda fountain owner named W. Freeman Young. According to the story, Young experimented with adding cream to his vanilla soda and discovered a delicious new flavor. While the story may be apocryphal, it does demonstrate the drink's popularity in the American South during the early 20th century. Cream soda became a regular feature in soda fountains, diners, and ice cream parlors throughout the United States during the mid-20th century, and later incarnations have been produced by vending machine drinks vendors like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. Today, cream soda remains a beloved classic among soft drink enthusiasts, with some even enjoying it as an accompaniment to ice cream or as a mixer in cocktails.