National Ice Cream Soda Day 🍨

Overview

National Ice Cream Soda Day, observed on June 20th, celebrates the delightful and nostalgic beverage made by combining ice cream (typically vanilla) with carbonated soda, often finished with whipped cream and a cherry. This classic treat offers a unique blend of creamy sweetness and effervescent refreshment, making it a beloved choice, especially during warmer months.

Origin and story

The ice cream soda is widely credited to Robert M. Green, who reportedly invented it in 1874 in Philadelphia when he ran out of ice for his soda fountain.

This treat is known by various names worldwide, including "ice cream float," "spider" (in Australia and New Zealand), and "black cow" when made with root beer and vanilla ice cream.

Quick facts

• DateJune 20
• TypeFood / Dessert
• Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

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Ways to celebrate

The ice cream soda exists because a vendor ran out of one ingredient and improvised at exactly the right moment.

Trace it to a sold-out celebration

In 1874, Robert M. Green was selling a sweet cream, syrup, and soda water drink at the Franklin Institute's semicentennial celebration in Philadelphia — when he ran out of cream, he substituted vanilla ice cream instead, and the switch was an instant hit.

Know how fast it caught on

Green had been averaging about $6 a day with his original drink; once he started serving ice cream sodas, his daily take jumped to more than $600 by the end of the celebration.

Read the fuller story

Helpful resources:

• Who Really Invented the Ice Cream Soda? (Mental Floss)

Did you know?

Green was so proud of the invention that his will instructed his tombstone be engraved with the words "Originator of the Ice Cream Soda" — though at least three other people have their own competing claims to the idea.

Fun facts

• The ice cream soda is widely credited to Robert M. Green, who reportedly invented it in 1874 in Philadelphia when he ran out of ice for his soda fountain.
• This treat is known by various names worldwide, including "ice cream float," "spider" (in Australia and New Zealand), and "black cow" when made with root beer and vanilla ice cream.
• While many flavor combinations exist, root beer floats and cola floats remain among the most popular and iconic ice cream soda variations.

Sources and attribution

Who Really Invented the Ice Cream Soda? (Mental Floss)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.

• Yesterday: World Sauntering DayQuick context from the day before.
• Tomorrow: National Vanilla Milkshake DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
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FAQ

When is National Ice Cream Soda Day?

It is observed on June 20 each year.

What is National Ice Cream Soda Day?

National Ice Cream Soda Day, observed on June 20th, celebrates the delightful and nostalgic beverage made by combining ice cream (typically vanilla) with carbonated soda, often finished with whipped cream and a cherry. This classic treat offers a unique blend of creamy sweetness and effervescent refreshment, making it a beloved choice, especially during warmer months.

How do people celebrate National Ice Cream Soda Day?

Make an ice cream soda and consider its 1874 origin: Robert M. Green ran out of cream at a Philadelphia celebration, substituted vanilla ice cream, and saw his daily earnings jump from $6 to over $600.

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