Hot off the retro press: November 2023 • Freshly updated July 2025
Hershey's chocolate in sepia

Do you love peppermint mocha?

If your answer is yes, then you’re going to adore this Old-Fashioned Chocolate Soda with a festive peppermint twist!

Topped with peppermint whipped cream and sprinkles, this fun, old-timey treat is perfect for the holidays and Christmas in July.

It’s a nostalgic sip with a delightful wintery flair.

Where did the idea come from for a chocolate soda with peppermint?

I was watching The Waltons, and Grandpa Walton stopped for a chocolate soda.

He seemed so happy to get one, and that’s when I decided to track down a recipe like the old Borden’s version and come up with one myself. Plus,

I just love flavored whipped cream, and peppermint goes so perfectly with chocolate.

And the best part? I’ve included an easy homemade chocolate mint syrup recipe to take this drink to the next level!

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vintage green malt shake glass with chocolate soda

We’re going back in time when you could pull up to the counter at the local drug store and order a Chocolate Soda.

This chocolate soda recipe only requires three ingredients, but then you top with peppermint whipped cream and peppermint sprinkles making it a unique vintage treat.

Basic Recipe For Ice Cream Soda

basic recipe for ice cream soda

History of ice cream soda

One claim suggests that the ice cream soda was invented by Fred Sanders, a Detroit soda fountain owner, in 1875.

According to this story, Sanders ran out of ice one day and decided to use ice cream instead, creating a delicious concoction that gained popularity.

Regardless of its exact origin, the ice cream soda quickly gained popularity across the United States.

Soda fountains became social hubs, and ice cream sodas were a favorite treat, especially during the warm summer months.

The classic recipe involves combining carbonated water with flavored syrup and a scoop of ice cream, often topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

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It always makes me feel like I’m doing a science experiment adding the chocolate sauce to the club soda.

5 Types of Syrups to use to make Ice Cream Sodas

  1. Chocolate Syrup
    A timeless favorite, chocolate syrup is a staple in ice cream sodas. Its rich, velvety flavor pairs beautifully with vanilla, chocolate, or even fruit-flavored ice creams. Drizzle it generously over the ice cream, letting it mix with the fizzy soda for an irresistibly decadent treat.

  2. Strawberry Syrup
    Add a burst of fruity freshness with strawberry syrup. Its vibrant, sweet flavor complements vanilla or strawberry ice cream perfectly. For a summery touch, garnish your soda with a few fresh strawberry slices to elevate both the look and taste.

  3. Caramel Syrup
    Caramel syrup brings a buttery sweetness that adds depth to your ice cream soda. Whether paired with classic vanilla or bolder flavors like butter pecan or salted caramel ice cream, caramel syrup offers a luscious and indulgent experience.

  4. Raspberry Syrup
    For a tangy and slightly tart twist, try raspberry syrup. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla or chocolate ice cream, creating a satisfying contrast of flavors. Top it off with fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint for an elegant, visually appealing finish.

  5. Mint Chocolate Syrup
    Cool and refreshing, mint syrup is perfect for those who love a fresh, invigorating flavor in their desserts. Pair it with chocolate chip mint or vanilla ice cream to create a nostalgic, mint chocolate chip-inspired soda that's both classic and delightful.

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🍫 Old-Fashioned Chocolate Soda with Peppermint

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Time to Make: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Soda:

  • 2 cups club soda

  • 6 tablespoons Hershey's chocolate syrup

  • 2–3 scoops chocolate ice cream

  • Peppermint sugar sprinkles (optional)

For the Peppermint Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

📝 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Soda:
In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine the club soda and chocolate syrup. Stir until fully blended. Set aside.

2. Make the Peppermint Whipped Cream:
In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Soda:

  • Place 2–3 scoops of chocolate ice cream into a tall soda glass (16–20 ounces).

  • Pour the chocolate soda mixture over the ice cream, filling the glass to the rim.

  • Top with a generous dollop of peppermint whipped cream and sprinkle with peppermint sugar, if desired.

Bonus Easy Mint Chocolate Syrup

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chocolate syrup (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chocolate syrup and water. Stir to mix evenly.

  2. Heat and Flavor:
    Heat the mixture gently, stirring constantly, until it is smooth and just begins to simmer (don’t let it boil). Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract.

  3. Cool and Store:
    Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Pour into a clean glass jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

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Closing Words

Whether shared with friends at a busy soda fountain or homemade, a chocolate ice cream soda promises to be an escape into a world of delicious memories.

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