National Ice Cream Soda Day

National Ice Cream Soda Day is observed every year on June 20. In 2026, this date falls on a Saturday. The day is a cheerful food observance built around a fizzy, creamy drink made with soda, syrup or soft drink, and ice cream. It fits naturally into early summer, when cold desserts and fountain drinks feel especially welcome. People often mark the day by making a classic ice cream soda at home, visiting a soda fountain or ice cream shop, or trying a new flavor combination. ^{1 2}

See also: National Black Cow Day, National Stewart’s Root Beer Day, National Mint Julep Day

History of National Ice Cream Soda Day

The ice cream soda is closely tied to the history of American soda fountains, which grew from machines that dispensed carbonated water and flavored syrups into social counters in pharmacies, ice cream parlors, and neighborhood shops. Robert M. Green of Philadelphia is commonly credited with making the ice cream soda in 1874 during an event connected with the Franklin Institute. The familiar story says he combined vanilla ice cream with soda water and flavored syrup, creating a drink that quickly caught customers’ attention. Other people have also been connected with early ice cream soda stories, so it is safest to describe Green as the person most often credited rather than the only uncontested inventor.

By the late 19th century, the ice cream soda had become part of soda fountain culture. Its appeal was easy to understand: it was cold, sweet, bubbly, and rich, with the foam and melting ice cream making it feel different from an ordinary soft drink. Soda fountains became gathering places where people ordered flavored drinks, sundaes, and ice cream treats, and the ice cream soda fit that setting perfectly. Today, the drink survives in many forms, from old-fashioned syrup-and-soda-water versions to simple floats made with root beer, cola, orange soda, or cream soda.

Why is National Ice Cream Soda Day important?

National Ice Cream Soda Day keeps attention on a simple American dessert drink with a real place in food history. It connects modern ice cream shops and home kitchens with the era of soda fountains, when sweet carbonated drinks were often mixed by hand and served across a counter. The day also gives people a reason to revisit a treat that does not require special equipment, complicated ingredients, or much planning. A scoop of ice cream and a fizzy drink are enough to make something playful and nostalgic.

The observance also highlights how food traditions often grow from small experiments. An ice cream soda is not formal or fancy, but it shows how a familiar combination can last for generations. It can be a family treat, a small business purchase, or a hands-on kitchen activity for kids and adults. In that way, the day is less about a grand ceremony and more about enjoying a lighthearted piece of everyday food culture.

• It preserves a classic soda fountain treat.
• It adds a small note of fun to summer.
• Families can make it together at home.
• Local ice cream shops get extra attention.
• Simple ingredients become something memorable.

How to Celebrate National Ice Cream Soda Day

Make a classic ice cream soda with chilled soda water, flavored syrup, and vanilla ice cream, or use a favorite soft drink for a quick float. Root beer and vanilla ice cream are a familiar choice, but cola, orange soda, ginger ale, and cream soda also work well. Use a tall glass, add the ice cream slowly, and leave room for the foam. A spoon and straw make it easier to enjoy both the drink and the melting ice cream.

A visit to a local ice cream shop or old-fashioned soda counter can make the day feel more connected to the drink’s history. Families can set out a few soda and ice cream options and let everyone build a small custom version. For a quieter celebration, look up the background of soda fountains and talk about how they once served as neighborhood gathering places. The best part of the day is that it stays easy, affordable, and relaxed.

• Make a root beer float.
• Try vanilla ice cream with orange soda.
• Visit a local ice cream shop.
• Use a tall glass and a long spoon.
• Share a small tasting flight at home.

National Ice Cream Soda Day Dates

1. https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/soda-fountain/277121[↩]
2. https://drpeppermuseum.com/celebrating-the-ice-cream-soda/[↩]