Despite its name, the Egg Cream contains neither egg nor cream — a quirk of the New York soda fountain tradition from which it descends. Chocolate syrup and whole milk are combined in a glass before soda water is added, the vigorous mixing producing a thick, frothy head reminiscent of beaten egg whites. That foam, rather than any dairy enrichment, is the drink's signature. Non-alcoholic and served with a straw, it remains a fixture of New York City beverage culture and depends entirely on the energy of its assembly.

Egg Cream cocktail in a coffee mug — made with Chocolate Syrup, Milk, and Soda Water

Egg Cream

Verre Coffee mug
Difficulté Easy
Calories ~192 kcal

Ingrédients

Instructions

Mix syrup and milk in a fountain glass. Add soda water, serve with a straw.

NonAlcoholic Creamy Refreshing Sweet

The Egg Cream is a beloved New York non-alcoholic beverage made from chocolate syrup, whole milk, and soda water — notably containing neither egg nor cream despite its name. The key to the drink is the vigorous combination of the ingredients, which produces a thick, frothy foam on top resembling egg whites. It is a classic of New York City soda fountain culture.

History & Origins

The Egg Cream originated in New York City's Lower East Side, most likely in the early 20th century, and is strongly associated with Jewish immigrant soda fountain culture in Brooklyn. Candy store owner Louis Auster is often credited with popularizing it, though the exact inventor is disputed. The misleading name is unexplained — theories range from the Yiddish word 'echt' (genuine) to early versions that actually contained egg.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: sweet chocolate syrup and fresh whole milk. Palate: creamy, chocolatey, and mildly sweet with a bright effervescence from the soda water that lightens the body. Finish: clean, milky, and chocolatey with a refreshing carbonated lift.

chocolate creamy sweet effervescent milky

Pro Tip

Add the chocolate syrup to the milk first and stir, then pour soda water vigorously down the side of the glass to create the signature frothy head — drink immediately before the foam dissipates.

Informations nutritionnelles →

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