National Ice Cream Soda Day

Celebrated on 06/20/2026

Quick Fact

National Ice Cream Soda Day, celebrated on June 20th, honors the iconic ice cream soda—a fizzy treat that combines carbonated water, syrup, and ice cream. The first documented ice cream soda was created in 1874 by Robert M. Green in Philadelphia, who accidentally added ice cream to soda water while running out of cream for his flavored drinks.

Origins and Establishment of National Ice Cream Soda Day

The exact origins of National Ice Cream Soda Day are somewhat obscure, but the day is believed to have been established by ice cream enthusiasts and the soda fountain industry to celebrate the beloved beverage. The ice cream soda itself dates back to 1874 when Robert M. Green, a concessionaire at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, ran out of cream for his flavored sodas. In a pinch, he substituted vanilla ice cream, creating the first ice cream soda. The drink quickly became a sensation, especially at soda fountains across the United States. National Ice Cream Soda Day likely emerged in the late 20th century as a way to honor this classic American treat, though no single person or organization is credited with its official founding.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, the ice cream soda has evolved from a simple combination of soda water, syrup, and ice cream to include countless variations, such as the root beer float and the Boston cooler. During the early 20th century, soda fountains became social hubs, and the ice cream soda was a star attraction. Today, National Ice Cream Soda Day is celebrated by ice cream parlors, restaurants, and home enthusiasts alike. Many establishments offer special deals or create unique soda flavors for the occasion. Social media plays a big role, with people sharing photos of their creations using hashtags like #NationalIceCreamSodaDay. The day also serves as a nostalgic reminder of the classic soda fountain era.

Facts & General Observations

• The ice cream soda is sometimes called a "float" in the United Kingdom and Australia, while in the United States, a "float" typically refers to a root beer float.
• The most popular ice cream soda flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, with root beer floats being a close fourth.
• According to the International Dairy Foods Association, Americans consume over 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream annually, with a significant portion used in ice cream sodas and floats.

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