Summarize the following:
Use enough ice to fill a 16 oz (500 ml) clear drinking glass halfway. For best results, use crushed ice or small pebble ice instead of large ice cubes. Dump the flavored syrup into the glass, pouring it evenly over the ice already inside. You can use either commercially prepared beverage syrups or homemade syrups. When using commercial syrups packaged in a pump bottle, adding two to four pumps of syrup usually provides the right amount of flavor. If you've made standard Italian soda before, use the same amount of syrup for an Italian cream (French) soda. If you're starting with this drink, then you'll need to experiment a little. Add 2 Tbsp (30 ml) for a milder flavor and up to 4 Tbsp (60 ml) for a stronger, sweeter taste. Use any syrup flavor you want. For a twist, you can even combine syrup flavors. Add equal parts of both syrups when combining two flavors. Some combinations that work well include: banana and Irish cream, strawberry and coconut, raspberry and almond, and peach and vanilla. Add the club soda to the glass. Do not fill the glass completely; leave 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of empty space in between the top of the club soda and the top of the glass. Pour the half and half over the contents of the glass. Slowly stir it in until the color of the soda softens throughout the entire glass. Do not stir the contents of the glass too much since doing so can cause the soda to become flat. Only stir the French soda a few times, just enough to spread the half and half through the top two-thirds to three-quarters of the glass. For a slightly different variation, add the half and half before adding the club soda. Adding the half and half after the soda is more traditional and allows the half and half to spread gradually, creating a smoother drink. Adding the half and half before adding the soda will create a foamier beverage. If you don't have half and half, combine equal parts heavy cream and whole milk. Stir the two ingredients together in a separate dish before adding the mixture to the glass. Use almond milk if you need a dairy-free alternative to half and half. Drink the French soda (also known as an Italian cream soda) immediately, before the ice can melt and water down the taste. Consider garnishing the glass with pieces of fruit or fresh mint. Whipped cream can be added, as well.
Fill the glass with ice. Add syrup. Pour in the club soda. Stir in a splash of half and half. Enjoy.