On a quiet Sunday afternoon, I visited Bovaconti Coffee in Carmel, Indiana, for something a little different—an Italian soda. While known for their rich espresso drinks and bold coffee shop aesthetic, Bovaconti also offers non-caffeinated options for guests who might not be in the mood for espresso.
Curious to see what they were like, I ordered a strawberry Italian soda and sat in the bustling, beautifully restored café to take it all in.
What Is an Italian Soda?
If you’re new to Italian soda, here’s the quick rundown: it’s a bubbly drink made with sparkling water and flavored syrup, often topped with cream or whipped cream. Think of it as a caffeine-free soda alternative, but one that feels a little fancier and a lot more customizable.
Italian sodas became popular in U.S. cafés thanks to their versatility and wide appeal—kids, teens, and adults alike enjoy the fizzy, flavor-packed drink that can be made with everything from vanilla to lavender, peach to passionfruit.
Italian Soda in Carmel & Indianapolis: A Non-Coffee Alternative
One of the things I appreciate most about seeing Italian soda offered at coffee shops like Bovaconti in Carmel and other spots across Indianapolis is that it provides a genuine alternative for non-coffee drinkers.
Let’s face it: not everyone wants caffeine, especially in the afternoon. Maybe you’re meeting a friend at a coffee shop and already hit your caffeine limit for the day. Or maybe you’re a teenager or a parent looking for a fun treat for your child that doesn’t include espresso.
That’s where Italian soda really shines. It allows coffee shops to welcome more guests, especially those just tagging along for the company.
My Experience at Bovaconti Coffee in Carmel
At Bovaconti, I ordered the strawberry Italian soda, and I could immediately tell it was made with a high-quality syrup, most likely from the 1883 Maison Routin brand, known for its vibrant, true-to-flavor profiles.
Here’s what I noticed:
- The drink was refreshing and lightly sweet—not overwhelming, and perfect for sipping.
- The carbonation was well-balanced, with no bitterness or aftertaste.
- The strawberry flavor was very true to form, reminiscent of ripe fruit without tasting artificial.
But I’ll be honest—while it was a pleasant drink, it didn’t blow me away. Italian sodas can sometimes feel a little basic, especially when they’re not topped with cream or served in a more playful, layered format. It would have been interesting to try it as a cream soda or a dirty soda variation with lime and coconut syrup.
That said, I appreciated the presentation and simplicity, and I’m glad to know it’s available as a non-coffee drink when visiting.
Should You Try an Italian Soda at a Carmel or Indianapolis Coffee Shop?
Absolutely! Even though it wasn’t the most mind-blowing drink I’ve had, Italian sodas are worth exploring, especially if you:
- Want a light, caffeine-free option
- Love sweet, fruity drinks
- Are meeting friends but don’t want a full coffee
- Want something refreshing on a hot day
- Enjoy trying unique drink menus at local coffee shops in Carmel or Indianapolis
Many cafés now offer seasonal flavors or let you customize your Italian soda with multiple syrups, cream, or toppings like whipped cream, fruit, or even edible glitter (yes, that’s a thing!).
What to Order Next Time
If I were to order again, I’d probably try something with a twist—like a peach vanilla cream soda, or a coconut lime dirty soda to get more depth of flavor. Some shops even allow you to add soda water to espresso, creating a sparkling iced Americano (but that’s a whole other blog post).
Final Thoughts on the Bovaconti Italian Soda Experience
My trip to Bovaconti Coffee in Carmel was still a great one. The space is vibrant and welcoming, and while the Italian soda was simple and satisfying, I’m looking forward to returning to try more flavor combinations.
Italian sodas are a great option to include on any coffee shop menu or event catering list—especially in a place like Indianapolis, where community gathering spaces are thriving. If you run a coffee cart, cater church events, or simply want something different for your next get-together, Italian soda might be the unexpected crowd favorite you’ve been looking for.
