New York’s Classic Egg Cream

By Vickie Parks
@Northwestgal

There are many versions of this recipe, and this one is one of the easiest for making NYC's famous Egg Cream. It’s a bit baffling why this classic drink was given such a name, since it contains neither eggs nor cream. It’s written that the drink was created in New York City in the late 19th century as a variation of classic milkshakes that were so popular at neighborhood soda fountains. When made correctly, it should display three layers with dark brown on the bottom, a lighter chocolate brown in the center, and a cream-colored foamy layer on top.

Rating:

★★★★☆ 1 vote

Comments:

1 Comment

Serves:

1 (16-ounce) drink

Prep:

5 Min

Method:

No-Cook or Other

Ingredients

5 oz: chocolate syrup (like hershey's chocolate syrup or ice cream fudge sauce)
3 to 4 oz: milk (or half-and-half)
3 to 4 oz: seltzer water

How to Make New York’s Classic Egg Cream

Step-by-Step

1Squeeze or pour about 2 inches worth of chocolate syrup into a tall 20-ounce glass (such as a Pilsener glass).
2Pour in the milk; DO NOT STIR.
3Hold an inverted soup spoon over the glass. Slowly pour seltzer onto the back of the spoon, letting it cascade into the glass, until the glass is about 3/4 full. Remove the spoon, then add enough seltzer to fill the glass, creating a foamy layer on top.
4Drizzle a few thin lines of chocolate syrup on top of the foamy layer. Insert a straw; serve immediately.