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Black and White
🍨 Black and White – A Classic Ice Cream Soda from New York’s Golden Era
Black and White, is a rich and refreshing ice cream soda that once delighted soda fountains and city diners across early 20th-century New York. Made with vanilla ice cream (the “white”) and fudge sauce (the “black”), this simple yet indulgent treat became a favourite in the days when ordering a soda was an event in itself.
Especially popular at Schrafft’s restaurants around New York City, the Black and White was more than just a dessert—it was a cultural moment, a sweet pause in a busy day, and a symbol of American soda fountain nostalgia.
🥄 Simplicity Served with a Straw
To make a Black and White, soda jerks would drop a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream into a tall glass, then pour over a rich stream of hot fudge sauce. Some versions added soda water for a fizzy lift, while others let the fudge do all the talking. The combination created a balance of hot and cold, smooth and bubbly, light and luscious.
No whipped cream or cherries were needed—though you could certainly add them. The Black and White stood out precisely because it was simple, elegant, and timeless.
🗽 Did You Know?
The Black and White was a menu staple at Schrafft’s, a popular chain of upscale soda fountains and restaurants in New York City.
It was especially popular in the early to mid-1900s, when soda shops were a social hub.
The name refers to the contrast between vanilla ice cream (white) and fudge sauce (black).
Some modern versions add seltzer water, turning it into a fizzy float.
It’s often confused with a Black and White milkshake, which mixes chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream—but the soda version keeps the layers distinct.
🍫 A Treat Worth Reviving
Although you don’t see it as often today, the Black and White remains a charming vintage dessert that’s easy to recreate at home. It’s perfect for summer afternoons, nostalgic dinner parties, or simply treating yourself with something sweet and uncomplicated.
You can customise it, too—try swapping fudge for espresso, or adding a sprinkle of sea salt to the top for a modern twist. But even as-is, it delivers the same old-school satisfaction that made it a city favourite generations ago.
✨ In Summary
This ice cream soda may be rooted in the past, but its timeless mix of vanilla and fudge still hits all the right notes. Please give it a try—you’ll find it’s just as irresistible now as it was at the height of New York’s soda fountain days.
