Blackberry Italian Cream Soda

I have found my new summer drink.  I hope summer arrives since spring seems to be failing to bring warmth and sunshine.  This drink is light and refreshing.  And don't think that making a simple syrup is hard to do...it wouldn't have simple in it's name if it wasn't.

Blackberry Italian Cream Soda

1/4 cup blackberry simple syrup (recipe below)
sparkling water
ice
1 tbsp Half and Half


Blackberry Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup blackberries (I used frozen since they release more juice)

Stir and combine the water and sugar.  Add in the blackberries and heat over medium heat until the berries release their juice.  Let cool down and strain out the berries.

In a tall glass, add in the blackberry syrup, ice and sparkling water.  Pour a splash of Half and Half on top.