Chocolate Egg Cream

I find using melted ice cream with milk and chocolate sauce adds extra flavor and richness to an egg cream. I drank these as a kid and really found them to be the perfect blend of sweet and bubbly. I come from a house where my father would keep the champagne for New Years in the freezer until we were ready to drink it. There were always little ice chips in it and I have really grown to love ice cold drinks of any kind. This recipe is no different. For me, all of the ingredients have to be very cold for optimum results.;

Pour the syrup into the bottom of a glass.

Add the skim milk and stir to blend slightly.

Add the seltzer.;

In a small bowl, combine and whisk the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt with the water and vanilla extract.

Transfer to a small saucepan and simmer over low heat until the ingredients meld together, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside to cool. Refrigerate. Use as needed.

Cook's Note: Use a wider glass to get more froth from the soda.