The first use of flavored syrup can be traced back to the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco in 1925. Some of the 20th century's most acclaimed artists, from Jack Kerouac to William Burroughs, have called North Beach home. And Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre were no exception. Using Italian syrup recipes of their homeland, they began blending Torani syrups in the back of their North Beach grocery store. Mixing their rich flavorful syrups with sparkling water and ice, they introduced the classic Italian soda to local café owners. The overwhelming response made it clear the world was ready for a new way of drinking.