The Dirty Soda Trend
Posted on July 29, 2026 By Alison P.
If you've had any contact with online culinary trends over the past few years, you probably know about the dirty soda. It's a beverage, it's a mocktail, it's a dessert, and it can be made with virtually any flavor combination! Here's a closer look at exactly what goes into a dirty soda, and how to create your very own at home.
What Is a Dirty Soda?
Hailing from the same beverage family as the root beer float and the egg cream, a dirty soda is a deliciously sweet treat that blends the fizz of soda, the flavor of syrup, the richness of cream, and the satisfaction of nugget ice. While the combination of carbonated water and fluid sweets dates back to the drugstore soda fountains of the early 20th century, the first official dirty soda shop opened in Utah in 2010. As the drink gained popularity, several more dirty-soda-specific chains joined the scene. Today the beverage can also be found at some fast food chains, and select convenience stores and gas stations also offer self-serve customizable dirty sodas. The creamy/bubbly/sweet combination makes for a delightfully refreshing indulgence for adults and kids alike, in summertime and beyond!
How to Make a Dirty Soda
Dirty soda ingredients generally break down into four components: a soda, a flavored syrup, a cream-based addition, and ice from a nugget ice maker. While there are variations depending on the flavors used, the general proportions of each ingredient are usually 12 ounces of soda (equal to one standard-size can), one tablespoon of flavored syrup, and two tablespoons of cream, half-and-half, or coconut cream.
Dirty Soda Recipes
Ready to learn how to make a dirty soda for yourself? We've got a few easy recipes below!
For best blending results, the order of addition to your glass should be ice, then syrup, then soda, and finally cream. Give it a stir with a spoon, drop in a straw, and enjoy!
Dirty Dr. Pepper
- Half a glassful of nugget ice
- 1 tbsp cherry syrup
- 12 oz Dr Pepper
- 2 tbsp half-and-half or cream
Orange Dirty Soda
- Half a glassful of nugget ice
- 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
- 12 oz orange soda
- 2 tbsp half and half or cream
Dirty Cherry Coke
- Half a glassful of nugget ice
- 12 oz Cherry Coca-Cola
- 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
- 2 tbsp half and half or cream
These recipes are a great place to start, but don't think for one second that you're limited to them alone. Use your culinary imagination, and experiment with your favorite flavor profiles to create the perfect custom-made dirty soda to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Recipes courtesy of Table Magazine
