How to Make a Dirty Soda (+ Easy Dirty Soda Recipes)
If you’re on social media, you’ve probably noticed dirty sodas taking over your feed. These popular drinks are sweet, fizzy, creamy and customizable. Best of all, they’re fun and easy to make at home! Here’s everything you need to know about the dirty soda trend, including recipes and ideas.
What Is a Dirty Soda?
A dirty soda is a soft drink that’s mixed with flavored syrups, citrus and creamers to create a sweet, customizable drink.
Dirty sodas started as a popular non-alcoholic beverage in Utah before gaining a following on social media. Now, everyone from TikTok influencers to fast food chains is jumping on the trend.
The Best Dirty Soda Flavor Combinations
When it comes to dirty soda flavor combinations, the only limit is your imagination. To help you get started, try these classic flavor pairings.
| Soda | Flavor | Cream |
| Cola | Coconut + lime | Half-and-half |
| Lemon-lime | Peach + vanilla | Coconut cream |
| Root Beer | Salted caramel | Heavy cream |
| Orange Soda | Vanilla | Coconut cream |
| Lemonade | Strawberry | Vanilla creamer |
How to Make a Dirty Soda
Making a dirty soda is easy to do with ingredients you probably already have at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own dirty soda.
Dirty Soda Ingredients
- Soda base (classic root beer, cola, lemon-lime or orange soda)
- Flavored syrups (coconut, vanilla, cherry, caramel, etc.)
- Half and half, flavored coffee creamers or coconut cream
- Lemon or lime
- Fruit juice
- Ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Fill a glass with ice.
Step 2: Add in 1 or 2 tablespoons of syrup, plus a squirt of citrus, if using.
Step 3: Slowly add soda and juice (if using), leaving room at the top for your cream.
Step 4: Add in 1 or 2 tablespoons of creamer.
Step 5: Stir everything together gently.
Step 6: Garnish, if desired, and enjoy!
Making a Dairy-Free Dirty Soda
Need a dairy-free option? No problem! Just top your dirty soda with a dairy-free creamer, coconut cream or oat creamer.
10 Dirty Soda Recipes to Try Yourself
If you need some inspiration to get started, check out these 10 dirty soda recipes to make at home.
Root Beer Float Dirty Soda
Make your own soda shop classic by replacing ice cream with vanilla creamer and adding a sweet caramel drizzle.
Ingredients:
- Root beer
- Vanilla creamer
- Caramel drizzle
- Ice
Classic Dirty Cola
Cola’s blend of spices, fruity notes and vanilla pairs well with citrus and coconut. The half-and-half adds a creamy element to this tropical drink.
Ingredients:
- Cola
- Coconut syrup
- Lime juice
- Half-and-half
- Ice
Cherry Vanilla Dirty Cola
Make your own cherry cola, then add a splash of vanilla creamer for a rich, classic flavor combo.
Ingredients:
- Cola
- Cherry syrup
- Vanilla creamer
- Ice
Tropical Dirty Soda
Get a taste of the tropics by combining lemon-lime soda with pineapple syrup and coconut cream. It’s like a non-alcoholic piña colada!
Ingredients:
- Lemon-lime soda
- Pineapple syrup
- Coconut cream
- Ice
Orange Cream Dirty Soda
Craving a creamsicle? Add some vanilla syrup and sweet cream to orange soda to mimic the taste of the classic popsicle.
Ingredients:
- Orange soda
- Vanilla syrup
- Sweet cream
- Ice
Raspberry Cream Dirty Soda
Raspberry syrup makes this dirty soda fruity and refreshing. It’s the perfect warm-weather drink.
Ingredients:
- Lemon-lime soda
- Raspberry syrup
- Sweet cream
- Ice
Lemonade Dirty Soda
Adding lemonade to your dirty soda adds just the right blend of tart and sweet. Choose your favorite fruity syrup for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
- Lemon-lime soda
- Lemonade
- Optional fruity syrups (strawberry, peach, raspberry)
- Sweet cream or coconut cream
- Ice
Cherry Limeade Dirty Soda
For those who like their drinks sour, sweet and fizzy, a dirty cherry limeade soda will be your new go-to treat.
Ingredients:
- Lemon-lime soda
- Cherry syrup
- Lime juice
- Coconut cream
- Ice
Lemon Drop Cream Dirty Soda Mocktail
Inspired by a lemon drop cocktail, cream soda and vanilla syrup balance out the lemonade for a sweet-and-sour mocktail.
Ingredients:
- Cream soda
- Lemonade
- Vanilla syrup
- Half-and-half
- Ice
Dairy-Free Creamsicle Dirty Soda Mocktail
Dairy-free creamsicle lovers, this one is for you. Coconut cream gives this dirty soda its creamy taste, while lemon-lime soda, orange juice and vanilla syrup provide the sweet orange flavor.
Ingredients:
- Lemon-lime soda
- Orange juice
- Vanilla syrup
- Coconut cream
- Ice
