Dirty soda

Dirty soda is a non-alcoholic beverage made by mixing soda with creamy ingredients such as milk, half-and-half, coffee creamer, or coconut milk, often with flavored syrups, fruit juice, or citrus.

Dirty soda is a non-alcoholic beverage made by mixing soda with creamy ingredients such as milk, half-and-half, coffee creamer, or coconut milk, often with flavored syrups, fruit juice, or citrus. It is associated with Utah soda-shop culture and has become popular more widely through social media and fast-casual beverage chains.

Definition

Dirty soda generally refers to a soft drink mixed with cream or creamer and other flavourings such as syrup, fruit juice, or citrus. There is no single official recipe, and the ingredients vary by source and shop.

Origins and regional popularity

The drink is commonly linked to Utah, where soda shops popularized customized soft drinks as an alternative to coffee and alcohol. Sources describe it as especially common in Mormon communities and later spread more broadly through chain shops and social media.

Popularity and cultural impact

Dirty soda became a viral drink trend in the 2020s, with attention from TikTok, lifestyle media, and major news outlets. Its rise also supported the growth of beverage chains specializing in customized sodas.

Ingredients and variations

Common versions use cola or lemon-lime soda, flavoured syrup, and a dairy or non-dairy creamy ingredient. Some versions add fruit juice, lime juice, or coconut syrup, and some are compared to dessert-like soda floats.