If you love stopping by the soda shop for a flavored fizzy drink, you can make it at home for a fraction of the price! This Dirty Soda comes together in 5 minutes with just 4 ingredients — soda, coconut syrup, lime, and cream — for a creamy, refreshing twist you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love this Dirty Soda Recipe!
Dirty soda went viral on TikTok for good reason — the combination of fizzy soda flavored syrups and a creamy swirl is genuinely as good as it sounds.
I was skeptical the first time but now I love making a dirty soda bar at home so everyone can mix their own.
The best part is that soda shops charge $6–8 for this and homemade costs about $1.70 — so we skip the special trip and make it any day of the week.
What is a Dirty Soda?
A dirty soda is just regular soda “dirtied up” with a splash of cream and flavored syrup. The trend started in Utah, where soda shops like Swig built their whole business around custom, syrup-and-cream sodas — and it exploded everywhere else once it hit TikTok.
The cream is what makes it “dirty,” giving the fizzy soda a smooth, milkshake-like finish, kind of like a root beer float you can sip through a straw.
Ingredients
- Diet Coke – You can also make with Dr Pepper, Coca-cola or Root Beer
- Coconut Syrup – You can use coconut cream if you would like instead of the coconut syrup and heavy cream. It will have a similar flavor in this easy recipe.
- Lime – We think fresh lime juice make it taste the best
- Heavy Cream – You can substitute with half and half. Coconut Creamer can also be used
- Ice – Nugget ice is the best
Budget tip: Don’t want to buy a bottle of syrup? Use ¼ cup of a flavored coffee creamer (coconut, vanilla, or French vanilla) in place of the coconut syrup and heavy cream — one ingredient does both jobs.
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Dirty Soda Recipe
Step 1 – Fill a large glass with ice approximately ¾ full.
Step 2 – Add in the coconut syrup and lime juice.
Step 3 – Pour the soda or your choice over these ingredients.
Step 4 – Top with the heavy cream and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy! We love to garnish with a lime wedge!
Dirty Soda
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Diet Coke or Dr Pepper, Coke or Root Beer
- 2 pumps Coconut Syrup approximately 1 ½ Tablespoon
- ½ Lime juiced (approximately 1 Tablespoon)
- 2 Tablespoon Heavy Cream or half and half
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in 12 ounces Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, Coke, or Root Beer.
- Add 2 pumps coconut syrup (approximately 1 ½ tablespoons) and juice from ½ lime (approximately 1 tablespoon).
- Stir in 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half and half until combined.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- Chill Soda – Keeps the drink extra refreshing.
- Add the Lime – Adds a pop of brightness to balance the sweetness.
- Dairy Free – Use coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk.
- Serving a crowd? For 8 people, plan on two 2-liter bottles of soda, one bottle of syrup, and about 1 cup of heavy cream or half and half — plenty for everyone to build their own glass with room to spare.
- What is nugget ice? It’s the soft, chewable ice you get at Sonic or a soda shop. It’s not required — regular ice cubes work great too — but nugget ice melts a little faster and soaks up flavor, which is part of what makes soda shop drinks taste so good.
- Cherry Vanilla Twist – Dr. Pepper + cherry + vanilla syrup + cream.
- Coconut Lime Refresher – Sprite + coconut syrup + lime + cream.
- Caramel Root Beer Float – Root beer + caramel syrup + cream.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A classic dirty soda is made with diet coke, heavy cream, coconut flavored syrup and lime. But you can use any type of soda to make this delicious, popular drink.
This drink recipe is best served when made fresh. Store ingredients separately for the best results.
This is totally normal and still safe to drink! It happens because the acid in the soda or lime juice reacts with the cream. To avoid it, use very cold cream and pour it in last, right before serving. A gentle stir brings it all back together.
More Easy Drink Recipes
If you make this Dirty Soda Recipe, please let us know how it turned out! We love hearing from you.
This is such a fun drink to make for the entire family. We really enjoy this out by the pool when our friends and family are swimming. The extra ingredients just make the difference of a normal soda to a fun and exciting soda!
Had to see what all the DIRTY was about! Deliciousness! Thank you!
Martha – So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a comment.
I will try to make this for my son
Janice – I can’t wait to hear what you think! Hope everything enjoys it.
I love dirty sodas! These are great. I use coconut cream for mine ??
Tina – Yum! Coconut Cream sounds yummy!
My daughter loves all of these dirty soda combinations!
I will try this with Pepsi for me and make the cherry vanilla twist with our grandkids, because they all love Dr Pepper! Thanks for a fun recipe!
Jonna – Yum! Love those combinations!
My kids love dirty soda !! This is such a fun way to end the summer !
Ashleigh – Yes! Love it for summer! Hope you enjoy!
Can’t wait to try this using my almond milk in place of the cream. Could maple syrup be used in this recipe or would it be too sweet?
That sounds delicious! Almond milk should work well. If you’re using maple syrup, I’d start with a small amount since it will add both sweetness and a bit of maple flavor. You can always add more to taste. I hope you enjoy it, and I’d love to hear how it turns out!
This looks interesting.
Thank you.
JD
JD – You’re welcome! Hope you love it.
that drink looks refreshing for a diet
Khalid – It is so refreshing! Let me know if you love it!
A little afraid to try this. Maybe different flavor combination
Debra – Don’t be nervous! It is easy and delicious!
Wow, that sounds so refreshing, especially here in Arizona where the temps are scorching hot right now!! Adding to my grocery list.
Lisa – Yes! It is perfect for hot day! Let me know what you think!
I’ve tried it with vanilla ice cream but this is a whole new level of a Bougie soda!!! Saving it for a Family Engagement Party drink!!!
Dirty soda is the best! Thank you for the easy recipe.
Andrea – You’re so welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Fun to make at home and cheaper!!
We like using Vanilla Sweet Cream with this. We’ve also tried a “fitter” version using Diet Coke and Vanilla Fairlife Protein shake. Personally I like to drizzle some Hersheys chocolate syrup on top. 🙂
Rosanne – That’s a great idea to use a protein shake!
I love a dirty soda. This recipe made it super easy to replicate
Alex – I’m so glad to hear this! Thanks for sharing.
Leftovers? What leftovers? I love this beverage. I find, that for my taste, diet Coke, 2 tbsp. lime juice, and 2 tbsp cream of coconut make the best soda. That’s just my opinion. The diet soda keeps this from sugar overload. Try it!
Seems like a different version of a root beer float
Rose – It is similar to a float. Let me know what you think if you try it!
Sounds delicious!
Rebecca – Thank you! We love it!
I’m just not a fan of ruining a perfectly good coke.
Kevin – I understand! It really is so tasty though!
I have never had a dirty soda, but since I like all the ingredients I am going to try it!
Brandi – Let me know what you think! Can’t wait to hear!
I grew up drinking the Dr pepper corn of this! My grandmother fixed it quite often.
Julie – Aww I love that! Such sweet memories!
Just the name alone is fun! You can be naughty with food! LOL
Laura – Hope you enjoy!
This seems to be popular right now especially with the heat and humidity! Love the quick video of this! Will have to try it soon!.
Giovanna -It is great in the heat! Hope you enjoy!
We made these and they were absolutely delicious. My family loved them!! Thank you for the fun recipe!!
That makes me so happy to hear! ? I’m thrilled your family loved them! They’re such a fun treat to make together. Thank you so much for trying the recipe and for taking the time to leave such a sweet review. It truly means a lot!
Looks tempting. I will try it
Thank you so much! ? I hope you get a chance to try it soon. It’s such a fun and refreshing treat, and there are so many ways to customize it. I’d love to hear what you think once you’ve made it!
I have never tried a dirty soda. I will definitely try this one!
Yay! ? I hope this is a great introduction to dirty sodas for you! They’re so fun to make, and you can easily customize them to your favorite flavors. I’d love to hear what you think after you give it a try!
Great recipe!
Sounds delious
Lindy – Thanks so much!
Ahhhhhh! My absolute all time favorite!! This is heaven right here!!!
Rachel – Aww Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
I like that’s it low in sodium and potassium with stage 4 kidney disease. Takes me back to the Laverne and Shirley sitcom days. : )
Molly – I remember that show! Hope you enjoy!
Fantastic recipe! The flavors blended together beautifully, and it was incredibly satisfying!
The dirty soda was DELICIOUS THANK YOU FOR SHARING
Brenda – I’m so glad! Thanks for letting us know. You made our day.
I’ve never had a dirty soda. Can’t wait to try one!
Cindy – Let me know what you think. We love it!
This Dirty Soda is 100% better than any fast food restaurant (McDonalds for example). Thank you, for sharing this recipe that I didn’t know I needed!
Stephanie – Aww you are very welcome. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m so glad you loved it!
Mixing sodas is a habit of mine. Creamy coconut Dr Perrer is great with orange too.
Yum! Love that! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never tried this. With all these ideas, I plan to.
Kathy – I’m excited to hear what you think. Let me know if you have any questions.
I just saw the idea at the bottom of the recipe for a caramel root beer float! Can’t wait to try this. Going to the store immediately after work!
Joe – Wahoo! Sounds amazing. Let me know how it turns out!
Never tried dirty soda! But excited to try it! Love all your recipes, stay blessed?
Jody – Can’t wait to hear once you try it!
This looks good. I have never tried Dirty Soda. I really don’t drink much soda at all. But I may give this a try.
Carol – I hope you try it. Let me know if you have any questions.
My family is not a huge fan of coconut, but I LOVE the additional ideas for Cherry Vanilla Twist and Caramel Root Beer Float. I haven’t tried dirty soda yet, but these sound very good!
Sammy – Thanks so much. Let me know if you need anything else and what combination you try!
Never has this. Cant wait to try this!!!
Diane – I’m excited to hear what you think!
I haven’t made it like this but I’ve done vanilla creamer, Dr Pepper and then cold foam on top! Yum!
Jenifer – Sounds yummy! Love all of these fun variations.
Have seen all the younger kids drinking this, but never tried one. Thanks for recipe now I am going to make one. Love the idea of adding lime.
Marj – I’m excited to hear that you are making one! Let me know what you think.
Looks delicious
Thank you so much, Kimberly!
I actually would like to try dirty sodas but I almost completely gave them up I guess 2-3 years ago now. Maybe I’ll do just one. Thanks for sharing.
Ivana – Hope you give it a try! Let us know if you have any questions.
Grand loved it!!
Mike – Wahoo! Thanks for sharing!
Looks like interesting recip
Thank you. We love it!
Oooo…I’m goimg to have to try this one
Lora – I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Sounds refreshing on a hot day
Shirley – It really is! Hope you enjoy!
Made this, this past weekend. It was so good!!
Linda – Thank you for letting me know. I’m so pleased to hear!
I loveeee dirty soda. My favorite thing to do is use liquid creamer. Usually flavored to add a little extra, recently I tried out Dr.Pepper mix with the Harry Potter butterbeer which was amazing
Ann – Love these ideas! Thanks for sharing.
we will surely need to try this recipe at our next dinner holiday family gathering.
Yes! Can’t wait for you to try it.
This is delightful poured over vanilla ice cream! I use it as desert.
Sherie – That is a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
I will definitely try this drink this summer!!! ??????
Let me know what flavors you try!
This is a fun idea for parties! I found some fun theme related dirty soda recipes for a graduation party! The kids loved it! Dirty soda isn’t as common in Wisconsin as it is in other states so it was a hit!
Penny – Such a fun idea for a party. Thanks for sharing.
Yes! Sonic copycat drinks!! Yummo
Dawna – Hope you enjoy!
So fun and delicious!!
Amber – So glad you loved it!
My daughter had her first dirty soda at a restaurant this summer and loved it so we were excited to give this recipe a try. This recipe was delicious and super easy to make. It has been a yummy treat and we are looking forward to trying a couple of the other dirty soda recipes.
Maegen – Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed and it’s so fun to make at home!
This is one I may have to try with plant based cream or coconut cream and a caffeine free soda.
Jessica – Great idea! Let me know how it turns out.
This sounds interesting. I’ll have to give it a try.
Stephanie – Let me know if you try it!
Tried this with coconut creamer. Great with Dr. Pepper or Baja Blast Mt. Dew.
Is there a substitute that can be used in the place of coconut syrup?
Absolutely! ? If you don’t have coconut syrup, you can use a small splash of coconut extract instead. Just start with a little since it’s more concentrated. You could also leave it out if you prefer, but the coconut flavor is what gives a dirty soda its signature taste. I hope you enjoy it!
I’m going to have to buy the ingredients to try this I’m very picky when it comes to dirty sodas
Let me know what you think and what combo you choose!
I loved the variations of the different combinations of syrups and sodas. These show fantastic alternatives from the regular soda flavors.
Ginger – Thank you! The ideas are endless!
I have loved a pop of lime lately so I’m going to do lime, coconut, raspberry and dairy free creamer or cool whip. Yum! Cheery anything is a great idea on this.
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing your favorite combo!
Can’t wait to give this a try!
This looks so good! I definitely plan on trying the root beer one.
Laura – Thank you! Can’t wait to hear what you think!
interesting
Let me know what you think once you try it!
It is 112 degrees here! This dirty soda was very refreshing!
Yes! Perfect for a hot day. Thanks for sharing.
Made these for the grandkids! Big hit!
Wahoo! So glad the kiddos enjoyed!
Incredibly delicious!! ? thank you
Amanda – Thank you so much! Have a great day.
Boy these dirty sodas are all the rage this summer! I can’t wait to make this! I’m going to make it with Sunkist though. The coconut syrup, cream and lime will be the perfect tropical drink!
They are so popular! Hope you love it!
I definitely want to try this. Thanks for sharing.
Michael – You’re welcome! Let me know if you have any questions.
I usually just mixed regular soda with sparkling water since the artificial sweeteners in diet soda is really bad for you.
Victoria – Love your variations. Thanks for sharing.
i drink a lot of soda(probably too much but hey you only live once )and this is a great twist on a traditional drink love it with the coconut idea
Keith – We love coconut too! Let me know if you try it.
Looks good!
Tracey – Thank you so much.
This was pretty refreshing. I used vanilla syrup as I am allergic to coconut.. cannot wait to make it for my grandchildren.
Alicia – So glad you enjoyed. Let me know what the kiddos think!
We have been on a dirty soda kick this summer. My kids love this!
Doesn’t the lime cause the cream to curdle?
Great question! ? It can look slightly curdled if everything is mixed together too quickly, but it’s still perfectly safe to drink. I like to add the cream last and stir gently, or pour it over plenty of ice, which helps keep everything smooth. It still tastes delicious!
Have made this with milk so I will have to try it with syrup and heavy cream ty
Teresa – Let me know what you think!
Love that you can use diet soda. Being diabetic this helps a lot! I’m gonna try the caramel root beer float! Sounds so yummy! ??
Amy – That combo sounds delicious. Can’t wait for you to try it!
Okay I have never tried one of your drink recipes before but this looks delicious! Im having friends over tomorrow for a pool party and I am going to make these with Coke and Caramel Root Beer Floats! I am a sucker for Caramel and floats but have never combined the two. Genius! I’d like to make a suggestion if I may. Please, please post a Copycat recipe for “Homemade Butterbeer” from Harry Potter! I made them for my daughter’s 5th birthday but that recipe was very complicated and required a lot of ingredients. I was also serving like 50 people so I would love a simplified but awesome recipe from you to make for my kids and grand baby. Thank you so much!??????
Hilary – Sounds perfect for a pool party. Hope everyone enjoys it.
We actually have a butterbeer recipe on one of our other sites. Hope you check it out. Below is the link:
https://dessertsonadime.com/harry-potter-butterbeer-recipe/
Have made this and it awesome!
Thank you, Vicki! I’m so glad!
Looks good
Thank you, Alice! Have a great day!
I’ve heard about dirty soda’s for a while but didn’t have a clue as to how to make but I’ll be trying this as soon as I can get go store to get ingredients.
May – They are super popular but so easy to make at home. Let me know what combo you make.
I can’t wait to try this ? ? It sounds delicious.
Sandy – Thank you! I hope you love it!
My daughter enjoys this drink!
To be honest, this recipe sounds a little strange to me – but then, I almost always dring water and nothing else. I am sure my kids will love to try it, they are very open to new ideas, sounds fun!
Evi – Hope the kiddos love it. Let me know!
Can’t wait to try this recipe! What a fun spin on regular soda!
Annie – Thanks! It is so fun and easy!
Looks amazing
David – Thank you so much!
I love all the drink bar options. I’ve done lemonade bars, but want to do a dirty soda one!
Heather – Thank you. Hope you love it!
This sounds easy and tasty!
Jordan – Thank you! Hope you enjoy.
looks yummy …. will try it out this weekend
Melanie – Yay! Let me know how it turns out.
I can’t wait to try this recipe. This reminds me of being a little kid again. A fun treat for the oh so hot summer.
My favorite Dirty Soda recipe.
Thank you, Dawn. I’m so happy to hear this!
Thanks!
You’re very welcome!
Oh my goodness, it’s so hot, I just can’t wait to make this!
Cindy – It’s so refreshing. Hope you enjoy!
I love dirty sodas.
Gina – What is your favorite combo?
I have never had a dirty soda before, but I these look great and I am looking forward to trying them!
Lynda – I’m excited you are going to try it. Let me know what you think!
Looks super yummy!
Thank you, Cynthia! Let me know what combo you make.
Every timeI saw this at Sonic, I would cringe. It just does t sound good. Well I de idea I would make it at home and try it (worried about getting sick). It was pretty darn good. Thanks!
Jana – So glad you tried something new and loved it!
My son loves his drink, so I’ll be making it for him often
Caroline – That’s great! I hope you enjoy.
Tried with the Dr. Pepper Backberry Zero and heavy cream the lime addition was kind of a twist , it was great .
Dorothy – I’m so happy to hear. Love the combo!
I don’t drink a lot of soda, but I have been seeing this all over and I admit that I do want to try it! the Cherry Vanilla Twist and Caramel Root Beer Float sound really good.
I know exactly what you mean! ? I don’t drink soda very often either, but these are such a fun treat. The Cherry Vanilla Twist and Caramel Root Beer Float are both delicious choices. I hope you give one a try—I’d love to hear which one ends up being your favorite!
I am typically not a fan of fizzy drinks, but this one wasn’t too bad. Thank you. My friends enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for giving it a try! ? I’m so glad you and your friends enjoyed it, even if fizzy drinks aren’t usually your favorite. That means a lot! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
This looks so refreshing and I will try making it with root beer.
Nancy – Sounds great!
Loved it! It was so easy and I had everything. I used 1/2 and 1/2.i can’t wait to try the root beer caramel. Incredible.
Mary Anne – Thank you so much! Love these ideas.
Love these in the summer time! My favorite one is with Dr.Pepper though. Thank you for sharing your recipes with us!
Sara – You’re welcome! Thanks for commenting!
This looks good.
Joanna- Thank you so much!
Very interesting. I have never heard of Dirty Soda before now. I will have to give this a try.
Kandace – Let me know what you think once you try it.
Yum! Yum! Yum! As are all Eating on a Dime recipes, this one is delicious and super fun! You must give this a try!
Thank you SO much, Abbey. You made our day!
Love a dirty Dr. Pepper too!
Tana – Yum! So many fun combos.
This drink is so refreshing! I’ll be making it often.
This looks so refreshing!!! Gotta give this a try!
Thank you so much! ? It really is such a refreshing treat, especially on a hot day! I hope you get a chance to try it soon. I’d love to hear what you think once you do!
Made this ! It was great!
These sound delicious!! I am going to try it!
Daniel – Thank you! Let me know the combo you love best.
I have never thought to try this at home. I am so happy you found a way. Can’t wait to try. Is there other options than coconut flavor?
Lacey – It’s so easy to make at home and cheaper too. You can use any flavor you love!
I haven’t had this in years but it’s yummy
Corina – I’m so glad you love it. What’s your favorite flavor?
Can’t wait to try
Tina – let me know what you think!
Love dirty sodas, never made them with the lime added but it was a good add in will definitely make again
Going to have to try this dr. Pepper
I hope you do! ? The Dr Pepper version is one of my favorites. It’s such a fun and refreshing treat! I’d love to hear what you think after you give it a try.
I had this combo on vacation several times and it was delicious. I will need to try this at home recipe! Sounds great!
Nicole – It’s so easy! Hope you try it!
Love dirty sodas, but never made with fresh lime juice….I love it! I even love it with a sprite or 7 up, but best with my diet pepsi!
Wow! What’s not to like!!!!
Wendy – Thanks so much. Have a blessed day!
Not sure about this drink, but definitely think we will try it out!
Jen – Hope you love it. Let me know the flavor combo you try!
This is a much more economical way to please your taste buds. I use a bubbler to make my sodas at home, so I have big fun trying new treats like this!
Angela – Yes! So much cheaper at home!
I don’t drink any sodas but this does sound interesting to anyone who does drink them.
Nova – It’s so much fun!
This one sounds great to try!
Blair – It’s so easy!
Reminds me of a cream soda that we used to drink when I was a kid. This would be a very refreshing up to date drink on a steamy hot day. Thank you for bringing back a wonderful memory.
Rita – You’re welcome! It is so refreshing!
We use root beer and it is delicious. Thank you for it.
Love this recipe!! Perfect for a summer night treat. I didn’t have coconut syrup but used coconut extract and it took it to a whole new level.
Thank you so much! ? I’m so glad you loved it! And what a great idea to use coconut extract—that sounds like a delicious twist. Thanks for sharing your tip and for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review!
Made this with diet root beerp. It was delicious.
Cheryl – Sounds great. So glad you enjoyed!
Does not look very good but taste delicious!!!
Audreya – I’m so glad you loved it!
This drink is sooo delicious!
Pamela – Thank you so much!
My son is the only one who likes dirty soda. I made it for him to try he liked it. Probably wont make it alot as he don’t drink that much soda.
When im looking for a recipe,I use your site very often! Your recipes are dependable and delicious! I have tried so many!! Thank you!
Sandra – That means so much. Thanks for sharing!
Obsessed with the dirty sodas!! Dr pepper with vanilla and sweet cream is my go to almost every time!
Amanda – Yum! I love that combo too!
Love this! Such a neat idea and it is delicious !
Meagan – Thank you! Hope you enjoy!
This is great for cookouts!! Such a refreshing treat!!
Looks delicious. I hope mine turns out as beautiful!
I’m going to the store now to buy the ingredients!
Thanks for the step by step photos!
Limes just went on my grocery list 🙂
Jamie – Wahoo! Let me know what you think!
I’m not a huge fan of coconut but made this for my last girls night and they loved it. Would love to try it with another type of syrup.
Dannielle – So glad the girls loved it! It is so tasty with lots of different flavors.
Love dirty sodas.
Tracey – yes! So yummy!
My daughter makes dirty sodas all the time. We tried yours with coconut milk. So good
Sara – Thanks for letting me know. So glad you enjoyed!
I love a good dirty soda can’t wait to try this
Candice – Hope you love it!
So good, and so much cheaper than the ones in a restaurant!
Jan – Thank you! We love saving money!
Very good but sweet
Lisa – Thank you! It is definitely a treat!
So easy to make with ingredients I already had!
I have never tried this before, not a huge coconut fan, but this is really good with the soda.
Michelle – So glad you gave it a try!
I LOVE THIS!! My favorite
This Dirty Soda Recipe was so good! The ingredients were so simple and was so refreshing.
I also like putting over cool whip instead of the heavy cream. Kind of like an ice cream float. Mmm mmm mmm
Treena – What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing.