Dirty Sodas: Root Beer Float Mocktail
Have you heard of something called a “dirty soda?” It’s a spiked soda that has cream, fruit, and flavored syrup mixed to make a delicious carbonated drink perfect for the summer. This may sound like a mixture that doesn’t pair well together, but it’s popular for a reason!
Dirty Sodas: What Are They?
The unique drink has been gaining traction thanks to popular celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo posting about them. Dirty sodas are all the rage on social media. Having originated in the mountain states, dirty sodas are slowly taking over the internet across the country. So what exactly are dirty sodas? How did they come about and how are they made? Keep reading for everything you need to know about dirty sodas.
What is a Dirty Soda?
Dirty sodas can be made from any carbonated drink of choice, like Coke or Fanta. It’s most popular made with root beer or cola, and can also be made with lemonade. The sodas are then typically mixed with cream, flavored syrup, and fruit. Think of a root beer float with vanilla ice cream, or a cream soda made with actual cream.
The original dirty soda came from Utah and is made with Coca-Cola, heavy cream, coconut-flavored syrup, and lime. Speaking of the original, who founded the dirty soda?
Where Did The Dirty Soda Come From?
Utah has a large population of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). LDS members adhere to the church doctrine that requires them to abstain from wine and strong drinks. However, that’s not all the drinks they have to abstain from. LDS members are not allowed to drink “hot drinks” like coffee and tea, but that does not mean caffeine is off the table.
In 2012, the church clarified that caffeine is not included in the doctrine specifics and that it only requires them to abstain from hot drinks and such for health purposes. Therefore, LDS members can enjoy drinks like soda, which led to the founding of dirty sodas!
The biggest contributors to dirty soda are Swig and Sodalicious, both pioneers in the industry in the state of Utah. Swig was founded by a woman named Nicole Tanner in 2010. After gaining inspiration from the local Sonic drive-through, Tanner bounced around business ideas to develop a drive-by soda shop. According to Today, Nicole Tanner’s favorite drink is Coke, heavy cream, coconut syrup, and lime juice. She states that adding anything to a soda is considered “dirty.”
Tanner incorporated her LDS background into her soda shop, which is unabashed and fun. Swig has many cheeky drinks, like “2nd wife” which is Mountain Dew, fruit syrups, and half-and-half, or like “sugar daddy” which is Mountain Dew, raspberry, mango, pineapple, and vanilla half-and-half.
Should You Try One?
Dirty sodas are having a moment, so if you have a sweet tooth, you should definitely put them on your list of things to try! Dirty sodas aren't just found in Utah but are also in places like South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma. But even if you can’t make it to a soda shop, you can easily make them at home from ingredients at your local grocery store!
How to Make a Dirty Soda
To make your own dirty soda with root beer, a root beat float mocktail, you just need a few ingredients. First up, pick your favorite root beer. You will also need vanilla coffee creamer and ice.
To prepare two drinks, fill two large glasses with ice. Add root beer and top with four tablespoons of vanilla creamer.
Stir and top with whipped cream and cherries as desired.
Root Beer Float Dirty Soda
Ingredients
- 16 ounces root beer
- 4 tablespoons vanilla coffee creamer
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill both glasses full of ice.
- Pour the root beer into the glass.
- Top with two tablespoons of coffee creamer in each glass.
- Stir before drinking.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with cherries if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 176Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 53mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 0gSugar: 36gProtein: 0g
The nutritional information here is an estimate. While I try to provide accurate information via Nutritionix, this information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that it will be completely accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and any information sunnysweetdays.com should only be used as a general guideline.
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