Dirty Dr Pepper: The Viral Dirty Soda at Home

Dirty sodas have become a US summer obsession. This version uses Dr Pepper with a splash of coconut cream and cherry syrup, and it takes about two minutes.

What a dirty soda is

“Dirty soda” is a soft drink topped with cream and flavoured syrup. The trend grew in soda shops in Utah, and a “Dirty Dr Pepper” is the best-known version: Dr Pepper, coconut cream and a cherry or vanilla syrup over ice. It is sweet, creamy and fizzy, a treat rather than an everyday drink.

Tips for the best result

Fill the glass with plenty of ice, add the syrup, then the soda, and pour the coconut cream slowly over the top so it swirls. Use full-fat coconut cream for the best texture, and stir before you drink so the flavours mix. Make it right before serving because the fizz fades.

Substitutions and variations

Swap the cherry syrup for vanilla syrup for a milder drink, or add a squeeze of lime. For less sugar, use a diet soda and an unsweetened syrup. Half-and-half or cream can replace the coconut cream if you do not need it dairy-free.

Good to know

This drink contains sugar and caffeine (from the soda), so it suits adults and older children in small amounts, not as a daily drink or for young children.

Nutrition values are estimates based on USDA reference values and may vary depending on the brands and quantities you use.