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How to Make a Dirty Soda at Home

Published: Mar 09, 2026

Dirty sodas are having a moment — you can thank MomTok for that. What started as a regional favorite in Utah soda shops has officially gone viral, turning everyday soft drinks into creamy, customizable creations that feel just a little extra (in the best way possible). 

If you’ve been wondering what is a dirty soda and how to make one yourself, you’re in the right place. From the basics to must-try dirty soda recipes — plus some sweet Hershey twists — here’s everything you need to know to get in on this trend at home. 

What Is a Dirty Soda?

A dirty soda is a soft drink that’s “dirtied” up with creamy add-ins, flavored syrups and often a splash of citrus. The result is a sweet, fizzy, creamy drink that feels fancy and indulgent — without any alcohol. 

Where Did the Dirty Soda Originate?

Dirty sodas first gained popularity in Utah, where specialty soda shops built a following around these custom-mixed soft drinks. It’s a simple concept: Start with a soda base and personalize it with creams, syrups and fresh flavors. 

Fast forward to today, and MomTok has helped turn dirty sodas into a full-blown trend — complete with home recipes, taste tests and over-the-top flavor combinations. 

pouring hersheys strawberry syrup into dirty soda

What Makes a Soda “Dirty”?

People seem to love dirty sodas because they’re sweet and creamy, infinitely customizable and non-alcoholic. Plus, they’re just fun to make and share. Most dirty sodas include:

  • Soda base
  • Cream or creamer
  • Flavored syrup
  • Citrus

Essential Ingredients & Tools for Making a Dirty Soda

One of the reasons dirty sodas got so popular is because they’re incredibly easy to make. Once you have the basics stocked, you can experiment with endless combinations and create your own signature drink at home. Here’s what you’ll need to get started. 

Core Ingredients

Every great dirty soda starts with a few key building blocks: a bubbly base, a creamy swirl and a boost of flavor.

Sodas:

  • Cola
  • Lemon-lime soda
  • Root beer
  • Cherry soda
  • Dr. Pepper-style soda

Syrups:

  • Vanilla
  • Coconut
  • Raspberry
  • Caramel
  • Chocolate

Creamers:

  • Half-and-half
  • Sweet cream
  • Coffee creamer
  • Coconut cream

Optional Add-Ins

Want to take your drink from basic to bold? These extras let you customize your dirty soda exactly how you like it.

dirty soda with twizzlers straw

Tools You’ll Need

You’ll only need a few simple kitchen staples to make this delicious drink. No specialty bar tools required.

  • Tall glass
  • Plenty of ice
  • Stirring spoon or straw

How to Make a Dirty Soda

Now for the fun part. Making a dirty soda at home is surprisingly easy — it’s less about strict measurements and more about layering flavors you love.

Step 1: Fill the Glass with Ice

Start with a tall glass and pack it with ice for maximum chill.

fill glasses with ice

Step 2: Add a Soda Base

Pour your favorite soda over the ice, leaving a little room at the top.

pour soda in glass

Step 3: Mix in Flavored Syrup

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of your chosen syrup. Stir gently.

syrup poured in glass

Step 4: Add Cream or Creamer

Slowly pour in a splash of cream (about 1 to 2 tablespoons). Watch it swirl — that’s the magic moment.

creamer poured in glass

Step 5: Stir Gently and Garnish

Give it a light stir. Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon (or other add-in), if desired.

Pro Tip: If your drink tastes too sweet, add more citrus. If it’s too sharp, add a splash more cream. Dirty sodas are all about balance.

stir and garnish soda
twizzlers straws

Your Dirty Soda Sips Better with TWIZZLERS Straws 

Dirty soda isn’t just about what’s in the glass — it’s about the ritual. Pour your soda. Mix in your syrup, cream and add-ins. Sip through a TWIZZLERS Straw. Then bite, chew and repeat. 

Limited-edition TWIZZLERS Straws are specially crafted for the dirty soda trend, flavored with coconut, lime and vanilla to complement your drink. It’s not just a straw — it’s the tasty accessory that upgrades the entire experience. 

Get your pack at noon on 3/12 while supplies last!

Shop TWIZZLERS Straws

Dirty Soda Recipes to Try at Home

Ready to experiment? Once you’ve mastered the basic formula, it’s time to have some fun with flavor. These dirty soda recipes are a perfect place to start.

Classic Dirty Soda

Sweet, creamy and refreshing — it’s the original dirty soda.

You’ll Need:

  • Cola
  • Coconut syrup
  • Splash of cream
  • Lime juice

Hershey Twist: Toasted Coconut Dirty Soda


Enjoy the tropical vibes of this ALMOND JOY-inspired dirty soda.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Fill your cup with ice.
  2. Pour in 16 oz soda.
  3. Add 2 tbsp chocolate syrup and 1 oz vanilla syrup.
  4. Stir in 2 tbsp creamer.
  5. Finish with a TWIZZLERS straw.
dirty soda topped with whipped cream and a cherry

Dirty Dr Pepper-Style Soda

This one’s a fan favorite because of those Dr Pepper notes.

You’ll Need:

  • Dr Pepper-style soda
  • Coconut syrup
  • Splash of cream
  • Lime juice

Hershey Twist: Chocolate Cherry Dirty Soda

Rich, chocolatey and fruity, it’s a dessert-worthy dirty soda.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Fill your cup with ice.
  2. Pour in 16 oz soda.
  3. Add 2 tbsp chocolate syrup and 1 oz cherry syrup.
  4. Stir in 2 tbsp creamer.
  5. Finish with a TWIZZLERS straw.
dr pepper style dirty soda

How to Set Up a Dirty Soda Bar for a Party

A dirty soda bar is perfect for birthdays, sleepovers, showers or backyard barbecues. It’s interactive, customizable and guaranteed to get guests talking.

What to Include

  • Multiple soda bases
  • A variety of syrups
  • Creamers (including dairy-free options)
  • Citrus wedges and garnishes
  • Plenty of ice (bonus points for fun shapes!)

Setup Tips

  • Label each ingredient
  • Provide recipe cards or signature drink suggestions
  • Use clear dispensers and colorful cups
  • Offer TWIZZLERS Straws for a playful finishing touch
putting twizzlers straw in dirty soda

Elevate Your Experience with a TWIZZLERS Straw

A TWIZZLERS straw doesn’t just help you sip — it adds a bit of sweetness as you drink your dirty soda. And when you’re finished, you’ve got a chewy treat waiting.

Flavored with coconut, lime and vanilla, TWIZZLERS Straws were specially crafted to complement this soft drink. If you missed the drop, you can still enjoy the experience by using TWIZZLERS Twists Rainbow Candy as straws or by biting off the ends of any TWIZZLERS Twists Candy to make your own sweet straw. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dirty Sodas

Sip into the Dirty Soda Trend

Now that you know how to make a dirty soda at home, it’s time to start mixing. Whether you’re recreating a viral MomTok favorite, inventing your own flavor combo or setting up a full dirty soda bar, the possibilities are endless. Try one of these dirty soda recipes, grab some  TWIZZLERS Straws and turn your next sip into a flavorful experience. 

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