Dirty Soda with Cherry Vanilla

I have a secret, I love soda! I know, it’s not very “crunchy” or healthy of me. So I’ll be the first to admit that it’s definitely a guilty pleasure. I love the flavor combo of cherry vanilla, and paired with a dirty soda, it becomes one of my favorite drinks!

This cherry vanilla dirty soda is inspired by a trip that my family and I took to Utah last summer. Utah is known for having tons of different soda shops that specialize in different flavor combinations and syrups. In fact, we went to a soda shop while we were in Utah and it didn’t disappoint!

I also craved dirty sodas in the second trimester with one of my daughter’s! I remember thinking about how refreshing a dirty soda would be, and then making one for myself and sometimes my family too! This was in the peak of summer, so I was feeling extra thirsty for a fun, refreshing drink.

What is a Dirty Soda?

A dirty soda is made up of three main ingredients: soda (or some other type of carbonated beverage), a cream or half and half, and flavored syrup(s). Combine these three ingredients together and you get a dirty soda!

Why Are Dirty Sodas So Popular?

While I recognize that dirty sodas are popular because they are considered to be trendy right now, I think that they can definitely be considered timeless because of how customizable they are. Unless you really don’t like soda or any other carbonated beverage, there’s bound to be a dirty soda combination that you’ll like.

The Origin of Dirty Sodas

Adding different flavors to sodas is nothing new and we all know that the soda companies are always innovating and creating new sodas with unique flavors. However, the term “dirty soda” actually comes from the Mormons or The Church of the Latter Day Saints (LDS). People who are LDS can’t have warm beverages like tea or coffee, so soda is pretty popular in their community.

In fact, Utah is the state with the most Swigs, a popular chain soda shop.

What Does a Dirty Soda Taste Like?

A dirty soda tastes sweet and creamy, think like an ice cream float. The overall flavor profile varies depending on what soda you use as a base and what syrups you add in.

This particular recipe tastes like a creamy cherry cola!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how customizable this recipe is. For example, let’s say you don’t want so much sugar in your dirty soda, you can use a soda like Poppi- doc pop instead of regular Dr. Pepper. Additionally, you can decide how much cherry syrup you want and the overall creaminess too!

Also, I love how effortless it is! Seriously, it only takes a few minutes to put together, which is certainly helpful for us busy moms and parents.

Ingredient Variations

Instead of Dr. Pepper use Poppi-doc pop.

Don’t have cherry syrup? Try strawberry or raspberry syrup.

Try vanilla coffee creamer if you don’t have half and half.

Equipment Needed

Measuring cups and spoons

A spoon or straw (for stirring)

A glass that’s around 16 ounces

Straw (optional)

Ingredients for Dirty Soda

12 fl oz can of Poppi- doc pop (you can use Dr. Pepper if you don’t have Poppi)

1-3 tablespoons of cherry syrup

2-3 tablespoons of half and half

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Ice (can be cubed or crushed)- optional

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Dirty Soda

First, add desired amount of ice to a 16 oz cup.

Then pour can of soda into the glass over the ice if using ice.

Next, slowly add in the cherry syrup, vanilla, and half and half.

Finally, stir gently to combine and enjoy your dirty soda!

How to Store

I highly recommend drinking your dirty soda right away and then making a new one if need be. The reason for this is because the half and half will separate from the soda and the soda will loose its fizz.

Feel free to prep ahead though. If you are making your own cherry syrup, you can prep that ahead of time and add your vanilla extract to it. Cherry syrup stays good in the fridge for about 2 weeks.

Lastly, if you must store your dirty soda, do so in the fridge and be sure to give it a good, but gentile stir and add some more ice to revive it again!

FAQ’s (Common Questions) for Cherry Vanilla Dirty Soda

Can I use a different soda instead of Dr. Pepper or Poppi-Doc Pop? Yes! You definitely can! You could try Pepsi, Coke, or even Poppi-Classic Cola.

What if the half and half soda seem to be separating? This is something that commonly happens, but don’t worry! Just give it a good stir and you’ll be good to go.

What if I don’t have half and half? You can use another dairy or non-dairy alternative. Some examples of what you could use are: whole milk, heavy cream, oat milk creamer, or even coconut cream.

Will the cream curdle? Probably not, especially if your soda is cold and fresh. I would suggest avoid using citrusy sodas.

Is this drink kid friendly? Yes, but keep in mind that some sodas have caffeine, so consider using a caffeine-free soda if making it for a kid.

Can I make a big batch? I would, again, just recommend prepping the cherry syrup first. You could buy your soda in bulk and have a pitcher of it. Then have guests add in desired amounts of half and half and cherry vanilla syrup.

Can I use store-bought cherry syrup? Of course! You can choose what cherry syrup you want to add.

Can I make it dairy-free? For sure! Use whatever plant based milk or creamer that you want! Just keep in mind that some plant based milks can separate a bit more in sodas.

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Poppi- Doc Pop

I love using Poppi as an alternative to Dr. Pepper because it has way less sugar and prebiotics! Of course, the flavor won’t quite be the same, but it’s still a good alternative.

Make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out!

Check out my Cortisol Cocktail Recipe with Blueberries for another fun drink recipe!