Dirty Sodas: An Alcohol-Free Twist to New Year's Resolutions

The new year is upon us, and for many that means new year’s resolutions are being made. A lot of people use this time to implement healthier habits into their routine. These may include exercising more, eating a healthier diet, saving money, or even cutting back on alcohol. If a “dry January” is on the books for you, you may be looking for a satisfying alternative to the alcoholic mixed drinks you used to enjoy. Lucky for you, a new-ish trend of dirty sodas might just check all the boxes – offering a delicious way to sip on something fun, without you know… the whole getting drunk thing.

Dirty sodas aren’t exactly new. They’ve been delighting fans for over a decade now. But thanks to some viral moments on TikTok, an influential Instagram post from pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, and that (we can’t look away) Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, these customizable, fizzy creations are having their big moment in the pop culture spotlight.

What Exactly Are Dirty Sodas?

When I first heard the name dirty sodas, I instantly thought they must be sodas with alcohol in them, assuming the “dirty” meant they would make you inebriated in some way. But oh boy was I wrong! Dirty sodas are just like your favorite soda pop, but with a playful, creative (and non-alcoholic) twist!

They start with a base soda, typically cola, lemon lime soda, root beer, Dr. Pepper, or even Mountain Dew, and then they get “dirtied up” with a splash of cream, flavored syrups, real fruit juice, and even fruit purées. One of the earliest versions – and some say the “original” dirty soda – is a Diet Coke, with a splash of lime juice, some coconut syrup, and a splash of half-and-half or coffee creamer.

Now, I know a lot of you may be a little weirded-out by mixing cream in with your soft drinks. But let me remind you that the root beer float exists, and it is delicious! A dirty soda’s inclusion of cream is sort of like a root beer float where the ice cream has all melted. It’s still quite tasty, but I get why some may get unsettled by the idea.

I heard of “pilk” (Pepsi mixed with milk) many years ago, and I thought it was just an internet gross-out thing, but it really exists, and many people genuinely enjoy it. Pepsi even did a commercial with Lindsay Lohan in 2022 saying that Santa Claus would enjoy pilk and cookies. And hey, if Santa’s in, we might really be missing out on something here!

Where Did Dirty Sodas Originate?

While Italian sodas — sparkling water mixed with flavored syrups — have been around since 1925 in San Francisco, dirty sodas are a uniquely modern twist. The term “dirty soda” was coined by Nicole Tanner, the founder of Swig, a wildly popular soda shop chain. This trend took root in Utah, where a significant portion of the population belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose religious practices often exclude alcohol, and hot beverages like coffee, and tea.

In 2010, Tanner opened the very first Swig location in St. George, Utah, offering creative soda combinations that quickly became a huge hit. The dirty soda concept of mixing soda with flavored syrups, cream, and other fun add-ins has sparked a major movement on social media apps like TikTok.

Today, Swig has expanded to over 95 locations across 15 states, inspiring competitors like Sodalicious, and Floso, and even influencing national fast-food chains like Sonic Drive-In to introduce their own versions of the popular drinks. Coffee Mate creamer has even thrown their hat into the ring, by releasing its own lime and coconut cream that is meant to be mixed with Dr. Pepper.

The appeal of dirty sodas is wildly undeniable – they're fun, infinitely customizable, and a refreshing alternative to alcoholic beverages. While their rise in popularity may have begun in Utah, they’re capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of soda lovers nationwide.

Going Alcohol-Free This New Year?

Choosing to skip the booze doesn’t just mean dodging hangovers (although, let’s be honest, that’s a huge win in and of itself). Cutting alcohol from your diet has been shown to offer numerous health benefits. It can improve sleep, boost energy, reduce your calorie intake, and even enhance mental clarity. Plus, it’s easier on your wallet, which is something we can all appreciate after the holiday season!

Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General called for a cancer warning label to be added to alcoholic beverages. Although the proposal is unlikely to make it past Congress, the conversation has sparked a renewed focus on the potential health risks of alcohol. As awareness grows, more people are seeking out fun, alcohol-free alternatives, like dirty sodas, to satisfy their cravings for something flavorful and indulgent.

In October of 2024, Yelp data showed that searches for “non-alcoholic drinks” had increased by 64%, and “mocktail” by 21% compared to the year prior. This rising interest signals a shift in societal trends and a booming demand for creative alternatives to beer, wine, and liquor.

Unleash Your Inner Creativity with These Dirty Soda Recipes!

Dirty sodas are all about customization, and the possibilities here are virtually endless! With Redstone Foods’ incredible selection of glass-bottled craft sodas, you can take your dirty soda game to the next level. From classic flavors to the unexpected, our wide variety opens up a world of infinite combinations!

Imagine pairing a citrusy soda with a splash of chamoy sauce for a tangy twist or mixing a cherry cola with coconut cream and lime for a tropical vibe. You could even be like Dua Lipa and mix pickle and jalapeño juice into your Diet Coke, if you want to go a little crazy with your drink concoction!

Redstone’s lineup includes plenty of unique options like cucumber soda, prickly pear soda, huckleberry soda, and even hot pepper soda, giving you the freedom to get as creative as you dare. Whether you like your drinks sweet, tangy, or a little spicy, these dirty soda recipes are your blank canvas to a world of unlimited flavor possibilities!

Chocolate Cream Delight

Turn your soda into a dessert-worthy indulgence! Mix Jones Cream Soda with a drizzle of Hershey’s chocolate syrup and a splash of whipped cream. Stir until frothy and top it off with chocolate shavings and a dollop of whipped topping. This soda is like a chocolate cream pie in a glass. Rich, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying!

Pineapple Cucumber Cooler

Don’t knock it until you try it! Combine the crisp, refreshing flavor of Lester’s Fixins Cucumber Soda with a splash of pineapple juice and a touch of coconut cream for a tropical twist. This drink is light, bright, and delightfully unexpected – perfect for those who love experimenting with weird flavor combos.

Toasty Caramel Cola

Take your cola to the next level with the sweet, cozy flavors of toasted marshmallow syrup and a splash of caramel syrup. Stir these into Rocket Fizz’s Cock Cola, add a swirl of creamer, and enjoy a drink that’s reminiscent of campfire s’mores, but with a bubbly soda kick! It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and utterly unique.

Blissful Butterbeer

Bring the magic of the wizarding world to your glass! Mix Indian Wells Root Beer with a splash of butterscotch syrup and a dollop of vanilla creamer to create your own butterbeer-inspired soda. It’s sweet, creamy, and a guaranteed hit with Harry Potter fans and root beer lovers alike!

Fiery Mangolada

Dare to take your soda to the spicy side? Combine the intense heat of Rocket Fizz’s Nevada Reaper Soda with mango or guava juice and a drizzle of chamoy sauce for a sweet-and-spicy explosion of flavor. Rim your glass with Tajín seasoning for an added kick of tangy spice. This drink (sometimes called a mangolada) balances fiery heat with tropical sweetness, creating a drink that’s adventurous, bold, and irresistibly fun!

Get Creative with Glass Bottle Craft Sodas from Redstone Foods!

With nearly 600 different craft soda beverages to choose from at Redstone Foods, the flavor possibilities are endless. Our lineup of craft sodas are made with real cane sugar – not high fructose corn syrup – which offers a cleaner, more authentic taste compared to those mass-produced sodas found everywhere.

Choosing craft sodas means enjoying unique, premium flavors while sipping better-quality beverages. Whether you stick to these recipes or let your imagination run wild, crafting your own dirty soda creations is a fun and delicious way to elevate your drink game. Cheers to creativity in every sip!

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