Dirty Soda: A TikTok Trend to Try with Your Kids

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Don’t Knock It Till You Try It

What’s A Dirty Soda?

Time to Dive In & Discover This Viral TikTok Drink with Your Kids

This trendy treat, endorsed by pop star Mia Thompson, is sure to earn you some serious cool points.

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: Sep. 6, 2022

In December 2021, Mia Thompson used her driver’s license (IYKYK) to drive to a Utah soda shop called Swig, unintentionally sparking a viral TikTok sensation with her introduction of the dirty soda. Despite its name, you might expect it to contain alcohol, but surprise! This drink is 100% kid-friendly (although the sugar rush from the extra sweeteners is unavoidable). Whether you’ve stumbled upon the countless recipes while scrolling online or your aspiring TikTok star has been begging you for flavored syrups, you’re probably intrigued by the latest beverage fad.

The good news is that dirty sodas are simple to create and perfect for some weekend kitchen fun with the kids. They’re highly customizable, with core ingredients including soda, cream or half-and-half, and flavored syrups. This adaptability has made them popular among teens and those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages—they’re essentially mixed drinks without the booze.

When Mia shared a snapshot of herself holding a Swig cup on social media, the internet’s love affair with dirty sodas began. However, the concept has been around for quite some time, especially in regions like Utah, where a significant portion of the population identifies with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This community generally avoids hot drinks (like coffee and tea) and alcohol, but they can enjoy caffeinated sodas, resulting in an enthusiasm for innovative soda flavors.

How Long Have Dirty Sodas Been Around?

The origins of dirty soda are somewhat debated. The foundational recipe resembles that of an egg cream, which dates back to the 1880s. However, the modern version gained traction in the 2010s when clarity about caffeine consumption among LDS members emerged. Since then, the soda culture in Utah has flourished, and thanks to TikTok, dirty sodas are becoming a nationwide phenomenon.

Leading the charge is Swig, a soda chain established in Saint George, Utah, in 2010. Its strong social media presence has not only raised awareness about dirty sodas but also allowed people without access to these specialty drinks to share their own recipes online.

What’s in a Dirty Soda?

A basic dirty soda typically includes:

  • Cola
  • A splash of chilled coffee creamer
  • Flavored syrup (often something fruity, like coconut)
  • Ice
  • Fresh lime juice

As showcased on TikTok, the combinations are virtually limitless. You might find versions that use half-and-half, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, diet sodas, and any flavor you can dream up—part of the fun is experimenting like a mad scientist! It’s no wonder kids are excited about this trend. If you decide to create dirty sodas at home, challenge your kids to come up with the wildest combinations they can think of and then rank them as a family. Will all creations be tasty? Probably not, but it promises to be a memorable evening together.

How Do You Make a Dirty Soda at Home?

After your kids finish their concoctions, try a guaranteed winner, like Swig’s Butterbeer inspired soda:

  • A glass of root beer
  • 1-2 pumps of Torani Butterscotch Syrup
  • 1-2 pumps of Vanilla Cream
  • Pebble ice

Mix well, serve it cold, and enjoy your dirty soda while watching a Harry Potter movie marathon! Whatever flavor you choose, make sure to blast Mia Thompson’s latest hits in the kitchen to help score those cool points with your teens.

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In summary, dirty sodas are a fun and creative drink trend that brings joy to families, especially kids. These customizable beverages are easy to make at home and provide a unique bonding experience in the kitchen.