Dirty sodas are quickly gaining traction on beverage menus nationwide. These trendy drinks are easy to make and packed with flavor, allowing them to take over menus across the country. From their early roots in the Western United States to their popularization on social media platforms, dirty sodas are at the forefront of many foodservice operators' minds. We'll outline what a dirty soda is and how to make one so you can give your menu a boost.
What Is a Dirty Soda?
A dirty soda is a sweet beverage that primarily consists of soda, flavoring syrup, and cream. They were popularized in Utah in the 2010s as an alternative beverage, as many in the region abstain from drinking alcohol and coffee. Because these drinks feature minimal ingredients and are simple to make, they lend themselves to ample customization and variations, providing a great opportunity for chefs and mixologists to showcase their creativity. In the early 2020s, the drink was popularized on TikTok, which took it from a regional staple to a mainstream sensation. Today, they can be found on menus across the country and are being adopted by a host of independent restaurants and chains alike.
Dirty Soda Recipe
A standard dirty soda is easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients or equipment. We've created a unique spin on the beverage, the Deep Sea Dirty Soda, and included the recipe below for your convenience. This vibrant, eye-catching beverage is a standout addition to any summer menu, designed to shark-bait your customers.
Yield: 1 dirty soda
Total time: 5 minutes
Dirty Soda Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp. Bossen strawberry bursting boba
- 1 Tbsp. Capora blue raspberry flavoring syrup
- 1/2 tsp. blue cocktail shimmer
- Albanese blue gummi sharks
- Lemon lime soda
Instructions
- In a glass, combine heavy cream, cocktail shimmer, and blue raspberry flavoring syrup.
- Using a frother, whip cold foam to incorporate flavoring syrup and shimmer.
- Add boba to disposable plastic cold cup, then refill the remainder of the glass with ice.
- Fill the glass 3/4 of the way with lemon lime soda.
- Top drink with cold foam mixture.
- Add a boba straw and garnish with gummy shark.
Dirty Soda FAQ
Even though it's not difficult to make a dirty soda, there is still plenty to learn about them. We'll outline the most frequently asked questions about the topic so you're prepared to make great-tasting beverages on your first try.
What Is a Dirty Soda Bar?
A dirty soda bar is a specialized establishment that sells dirty sodas and similar beverages. They are most prominent in Utah, particularly Salt Lake City, as an alternative to traditional bars, breweries, or coffee shops.
What Makes a Dirty Soda Dirty?
The primary ingredients that make a dirty soda dirty are cream and flavoring syrup. These add additional texture, thickness, and flavor that elevate a standard soda beyond what it typically is, leading to the "dirty" name. Additional mix-ins, like different types of boba, fresh fruit, and garnishes, can also contribute to what makes a dirty soda dirty.
What Cream Is Used for Dirty Soda?
Traditionally, a dirty soda is made using heavy cream or half-and-half. Exactly which option you choose depends on the level of thickness you're looking for. Standard half-and-half creates a balanced, creamy mouthfeel, while heavy cream adds a richer texture, similar to a milkshake. For vegan or dairy-free customers, you can also use plant-based creamer.
How Many Calories Are in a Dirty Soda?
Generally speaking, a dirty soda contains anywhere between 250 and 500 calories in a standard serving. The exact nutritional value and calorie count of your dirty soda will vary depending on which ingredients you use and how much is being served at once.
No matter if you're looking for a way to shake up your menu or just want to experiment with new drink recipes, dirty soda is an excellent addition to your beverage selection. With a thick texture and sweet flavor, these drinks are easy to make and easier to customize. Whether you're using our recipe or creating your own, featuring a dirty soda on your menu will immediately attract attention.
Over his 5+ years with WebstaurantStore, Jason has spent countless hours learning, researching, and writing about the foodservice industry. With expertise in technical topics, he takes pride in helping customers and readers understand everything from troubleshooting their equipment to the fundamentals of starting a business.
Learn more about this author and WebstaurantStore's Content Writing Team here!
