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Dirty soda might be trending on TikTok now, but I’ve been waiting in soda shop drive-thru lines for years to get my Dirty Dr Pepper fix. It’s the perfect mix of fizzy Dr Pepper, coconut syrup, half and half, and fresh lime – sweet, tropical, and totally addictive. Now I skip the line and make this at home when the craving hits.
Why I Love Dirty Dr Pepper (and You Will Too!)
I first discovered the Dirty Dr Pepper at Swig when it opened in Provo, Utah back in 2013. It was love at first sip! It’s a non-alcoholic drink made from the unlikely pairing of Dr Pepper, coconut syrup, half and half, and lime juice. Flavors that you wouldn’t expect to mesh actually taste refreshingly delicious.
This drink is the perfect sweet treat, especially when served over pebble ice with a fresh lime wedge. Now you can skip the drive-thru and make this soda shop favorite at home with our easy recipe. If you love Swig-style drinks, don’t miss another one of my favorites: the Raspberry Dream Soda!
🩷 Kelsey
Key Ingredients
- Dr Pepper: You can use regular, Diet Dr Pepper, Dr Pepper Zero or Caffeine-Free Dr Pepper.
- Coconut Syrup: Torani Coconut Syrup is ideal for flavoring drinks.
- Lime: Fresh lime is ideal, but a splash of bottled lime juice will work in a pinch.
- Half and Half: This is literally the cream on top of an already flavorful drink.
How to Make a Dirty Dr Pepper
- Fill glass 2/3 full of pebble ice.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over ice.
- Add coconut syrup to taste.
- Pour a cold can of Dr Pepper over ice.
- Stir to blend the flavorings.
- Top with half and half.
Recipe Variations
- You can stir the half and half throughout the drink, or let it rest on the top and gradually filter through as you sip your soda as pictu.
- You can substitute any cola drink for the Dr Pepper. Coke or Pepsi products whether they are diet, zero, or caffeine free – all work great.
- To limit sugar in this drink, use a diet soda along with sugar-free coconut flavoring syrup.
- If you don’t have access to pebbled ice, you can use crushed ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The history goes way back, but the important piece is this– Any time something is added to soda, it becomes “dirty” whether it’s syrup, heavy cream, or fruit puree.
No, Dirty Dr Pepper is completely alcohol-free. It’s made with soda, flavored syrup, lime juice, and half-and-half. It’s perfect for all ages!
Absolutely! I recommend mixing the Dr Pepper, lime juice, and coconut in a large pitcher. When serving, fill individual glasses with ice, add the soda, then top with the half a half.
You can use any brand of coconut syrup, but Torani is my favorite. Make sure to use a coconut flavoring syrup, not coconut cream or extract.
Yes! Diet Dr Pepper or Dr Pepper Zero are great low-sugar options. The flavor is still delicious when combined with the flavorings.
More Soda Shop Drinks to Make at Home
Ready to sip on something sweet and refreshing? Give this Dirty Dr Pepper recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments. 🥤
If you’re a fan of Swig, be sure to check out our Swig Sugar Cookie recipe!
Dirty Dr Pepper (Soda Shop Copycat)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Dr Pepper (or Diet Dr Pepper)
- 1 tablespoon coconut flavoring syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1-2 tablespoons half and half
- pebble or crushed ice
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass two thirds full with pebble ice.
- Add fresh lime juice.
- Add coconut syrup to the ice.
- Pour Dr Pepper over the ice and flavorings and stir.
- Slowly add in half and half, starting with 1 tablespoon. Add more to taste.
Notes
- Any cola beverage (diet, zero, or caffeine free) works great with these flavorings.
- Be sure to use coconut flavoring syrup, not coconut cream or coconut extract.
- For a classic Swig treat, serve your Dirty Dr Pepper with a Swig Cookie!
I sure I’d like this, but it’s really good! I used a little cream and I garnished with limes.