Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz can of chilled Diet Coke or Dr Pepper (traditional) or Sprite (for a citrus version)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons coconut syrup (such as Torani or Monin)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
- Pebble ice (nugget ice is best, but crushed ice works too)
- Fresh lime slices for garnish
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Start with a large glass, preferably 16 to 20 ounces. Fill the glass to the very top with pebble ice. Using small ice is a signature part of the dirty soda experience because it chills the drink instantly and provides a great texture. If you do not have a nugget ice maker, you can pulse regular ice cubes in a blender for a few seconds until they are crushed.
- Squeeze the juice of half a fresh lime directly over the ice. Next, pour in the coconut syrup. For a standard sweetness, one tablespoon is usually enough, but feel free to add a second tablespoon if you prefer a stronger coconut flavor. Drop the spent lime shell into the glass for extra aroma and aesthetic appeal.
- Slowly pour your chilled soda of choice over the ice and syrup. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the glass for the cream. Watch the carbonation react with the syrup; it will create a beautiful layered look.
- This is the magic step. Pour the heavy cream or half-and-half directly over the top of the soda. You will see the cream swirl down through the dark soda, creating a marble effect. Do not stir too vigorously; a gentle swirl with a straw is all you need to incorporate the flavors while keeping the carbonation high.
- Top your drink with a fresh lime wheel and a maraschino cherry if you are feeling fancy. Serve immediately with a wide straw so you get a bit of the cream and the fizzy soda in every sip.
- Cook Time: 5 minutes