Why the “TSLOMW” Cast Loves Jessi Draper’s Favorite Dirty Soda at Swig

Forget Don Draper; it’s the other Draper that piques my interest. Jessi Draper from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives recently shared her favorite dirty soda on Tasty.

Person sipping iced coffee through a straw, wearing a casual button-up shirt, with strawberries and a peanut butter sandwich nearby

But back up, what is dirty soda?

Dirty soda, originating in Utah around 2010, is a delightful mix of fountain sodas with flavored syrups, coffee creamer, and various other fun ingredients.

Close-up of a hand pouring syrup into a tall glass of iced coffee. Strawberries are nearby on a table. Text: "English toffee syrup."

The drink emerged as a creative solution for Utah’s large population of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As these members typically abstain from alcohol, coffee, and tea, soft drinks become their indulgence, giving rise to the dirty soda phenomenon.

National awareness of dirty soda has grown recently, primarily fueled by viral TikToks and episodes from TSLOMW, showcasing the popular Utah chain, Swig.

Two women holding colorful drinks with straws, standing in front of Swig-themed decor, smiling and interacting

Last year, I explored New York’s first dedicated dirty soda shop, Cool Sips, which opened in 2024. In the wake of this trend, brands like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Mug have rolled out dirty soda-inspired drinks. Chains like McDonald’s and Taco Bell have also been experimenting with including dirty soda in their offers.

Limited edition Twizzlers Straws in coconut, lime, and vanilla flavors, packaging shows a drink with a lime slice — Adriana Chavez

But back to Jessi’s creation. Her version features Dr. Pepper, coffee creamer, and a mix of intriguing syrup flavors. I had to give it a try.

Close-up of a bubbly iced drink in a glass labeled "Jessi's Dirty Soda."

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create Jessi’s dirty soda:

Dr. Pepper Diet can, Chobani vanilla coffee creamer, Torani English toffee syrup, and Torani strawberry syrup bottles on a countertop — Adriana Chavez

STEP 1: Add crushed ice to a glass.

A clear glass jar filled halfway with ice, placed on a marble surface — Adriana Chavez

STEP 2: Add Dr. Pepper

Adriana Chavez

STEP 3: Add the toffee syrup (use a capful).

Hand pouring liquid from a bottle cap into a glass jar filled with iced cola — Adriana Chavez

STEP 4: Add strawberry syrup (another capful).

Hand holding a small cap pouring liquid into a jar filled with ice and dark beverage on a marble surface — Adriana Chavez

STEP 5: Add vanilla creamer.

Cream being poured into a glass jar of iced coffee — Adriana Chavez

STEP 6: Mix thoroughly, sip, and adjust to your taste.

Adriana Chavez

I added a little extra strawberry syrup and adjusted the creamer until I reached the desired hue matching Jessi’s drink.

So, how did it taste?

My review: I enjoyed this drink far more than I anticipated. While the ingredient combination may seem odd at first glance, each element harmonizes beautifully in flavor. Although I found it challenging to detect distinct tastes, the vanilla creamer was prominent. Adding more syrup could have increased sweetness, but with the combination I tried, the result resembled a Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bar, akin to a root beer float.

Iced dirty soda in a glass jar on a marble surface — Adriana Chavez

Note: The cream in dirty soda may separate slightly. A quick stir can easily blend it again.

Hand stirring iced coffee in a mason jar with a metal straw — Adriana Chavez

While a regular soda might still be my go-to at home, I would definitely consider ordering this when visiting Cool Sips, or if Jessi ever invites me out to Swig (I won’t even request complimentary services at JZ Styles).

Person holding iced coffee in front of a laptop screen displaying a woman speaking in a video — Adriana Chavez

Have you ever tried dirty soda? Share your impressions in the comments!

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Key Takeaways

Dirty soda is a unique blend of soda, flavored syrups, and coffee creamer.
It originated in Utah to cater to those who abstain from alcohol and coffee.
Social media has amplified its popularity in recent times.
Well-known brands are starting to incorporate dirty soda flavors into their products.
Experimenting at home can lead to delightful, personalized creations.

FAQ

What is dirty soda?

Dirty soda is a combination of fountain sodas mixed with flavored syrups and coffee creamer, originating in Utah.

How did dirty soda become popular?

Its popularity surged through social media and television, particularly through shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Can I make dirty soda at home?

Absolutely! You can easily create your own version using your preferred soda and flavorings.

What flavors work well in dirty soda?

Popular flavors include toffee, strawberry, and vanilla, but you can experiment with any syrups you like.

Conclusion

Dirty soda is an innovative drink that has gained traction thanks to its sweet customizable experience and vibrant flavors. Whether you’re new to it or a seasoned fan, it’s worth the try!