Dunkin’ has embraced the quirky “dirty soda” trend, debuting a unique fizzy and creamy beverage that features a special Rhode Island twist. This new offering blends Pepsi with coffee milk, giving it a distinctive flavor profile that’s unlike anything else on their menu.
According to a news release, Dunkin’ describes this innovative drink as featuring a “coffee-forward finish reminiscent of the Dunkalatte.”
Originating in Rhode Island during the 1930s, coffee milk became a beloved staple, particularly among Italian American communities. This drink was created to stretch limited coffee supplies and has since been adopted into Rhode Island culture, becoming the state drink in 1993.
What is dirty soda?
Dirty soda originated in Utah, becoming a popular sweet treat among those who abstain from caffeine and alcohol. The trend took off with the establishment of Swig in 2010, which grew into a chain with numerous locations.
Its rise in pop culture began in 2021 when singer Olivia Rodrigo shared a picture of herself with a Swig drink on Instagram, leading to a surge of related content on TikTok.
The trend gained further traction when it appeared on the reality show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” inspiring a wave of dirty soda shops nationwide. Major chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Red Robin have since joined the movement, and now Dunkin’ is adding its own spin to this popular drink.
Dunkin’s new Dirty Soda consists of Pepsi, coffee milk, and cold foam.
Along with its Dirty Soda, Dunkin’ unveiled new refreshers, Oreo drinks, and Coffee Chillers on April 29.
A look at the other new Dunkin’ menu items
Dunkin’ Refreshers:
The latest addition to the Dunkin’ Refresher lineup is Black Cherry, touted as “sweet, tart, and juicy” with a vibrant flavor perfect for the season. Here’s a closer look at the new Cherry offerings:
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Cherry Lime Rickey Refresher: Black Cherry flavor paired with new Limeade for a “crisp, sweet-tart finish.”
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Cherry Daydream Refresher: Black Cherry flavor combined with creamy oatmilk and topped with Sweet Cold Foam for a “smooth, dreamy sip.”
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Very Cherry Daydream Refresher: A “bolder” Cherry-flavored Daydream Refresher with toasted almond notes.
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Cherry Protein Daydream Refresher: Black Cherry flavor blended with protein milk and topped with Sweet Cold Foam.
Customers can now also choose Limeade as their base for Refreshers.
Dunkin’ released a lineup of Black Cherry Refreshers.
Dunkin’ Oreo Lineup:
Dunkin’ has also introduced a limited-time selection of espresso, matcha, and frozen beverages infused with Oreo cookies for a delightful summer treat:
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Oreo Cloud Latte: Espresso and whole milk blended with chocolate-cookie swirl, topped with Marshmallow Cold Foam and Oreo cookie crumbles.
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Oreo Matcha: Matcha latte combined with whole milk and vanilla flavor, finished with velvety Marshmallow Cold Foam and Oreo cookie crumbles.
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Oreo Coolatta: Vanilla Bean Coolatta blended with Oreo cookie crumbles for a refreshing cookie treat.
Dunkin’ introduced several Oreo beverages during its April 29 menu update.
Dunkin’ Coffee Chillers:
The new Coffee Chiller is a revamped frozen coffee that boasts a “smooth, creamy and bold taste.” This drink can be customized with any dairy base and flavor options, offering a delightful twist.
Featured flavors include the Oreo Coffee Chiller, Caramel Creme Coffee Chiller, and the Triple Mocha Coffee Chiller.
Fruit Punch Donuts:
Lastly, Dunkin’ has introduced the Fruit Punch Donut and Fruit Punch Munchkins (donut holes) in this menu update:
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Fruit Punch Donut: A classic yeast donut glazed with fruit punch-flavored icing and sprinkled with a fruit punch blend.
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Fruit Punch Munchkins: Blueberry cake Munchkins coated in a fruity sprinkle blend.
Key Takeaways
- Dunkin’s new Dirty Soda combines Pepsi with coffee milk and cold foam.
- The drink is inspired by the growing “dirty soda” trend first popularized in Utah.
- A range of new Black Cherry Refreshers has been unveiled, perfect for seasonal enjoyment.
- Dunkin’ has expanded its menu with Oreo-infused beverages and summer-inspired drinks.
- Fruit Punch-themed donuts and Munchkins add a vibrant twist to the dessert selections.
FAQ
What is dirty soda?
Dirty soda is a fizzy beverage made by mixing soda with flavorings and sometimes other ingredients like cream, with roots in the soda shops of Utah.
What is coffee milk?
Coffee milk is a beverage made by mixing milk with coffee syrup, a specialty that originated in Rhode Island during the 1930s.
Can I customize Dunkin’ drinks?
Yes, Dunkin’ offers many customizable options for their drinks, including different bases and flavor add-ins.
Are the new beverages available year-round?
Some of the new items, such as the Oreo drinks and Dirty Soda, are available for a limited time only.
Alex Kuffner of The Providence Journal and Gabe Hauari of USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: New Dunkin’ ‘dirty soda’ pairs Pepsi with RI state drink, coffee milk
