When Jordan Myrick first moved to California in high school, she was skeptical of the concept of dirty sodas. “It was a weird thing,” she recalled. However, her perception changed dramatically during a 2023 trip to Utah themed around “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.” At a local shop called Thirst, she tried a popular dirty soda combination: Dr Pepper mixed with coconut cream and raspberry syrup. Now, she’s eagerly hoping for a Thirst location to open in Los Angeles.
Dirty soda is a non-alcoholic beverage that blends soda with flavored creams, syrups, or fruits. These drinks are deeply rooted in Mormon culture in the Mountain West, where coffee and alcohol are prohibited. Recently, thanks to social media and the influence of Mormon mommy bloggers, as well as the reality television spotlight, dirty sodas have gained significant mainstream attention. Shops specializing in these drinks are also ambitiously expanding their reach.
Critics, however, raise concerns about the high sugar content and empty calories associated with these beverages. Frequent consumption of sugary sodas can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Yet, many soda shops and their enthusiasts advocate for healthier customization options, such as using sparkling water instead.
The cultural appeal of dirty sodas is highlighted in shows like Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” where a group of moms indulges in these drinks at Swig, the trademark holder of “dirty soda.” Cast member Layla Taylor candidly admits, “Six out of the seven days of the week, I’m having at least one 44-ounce soda. I’m probably only going to live to like 50, but it makes me happy.”
Social media has exploded with videos recreating the intricate orders popularized by these moms. One TikTok user even questioned whether Swig is the “Mormon Starbucks.”
Swig CEO Alex Dunn sees the comparison: “What we’re doing for soft drinks is somewhat akin to what Starbucks did for coffee. People were drinking soft drinks before Swig, but we’ve created a premium brand and experience around that.”
As dirty sodas continue to gain traction, their blend of nostalgia and innovation reflects a shifting landscape in beverage culture, inviting both excitement and scrutiny.
Related Topics
National Coffee Day: Biggby Coffee Offers Free Drinks and Exciting Prizes
Coffee Fellows Expands in Greater Houston with 4 New Locations
Mudhouse Coffee Roasters Set to Open New Location on King Street