Dirty Soda Recipes

Almond Joy Dirty Soda

Millie Pham

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Servings: 1 large drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Hey there, soda lovers!

Okay, this one’s ridiculously good. If you’ve never had a dirty soda before, it’s basically soda + creamy, sweet flavors that totally change your drink into a dessert in a cup. And this version? Think Almond Joy candy bar, but fizzy, icy, and sippable. Root beer + almond syrup + coconut cream + chocolate drizzle. I make this when I want something fun and sweet but don’t feel like baking a whole dessert. It’s creamy, chocolatey, nutty, fizzy, and honestly kind of addictive.

You’ll love how easy it is, and how fancy it feels without any fancy equipment.

Almond Joy Dirty Soda this for later!

Why I Love This Recipe

Okay, real talk. I love this recipe because:

  • I grew up sneaking Almond Joy bars from the Halloween stash and this hits all those flavors perfectly.
  • It feels like a treat from a soda shop but takes like 5 minutes.
  • No blender, no cooking, just pour and stir.
  • It’s fun to customize—use Diet Root Beer, leave out the chocolate, add extra coconut, whatever you’re feeling.
Almond Joy Dirty Soda

What You’ll Need

  • 12 oz chilled root beer (I love A&W or Barq’s)
  • 1 tbsp almond syrup (I use Torani or Monin)
  • 2 tbsp coconut cream (from a can—thicker than coconut milk)
  • Chocolate syrup (Hershey’s or Ghirardelli) for drizzling
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: whipped cream, extra coconut flakes, or almonds for garnish
a 12 oz glass bottle of root beer, an open bottle of almond syrup, a small bowl of thick coconut cream, a squeeze bottle of chocolate syrup, and a bowl of ice cubes, all arranged neatly on white marble counters with hints of gold

Pro Tips

✔️ Chill your root beer ahead of time so the ice doesn’t melt too fast.
✔️ Use thick coconut cream (not coconut milk) for the dreamiest texture.
✔️ Drizzle the chocolate syrup on the glass before pouring the soda for the prettiest swirls.
✔️ Give it a gentle stir to keep the layers, not a crazy mix.
✔️ Play around with syrups—hazelnut, vanilla, or caramel would be amazing too.

Tools You’ll Need

  • 1 tall glass
  • Spoon or reusable straw for stirring
  • Measuring spoons
  • Ice cube tray (or bag of ice)

Substitutions & Variations

  • Root Beer: Swap for Coke or Dr. Pepper for a twist.
  • Almond Syrup: Try hazelnut or vanilla syrup instead.
  • Coconut Cream: Sub with half & half if you don’t like coconut.
  • Chocolate Syrup: Leave it out or swap for caramel.

Make Ahead Tips

You can pre-drizzle the glass with chocolate and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving. Assemble the rest fresh!

Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

  • The almond syrup adds nutty sweetness that plays perfectly with root beer’s vanilla + spice flavors.
  • Coconut cream is thick and fatty, which balances the fizzy acidity of the soda and creates that creamy texture.
  • Chocolate syrup melts slightly in the cold soda, giving a little bittersweet edge to all the sweetness.

Common Mistakes

❌ Pouring coconut cream in too fast—this makes it curdle. Go slow.
❌ Using warm soda—it melts the ice and ruins the refreshing vibe.
❌ Overmixing—you want creamy swirls, not a flat muddy drink.

What to Serve With

  • Popcorn with sea salt
  • Chocolate chip cookies
  • Grilled cheese for a sweet + salty vibe
  • Pretzel sticks dipped in Nutella

FAQ

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yup! Just make sure your chocolate syrup is dairy-free and you’re good.

Does this taste like a milkshake?
Nope, it’s lighter and fizzy, but it feels creamy.

Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream?
You can, but it won’t be as thick or rich.

🍫 How to Make Almond Joy Dirty Soda

Step 1: Drizzle the Chocolate Syrup

Take your tall glass and drizzle chocolate syrup around the inside, letting it drip down in swirls.

a tall glass being drizzled inside with thick chocolate syrup, the syrup slowly dripping down the sides in dark swirls

Step 2: Add Ice

Fill the glass with ice cubes almost to the top.

ice cubes being added to the chocolate-drizzled glass, the cold ice contrasting with the dark syrup on the glass walls

Step 3: Pour the Root Beer

Slowly pour in the chilled root beer until the glass is about 3/4 full, letting it fizz up a little.

chilled root beer being poured into the ice-filled, chocolate-drizzled glass, showing fizzy bubbles rising and mixing with the chocolate swirls

Step 4: Add the Almond Syrup

Measure and pour the almond syrup right over the root beer. It will blend into the soda with a little cloudiness.

almond syrup being poured into the root beer-filled, chocolate-drizzled glass, almond syrup making light swirls in the soda

Step 5: Float the Coconut Cream

Spoon the coconut cream gently on top so it floats and slowly sinks down through the soda.

thick coconut cream being spooned onto the surface of the root beer mixture, forming creamy swirls and layers in the glass

Step 6: Stir Gently and Serve

Give it a light stir so you still see the swirls, pop in a straw, and enjoy.

the completed Almond Joy Dirty Soda with creamy coconut swirls, chocolate drizzle, and fizzy root beer, topped with a striped straw

Leftovers & Storage

This drink’s best fresh! If you must store it, cover and refrigerate it for up to 1 hour. But know the fizz will fade.

Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 260
Protein: 1g
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 42g
Sugar: 38g

Go Make It!

Alright, your turn. Go make this Almond Joy Dirty Soda and tell me in the comments how you like it! Did you make any swaps? Have questions? I’d love to hear how it turned out.

About

Millie Pham

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!