Apple Pie Dirty Soda is like fall in a cup. It’s creamy, fizzy, cold, sweet, and tastes just like your favorite apple pie with a little twist.
You can throw this together in under 5 minutes, and it’s the perfect drink for cozy nights, game day, or even brunch. I had this for the first time during a fall hayride and knew I had to make it at home.
Now it’s a staple when we want a quick treat that feels a little fancy but takes almost no effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
Okay, here’s why this drink has a permanent spot in my kitchen:
- Tastes just like apple pie but cold and bubbly.
- Takes less than 5 minutes to make, no baking required.
- You can adjust the sweetness and cinnamon to your taste.
- It’s a super fun drink to serve at fall parties or cozy nights at home.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup chilled apple soda (like Apple Fanta or Martinelli’s sparkling apple juice)
- 2 tablespoons half and half (cold)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1 tablespoon caramel syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers (for topping)
- Ice (enough to fill your cup)
- Optional: whipped cream
Pro Tips
✔️ Use cold soda straight from the fridge so the ice doesn’t melt too quickly.
✔️ Sprinkle cinnamon gently—it’s strong, and a little goes a long way.
✔️ Pour the cream slowly to keep those pretty swirls.
✔️ Stir gently if you want it mixed, or leave it layered for a pretty presentation.
✔️ Try adding a thin apple slice on top for a cute garnish.
Tools You’ll Need
- 1 tall glass
- Spoon or reusable straw for stirring
- Measuring spoons
- Ice cube tray or bag of ice
Substitutions & Variations
- Pepsi: Use Coke or root beer for a twist.
- Apple Syrup: Try caramel syrup for a caramel apple vibe.
- Sweet Cream: Sub with coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk.
- Cinnamon: Swap with apple pie spice for extra warmth.
Make Ahead Tips
You can pre-mix the sweet cream and cinnamon in a small jar and keep it chilled for up to 3 days. Build the drink fresh.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Apple syrup adds fruity sweetness that blends with Pepsi’s caramel notes.
- Cinnamon gives warmth that contrasts the cold fizz.
- Sweet cream softens the acidity of the soda and rounds out the flavors, making it feel like dessert.
Common Mistakes
❌ Pouring the cream too fast—it’ll curdle if you dump it in.
❌ Using room temp soda—it’ll melt the ice and taste flat.
❌ Over-sprinkling cinnamon—it can overpower the other flavors.
What to Serve With
- Warm apple muffins
- Cinnamon sugar pretzels
- BBQ pulled pork sliders
- Grilled cheese with sharp cheddar
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk instead of sweet cream.
Does this taste like apple cider?
Not really—it’s sweeter and fizzier with a cola base, but the apple-cinnamon combo gives it that cozy vibe.
Can I use Coke instead of Pepsi?
Definitely. Coke’s caramel flavor actually works great with apple and cinnamon.
🍏 How to Make Apple Pie Dirty Soda
Step 1: Fill the Glass with Ice
Add enough ice to fill a tall glass (about 1 to 1½ cups of ice cubes). The glass should feel chilled to the touch.
Step 2: Pour in the Apple Soda
Slowly pour 1 cup of chilled apple soda over the ice. Let it settle to show off the bubbles.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Caramel Syrups
Add 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup and 1 tablespoon caramel syrup directly into the glass. Let it swirl into the soda.
Step 4: Pour in Half and Half
Slowly pour 2 tablespoons of cold half and half into the glass. It should float and ripple through the soda, creating a creamy layer.
Step 5: Sprinkle in the Cinnamon
Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon evenly on top of the creamy layer.
Step 6: Top with Graham Crackers and Optional Whipped Cream
Sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers on top of the cinnamon. Add whipped cream if using.
Servings and Time
Makes: 1 serving
Total Time: 5 minutes
Macros Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 40g
- Sugar: 34g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The cold soda keeps the dairy from curdling, and pouring the cream slowly helps it layer instead of mix right away. Carbonation lifts the sweet syrup aromas, so you taste more vanilla and caramel in each sip. Cinnamon and graham cracker add warm spice and crunch to contrast the creamy soda.
Common Mistakes
- Pouring cream too fast: It mixes in too quickly and loses the layered look.
- Using warm soda: Makes the drink go flat and the cream can curdle.
- Overloading syrup: Makes the drink too sweet and drowns out the apple flavor.
- Skipping the graham cracker: You’ll miss out on that “pie crust” vibe.
What to Serve With
- Cinnamon sugar donuts
- Apple fritters
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Warm baked pretzels
- Bacon and egg breakfast burritos
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk or any non-dairy creamer.
Can I use apple cider instead of soda?
It won’t be fizzy, but yes—it will still be delicious, more like an iced latte!
What’s the best soda to use?
Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Juice, Apple Fanta, or any fizzy apple soda.
Can I make this ahead?
Not really. It’s best served fresh, right after mixing so the fizz doesn’t go flat.
Does it need to be stirred?
You can stir it if you like it mixed, but the layered look is half the fun.
