This Campfire Cola Dirty Soda is cold, sweet, fizzy, and just a little bit smoky in the best way. It’s like your favorite soda got a cozy upgrade!
The combo of cola, toasted marshmallow syrup, and a splash of cream sounds weird at first—but it’s totally addicting. Think of it like your favorite campfire s’more but in drink form.
Why I Love This Recipe
This drink started as something I tried at a local soda shop—and I was hooked. I kept going back just to order it. So I made a version at home, and honestly… it’s even better.
- It’s ready in minutes with no cooking.
- The flavor is like roasted marshmallows + soda + cream = perfection.
- It’s super fun to make for movie nights or when friends come over.
- You can tweak it to make it more creamy, more limey, more sweet—whatever you like.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup chilled Coca-Cola (regular or zero)
- 1 tablespoon toasted marshmallow syrup (like Torani)
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half or heavy cream
- ½ fresh lime, squeezed
- Crushed ice (about 1 cup)
- Optional: extra lime wedge and toasted marshmallow drizzle on top
Tools You’ll Need
- Tall glass (16 oz works best)
- Long spoon or straw for stirring
- Citrus squeezer or your hands
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for syrup
Servings & Time
Makes: 1 drink
Time: 5 minutes
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass ahead of time for an extra frosty drink.
- Use crushed ice, not cubed—it mixes better and feels more like a soda shop drink.
- Stir gently at the end to get the swirl effect from the cream.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup.
- For a stronger lime flavor, rub the lime wedge around the rim of the glass before squeezing.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use Diet Coke, Coke Zero, or even Dr. Pepper for a twist.
- Sub half-and-half with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Try vanilla or coconut syrup instead of toasted marshmallow.
- Add a splash of club soda for more fizz.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can mix the syrup, lime, and cream together ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just add ice and cola when ready to serve.
How to Make Campfire Cola Dirty Soda
Step 1: Fill Your Glass with Crushed Ice
Add 1 cup crushed ice to a tall glass, filling it almost all the way. This keeps the drink extra cold and helps all the flavors blend smoothly.
Step 2: Add Cola
Pour 1 cup of chilled Coca-Cola slowly over the crushed ice in your glass. Let it fizz up—watching the bubbles rise is part of the fun!
Step 3: Add Toasted Marshmallow Syrup
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of syrup into the glass. It’ll sink to the bottom at first—that’s totally normal. You’ll stir it all together later.
Step 4: Squeeze in Fresh Lime
Squeeze the juice from ½ lime directly into the glass. For extra tartness, you can drop the wedge in too.
Step 5: Pour in Cream
Slowly pour 2 tablespoons of half-and-half into the glass. You’ll see it swirl through the soda and ice—it looks super cool and adds a creamy finish.
Step 6: Stir Gently and Garnish
Give the drink a gentle stir with a spoon or straw to swirl the cream. Finish with an optional lime wedge on the rim or a light drizzle of syrup on top if you want a little extra flair.
Leftovers and Storage
This drink is best made fresh. If you need to prep ahead, keep the mix (minus ice and cola) in the fridge and pour over ice and soda when ready.
Macros Information (Per serving)
These are approximate and can vary based on exact products used.
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The acidity of the cola and lime cuts through the sweetness of the syrup, while the cream smooths everything out. The carbonation lifts the flavors and spreads them evenly, making every sip taste rich but refreshing. The syrup adds depth with that toasted, almost smoky vibe that mimics real campfire treats.
Common Mistakes
- Using warm soda: It melts the ice too fast and ruins the fizz.
- Over-stirring: Mix just enough to swirl the cream or it’ll look muddy.
- Using too much syrup: It can get overly sweet really fast.
- Skipping the lime: The citrus balances everything out—you’ll miss it!
What to Serve With
- Popcorn or kettle corn
- BBQ sliders or pulled pork sandwiches
- S’mores bars or cookies
- Grilled hot dogs or sausages
FAQ
Can I use diet soda?
Yep! Diet Coke or Coke Zero works great.
Is this drink super sweet?
It’s sweet, but the lime helps balance it. You can use less syrup if you like it lighter.
Can I make a big batch?
It’s best made one glass at a time so the fizz doesn’t fade, but you can prep the syrup, cream, and lime mix ahead.
Is there caffeine in this?
Yes, from the cola. You can use caffeine-free soda if needed.
Final Thoughts
Campfire Cola Dirty Soda is the kind of drink that surprises you—in the best way. It’s cozy, fizzy, creamy, and totally crave-worthy. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Try it out and let me know how you liked it. Leave a comment if you have any questions or fun twists you added!
