Dirty Soda Recipes

Cherry Swirl Dirty Soda

Millie Pham

If you haven’t tried dirty soda yet, you’re in for a treat!

It’s a fun, fizzy drink made with soda, cream, and flavorful syrups.

This Cherry Swirl Dirty Soda is a little nostalgic—like an old-school cherry float but even better.

The rich cherry flavor swirls beautifully into the creamy soda, giving you a perfect sip every time.

Kids love it, and honestly, adults do too!

Plus, it takes just a few minutes to make.

Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cola (Coca-Cola or your favorite brand)
  • 2 tbsp cherry syrup (like Torani or homemade)
  • ¼ cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra richness)
  • ½ cup crushed ice
  • 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Tools:

  • Tall glass
  • Spoon or straw for stirring
Cherry Swirl Dirty Soda

Pro Tips

Use crushed ice – It helps mix everything evenly and keeps the drink extra cold.
Swirl, don’t stir too much – You want those beautiful cherry streaks to stay visible.
Try vanilla cola – Adds an extra layer of flavor that’s amazing!
Make it dairy-free – Swap half-and-half for coconut milk or almond creamer.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Make it extra fruity – Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
  • Diet-friendly – Use diet cola and sugar-free cherry syrup.
  • Creamier option – Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half for an ultra-rich taste.

How to Make Cherry Swirl Dirty Soda

1. Fill the Glass with Ice

Pour ½ cup of crushed ice into a tall glass. This keeps the soda extra chilled and makes the flavors mix better.

Cherry Swirl Dirty Soda

2. Pour in the Cola

Slowly pour 1 cup of cola over the ice. Watch the fizz bubble up!

Cherry Swirl Dirty Soda

3. Add the Cherry Syrup

Drizzle 2 tbsp of cherry syrup over the cola. Don’t stir yet—you want to see that beautiful swirl effect!

Cherry Swirl Dirty Soda

4. Pour in the Half-and-Half

Gently pour ¼ cup of half-and-half into the drink. It will start swirling into the soda on its own.

Cherry Swirl Dirty Soda

5. Give It a Gentle Stir & Garnish

Use a spoon or straw to gently mix the drink, just enough to combine the flavors while keeping the swirls visible. Top with a maraschino cherry for the perfect finishing touch!

Cherry Swirl Dirty Soda

Leftovers & Storage

Dirty soda is best enjoyed fresh—the fizz fades if it sits too long. If you want to prep ahead, mix the cherry syrup and cola first, then add ice and cream when serving.

Time to Enjoy!

That’s it! You’ve just made a delicious, creamy, and refreshing Cherry Swirl Dirty Soda in minutes. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a fun treat for kids. Try it out and let me know in the comments—did you love it? Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear! ❤️🥤

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!