Okay, so you’re either already obsessed with dirty soda—or about to be. This Cinnamon Roll Dirty Soda tastes like someone dropped a cinnamon roll in cream soda… and it somehow became the best idea ever.
It’s sweet, a little creamy, fizzy, with warm cinnamon vibes all the way through. And the best part? It takes like 5 minutes to make. No joke.
Perfect for movie nights, cozy weekends, or just when you need a treat that feels extra (but is secretly super easy).
Why I Love This Recipe
So, this came from my obsession with all things cinnamon rolls. I wanted that cozy, creamy, spiced flavor—but in drink form. One day, I had leftover cinnamon syrup from making lattes, and thought, What if this went in soda? It turned into a warm, fizzy surprise.
- Takes less than 5 minutes
- Uses stuff I already had in the fridge
- Tastes like dessert in a cup
- You can totally make it your own
- Everyone who tries it ends up asking for the recipe
What You’ll Need
- 1 can (12 oz) cream soda, chilled
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon syrup (like Torani or homemade)
- Crushed ice
- Optional: whipped cream, ground cinnamon, cinnamon stick for garnish
Servings & Time
Serves: 1
Time: 5 minutes
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Fill your glass with crushed ice
Fill your tall glass almost to the top with crushed ice. This keeps everything chilled and helps the cream swirl beautifully later
Step 2: Pour in 1 tablespoon of cinnamon syrup
Drizzle the 1 tablespoon cinnamon syrup right over the ice. It’ll slowly slide between the ice chunks and pool at the bottom. Smells amazing already
Step 3: Pour in 12 oz cream soda
Crack open 1 can (12 oz) cream soda and pour it slowly over the ice and syrup. You’ll see a little fizzy action, and the cinnamon will start to mix in.
Step 4: Add 2 tablespoons of half-and-half
Here’s the magic moment. Slowly pour 2 tablespoons half-and-half into the soda. It’ll swirl and cloud up beautifully. Don’t stir yet—watch the show.
Step 5: Top with whipped cream and cinnamon (optional)
If you’re going all out, top with a swirl of whipped cream, a pinch of cinnamon, and pop in a cinnamon stick. Total coffee shop vibes.
Pro Tips
- Pour the half-and-half slowly to get that pretty swirl before it mixes
- If your cinnamon syrup is homemade, make sure it’s cooled before using
- Chill your glass ahead of time for an extra cold drink
- Use a glass with enough height so the creamy layer doesn’t overflow
- Add the syrup before the soda—it blends better that way
Tools You’ll Need
- Tall clear glass
- Spoon for stirring (if needed)
- Tablespoon
- Can opener (if your soda isn’t a pop-top)
- Small dish for garnishes (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap half-and-half with oat milk or almond creamer
- Use vanilla syrup instead of cinnamon for a sweeter, milder flavor
- Try root beer or Dr. Pepper instead of cream soda for a twist
- Add cold brew for a “dirty coffee soda” vibe
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the cinnamon syrup and half-and-half ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just give it a good shake before using.
Leftovers & Storage
Honestly, this isn’t a leftovers kind of drink. Once you pour it, drink it fresh. If you must save it, keep the base (without ice or cream) in the fridge for a few hours and add the dairy and ice later.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cream soda has a vanilla base, which pairs perfectly with the warm spice of cinnamon syrup. The half-and-half adds fat, which smooths out the sweetness and gives you that “baked good” richness. The carbonation lifts it all up so it doesn’t feel heavy.
Common Mistakes
- Using warm soda: It’ll melt the ice too fast
- Pouring the dairy too fast: You’ll miss the swirl and it might curdle
- Too much syrup: Makes the drink overly sweet and throws off balance
- Not enough ice: The cream won’t float as nicely
What to Serve With
- Warm cinnamon rolls (duh)
- French toast or pancakes
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Movie snacks like popcorn or pretzels
- Soft sugar cookies
FAQ
Can I make it without dairy?
Yes! Use oat milk, coconut cream, or any plant-based creamer.
Do I have to use cinnamon syrup?
It’s the star, but you can sub in vanilla or brown sugar syrup if you’re out.
Can I use regular ice?
Sure, but crushed ice works better for texture and mixing.
Is it supposed to be stirred?
Up to you! Some people like the layers, others stir it all together.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Dirty Soda is one of those “how is this so good?” kind of drinks. Simple, cozy, creamy, fizzy—it’s a total treat. Give it a shot and let me know how you made it your own! Drop a comment and tell me what twist you tried or if you have any questions.
