If you’ve never tried maple in a soda, trust me—this one’s going to surprise you. It’s bold, creamy, and has the perfect blend of sweetness from the maple and richness from half & half. I made this one afternoon when I had leftover maple syrup from breakfast, and now it’s a regular on my soda rotation. It’s super easy and feels a little fancy for something that takes under 5 minutes.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Pepsi (chilled)
- 1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons half & half
- A handful of clear ice cubes
Pro Tips
- Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The flavor is deeper and way better.
- Chill your Pepsi before using—no one likes a warm soda!
- Add the half & half last for that dreamy swirling effect.
- If you want more maple flavor, go up to 2 tablespoons.
- Use pebble ice or crushed ice if you have it—it melts slower and looks great.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tall glass
- Measuring spoons
- Small spoon for stirring
- Clear jars or plates for prep (optional)
Substitutions & Variations
- No half & half? Use whole milk or even a splash of heavy cream.
- No vanilla extract? Leave it out—it’s still great without it.
- Try it with Diet Pepsi or Coke if you prefer.
Make Ahead Tips
Not needed—this one’s best fresh. But you can pre-mix the maple syrup and vanilla to keep ready in the fridge!
Instructions
Step 1: Add ice and maple syrup to glass
Pour a handful of clear ice cubes into a tall glass. Then drizzle the maple syrup right over the top.
Step 2: Pour in the chilled Pepsi
Slowly pour the chilled Pepsi over the ice and maple. The bubbles will start rising as the soda hits the syrup.
Step 3: Add vanilla extract
Carefully add the vanilla extract. Just a little—it goes a long way!
Step 4: Pour in the half & half and stir
Pour in the half & half. It’ll swirl and make the prettiest clouds in the glass. Give it a quick stir to blend.
Step 5: Serve and sip!
That’s it. Add a straw, maybe a little maple drizzle on top if you’re feeling extra. Drink it fresh and enjoy every fizzy-creamy sip.
Makes
1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: none
Macros (estimated)
- Calories: 180
- Carbs: 34g
- Sugar: 31g
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Why I Love This Recipe ❤️
This soda hits that sweet spot between cozy and refreshing. I love making it in the fall, but honestly, it’s good any time you want a treat that feels special without a ton of effort.
- Maple + cola = amazing combo
- The swirling cream is just plain pretty
- You don’t need anything fancy—just a few ingredients
- It feels like a dessert in a glass
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The acidity in soda (carbonic acid) balances out the sweetness of the maple and condensed milk. The fat in the half & half helps mellow the sharpness of the soda, making everything taste richer and smoother. Vanilla gives it a rounded, almost dessert-like vibe.
Common Mistakes
- Using syrup with additives – it can taste fake. Go for the real stuff.
- Too much vanilla – overpowering. Stick to the tiny spoon!
- Flat soda – it won’t fizz properly or mix well.
What to Serve With
This goes great with:
- Warm chocolate chip cookies 🍪
- A slice of banana bread 🍌
- Spicy popcorn 🌶️
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Not really—Pepsi goes flat quick. Best to mix right before serving.
Can I use other sodas?
Yes! Coke or even root beer would work, but Pepsi gives it that deeper flavor.
Can I skip the vanilla?
Totally. It’s just a flavor booster.
Leftovers & Storage
No leftovers here—it’s a single-serve drink. But if you must, store in the fridge before adding the half & half to avoid curdling.
Wrap-Up
This maple twist dirty soda is your new secret weapon for an easy, cozy treat. If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know how it went—or tag me in your pics if you share it!
