Making a dirty soda is less about following a recipe than it is about assembling the soda, syrup, cream (or creamer) and other add-ins to your own taste. But this is a good place to start. And if you do feel like breaking the rules and adding a shot of vodka or other spirits, we promise not to tell.

Classic Dirty Soda

Although its history is lost to time, this is believed to be the original dirty soda, and the model for all to come.

INGREDIENTS

8 oz Diet or Regular Coca Cola

1.5 tsp fresh lime juice

2 tsp coconut syrup

1 to 2 Tbsp cream (heavy or light, as you prefer) or non-dairy creamer

Optional garnish: lime wheel

METHOD

Pour soda into a glass filled with ice (preferably nugget ice), then add the rest of the ingredients and stir. If you like, garnish with a lime wheel and serve with a straw. Serves 1.

VARIATIONS

Orange Creamsicle:
• Orange soda
• Orange syrup
• Vanilla syrup
• Cream or creamer
• Optional garnish: ½ orange wheel

Strawberries and Cream:
• Cream soda
• Strawberry syrup
• Cream or creamer
• Optional garnish: fresh strawberry slices

Raspberry Lemon Fizz:
• Sprite
• Raspberry syrup
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Cream or creamer
• Optional garnish: lemon slice

Coconut Cream Pie:
• Root beer
• Coconut syrup
• Cream or creamer
• Garnish: whipped cream, shredded coconut

Chocolate Cherry
• Cherry cola
• Chocolate syrup
• Cream or creamer
• Optional garnish: maraschino cherry