Thanks to the popularity of TikTok trends and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, it feels like there’s a dirty soda shop on every corner in Phoenix lately. While that’s not quite true, plenty of new ones have opened and we don’t see the popularity waning.
For those who remember the first wave of shops gracing Mesa and Gilbert nearly eight years ago, you know this isn’t a new concept. But now that dirty sodas have become Instagram famous, everyone is talking about the simple act of mixing cream and syrup into an every-day commercial cola.
The drink originated in Utah, created mainly for members of religious communities looking to abstain from alcohol and coffee. The drink quickly spread beyond any religious and geographical bounds thanks to social media. Add the popularity of the beverage to a city where triple-digit temperatures are the norm each summer, and these customizable, refreshing sodas are likely here to stay.
What is Dirty Soda
At its core, a dirty soda is surprisingly simple. The base is a classic soda of your choice be that Dr. Pepper, Coke, Sprite, and so on. Then syrups and cream get added to the mix, though you won’t always find dairy in it. In essence, think about what you might add to a coffee drink, and add sub the java for Pepsi or Mountain Dew instead. While it might sound sickly sweet from the description, it can work really well.
Most dirty soda shops will have dozens of pre-designed blends, and the options can seem overwhelming at first. Your best bet is to start with your preferred soda, and go from there. Once you get the hang of it, you can even make your own concoction, with most dirty soda shops offering the option to build your own drink.
The Phoenix Expansion
Though the dirty soda craze started in Utah, Arizona quickly became a second hub. Since 2018, several shops have popped up throughout the Valley. Like in Salt Lake City, greater Phoenix has its fair share of communities who abstain from alcohol and coffee. Add Phoenix’s suburban sprawl and desert heat, and these often-drive-through establishments serving up refreshing, fun drinks were sure to be a hit.
Where to Sip
Swig
Swig is the original dirty soda spot and frequented by the cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives in Utah. To most, Swig has become the gold standard of this drink phenomenon. Start with the Texas Tab, a hit for dirty soda newbies and long-time fans alike thanks to the combo of Dr. Pepper, vanilla, and coconut cream. Swig is also the only dirty soda chain to have locations across the Valley, from Surprise to Gilbert. Multiple locations, swig.com
Fiiz Drinks
Fiiz Drinks has had a few locations pop up in the Valley over the years, but today just the Gilbert one remains. This particular chain stands out thanks to an extensive menu with over 100 items. Luckily, the menu showcases the drinks by soda, so if you know you want Mountain Dew, it’s easy to pick out the options.
If it’s your first time, keep it simple by going with a tried-and-true favorite like the Butterbrew Soda with Coke and butterscotch. Or, try a fruity alternative such as the Berry Fuzzy Peach with Sprite, blackberry, and peach. 1717 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, fiizdrinks.com
Sodalicious
If there’s any chain that can stand up to Swig’s name, it’s Sodalicious. This friendly rivalry started back in Utah but has been revived in greater Phoenix. No matter which drink you get, the flavors at Sodalicious will be loud and proud, in the best way. You’ll taste the Mountain Dew, orange, and mango in the popular 2nd Wife drink. Or maybe you want to be cheeky with the Dr. Pepper, coconut, and blackberry blend called Your Mom. 1245 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, mysodalicious.com
Sodarush!
While Swig migrated down to Arizona from Utah, Sodarush! was born and bred in the Grand Canyon State. The family-owned business has a welcoming, slightly retro vibe, and dozens of dirty soda options. The Dr. Pepper-based options are the ones drawing the crowds here, like the raspberry and coconut cream mixture in Devil’s Dream, and the coconut and fresh lime combo in The Pedro. Multiple locations, sodarush.com
