Midnight Malibu Dirty Soda

I stumbled onto this drink combination during a late night gaming session when my roommate mixed random things from our fridge. The blackberry coconut swirl against Dr Pepper looked like a galaxy in a glass and tasted even better. Now it is my go to when friends drop by unexpectedly or I need a little midnight luxury without leaving the house.

Last summer I made these for my book club and everyone abandoned their wine glasses within minutes. Watching people hover around the kitchen counter asking for the recipe was hilarious. Now someone requests them every single time we meet and I have learned to triple the ingredients.

Ingredients

• Dr Pepper: The cherry vanilla notes in Dr Pepper work magic with coconut cream unlike any other soda I have tried
• Blackberry syrup: Homemade syrup gives the brightest flavor but store bought works perfectly fine when you are in a rush
• Coconut cream: Use the thick cream from the top of a chilled can not the thin coconut milk meant for curries
• Vanilla extract: This little touch bridges the gap between the fruity syrup and creamy coconut layer
• Ice: Plenty of ice is non negotiable because it keeps the layers distinct and the drink perfectly cold

Instructions

Prep your glass:

Fill a tall glass to the top with ice cubes because you want everything layered and chilled from the start

Add the base:

Pour your cold Dr Pepper over the ice until it is about three quarters full leaving room for the cream on top

Sweeten it up:

Drizzle in the blackberry syrup and watch it create these beautiful purple streaks through the dark soda

Make the cream:

Whisk the coconut cream and vanilla together in a small cup until it is completely smooth

Create the layers:

Pour the coconut mixture slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats on top instead of mixing in immediately

Give it a swirl:

Stir gently once with a straw to marble everything together then drink it right away

Save

This drink became my signature after I served it at a small birthday gathering and the birthday girl asked for three refills. There is something about watching people take that first curious sip and seeing their eyes light up that never gets old.

Soda Swap Outs

Root beer creates an entirely different vibe that tastes like a fancy float from my childhood. Cola works but it loses some of the fruity magic that makes this recipe special.

Syrup Experiments

Raspberry syrup steps in beautifully when blackberry is not available and gives a slightly brighter punch. Peach syrup turns this into a creamsicle situation that surprised me with how good it tasted.

Serving Ideas

Fresh blackberries on top make it look like you put way more effort into this than you actually did. A sprig of mint adds a nice contrast against the sweet creamy flavors and makes the whole drink feel intentional.

• Chill your glasses in the freezer for ten minutes for that extra fancy touch
• Use clear glasses so everyone can see the gorgeous marbled effect before stirring
• Double the recipe right away because people will want seconds

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about a fancy looking drink that takes almost no effort to make. Cheers to midnight treats.

Recipe Q&A

→ What makes this 'dirty soda' special?

The 'dirty' refers to the addition of creamy coconut cream that floats on top, creating beautiful swirls when stirred. The combination of fruity syrup with creamy topping over soda creates a layered, indulgent experience similar to popular dirty soda shops.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

For best results, assemble immediately before serving. The soda will lose its carbonation over time, and the beautiful marbled effect works best when freshly poured. However, you can pre-measure your syrups and coconut cream in advance.

→ What other sodas work well?

Cola provides a classic caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with coconut. Root beer adds warm vanilla notes that complement the blackberry. Cherry or cream soda can also work for varying sweetness levels and flavor profiles.

→ Is this suitable for dietary restrictions?

Yes! Using pure coconut cream and vegan-friendly blackberry syrup makes this completely dairy-free and vegan. It's naturally gluten-free and works for vegetarian diets. Always check labels on store-bought syrups to confirm.

→ How do I get the perfect marbled effect?

The key is pouring slowly and in layers. First the ice, then soda three-quarters full, followed by drizzling the blackberry syrup. Finally, gently pour the coconut cream mixture over the back of a spoon to help it float. Stir only once before enjoying to create swirls.

→ Can I make homemade blackberry syrup?

Absolutely! Simmer fresh or frozen blackberries with equal parts sugar and water until reduced by half. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and let cool completely. Homemade syrup often has a more intense fruit flavor than store-bought versions.