For the Best Diet Coke, Drink It the Utah Way

Even though I don’t like alcohol, the world of mixed drinks intrigues me. The ingredients, the shaking, the garnishes—I do love a recipe, after all. I’m not satisfied with a plain seltzer—I want something fun, too!

This interest led me on a quest through the world of "dirty sodas,” which have all the allure of a mixed drink despite not having any alcohol. Dirty sodas hail from Utah, and are soft drinks mixed with syrups, creamers, and/or purées.

Utah-based chain Swig is credited with the creation of this drink, which is popular with the state’s Mormon community, who don’t drink alcohol or coffee.

I love Diet Coke, so my ears perked up when I heard about dirty Diet Coke. To make this dirty soda, you open a Diet Coke, pour the soda over ice, and mix in lime, coconut syrup, and sometimes a splash of half and half or coconut cream.

One sip, and I was sold!

Why I Love Dirty Diet Coke 

While Diet Coke is already great on its own, dirty Diet Coke is a different kind of experience. I love that adding coconut and lime makes the soda taste like a tropical getaway.

Diet Coke doesn't have a specific flavor, so when you add coconut and lime, they bring a bright, recognizable fruit flavor to the soda. The acidity of the citrus balances out the sweetness of the soda and syrup, making this carbonated beverage even more refreshing.

Dirty soda is an intentionally non-alcoholic drink, and it’s also easier to make than many other mocktails that may require a homemade syrup, mixers, and an expensive non-alcoholic spirit.

If an easy, breezy non-alcoholic drink with island vibes checks all the boxes, this Coke's for you.

How To Make a Dirty Diet Coke

• Ice: Dirty sodas are typically made with pebble ice—find molds on Amazon or invest in a fancy countertop pebble ice maker.
• Lime: For the best taste, use fresh lime rather than store-bought lime juice or lime syrup—and don’t forget to add a wedge (or wheel) to your drink.
• Coconut syrup: I use Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Sugar-Free Coconut Syrup (don't mind the name). Torani and Monin also make coconut syrup. Try TJ Maxx if you can’t find the syrups at your grocery store.

Stir a squeeze of lime and a teaspoon of coconut syrup into your soda, then taste and add more based on your taste. I use a tablespoon of syrup in a 16-ounce glass of Diet Coke.

This hack isn’t limited to only Diet Coke; try making a Dirty Dr Pepper or Diet Pepsi!