This summer trend is so hot — it’s ice cold. We’re talking about dirty sodas. No, dirty sodas aren’t the cans of cola that fell on the floor while you were stocking the garage fridge. Dirty sodas are essentially a mix of carbonated soda beverages, syrup flavorings (similar to those at your coffee shop or snow cone stand), and flavored coffee creamer. For those of you a little old school, think of it like a fancy Italian soda with flat cream, not whipped.
The drink was previously a regional favorite of the Utah area, popularized, in part, by the soda chain Swig Drinks. The chain recently skyrocketed to fame with the Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, explaining how dirty soda is essentially the iced coffee of the Mormon mom community. And whether you watch the show or not, we all could use a fancy soda right now.
Below are Portland- and Vancouver-area soda fountains, each with popular fan base and rave reviews to keep you cool. Pro tip: In addition to traditional dirty sodas, locations typically have soda without cream, too and many have options like lemonade, iced tea or energy drinks.
Fizz N Sip
Fizz N Sip is the self-described, “go-to spot for bubbliest sodas and sweet mix-ins” in Portland’s Overlook neighborhood. As a bonus, check out this spot’s partnerships with local fave Portland Syrups. Try the Tilikum Crossing (Sprite, passionfruit, citrus syrup, mint and lime).
Address: 2726 N Killingsworth Street
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-7 pm, Friday-Sunday, 11 am-8 pm. Note: Fizz and Sip is open May through September
Sippin’ Sweets Soda Shop
This brand new treat truck in Vancouver has what it takes to quench your thirst. Try a Cherry Pop, made with Pepsi, coconut, cherryand sweet cream. Pro tip: Take advantage of the special kids drink menu for $1.25.
Address: 1501 Ne 99th St., Vancouver
Hours: Daily from 10 am-7 pm
Over Ice
One of the OGs in the greater Portland soda scene, Over Ice opened in Battle Ground, Washington in June 2024. Try the Dr. Dough (Dr. Pepper, cheesecake flavoring, sweet cream, cookie dough Dippin’ Dots) or explore the “secret” menu choice, Adventure (Sprite, lemonade, peach, strawberry, vanilla cream and gummies sharks). The drink choices are extensive!
Address: 209 East Main Street, Suite 143, Battle Ground, WA
Hours: Open daily from 11 am-8 pm
Check out our reel of Over Ice!
Thirst Trap Soda Shack
The Thirst Trap Soda Shack features dirty sodas, plus crafted waters and kids’ drinks. Notable at this location is the large menu of both sugar-free sodas and syrups, and the wide variety of mix-ins, including fresh fruit and marshmallow fluff. Try a Mt St. Helens (water, fresh blueberries and blue raspberry). Even better: A 12-oz. drink starts at $1!
Address: 805 W. Main Street, Battle Ground, WA
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:30 am–6:30 pm and Sunday, noon-5 pm
Even More Places to Try a Dirty Soda
More businesses are jumping on the dirty soda bandwagon. While not strictly soda shops, these places below feature the trendy drink:
- Worldwide Delights: a newcomer at the food truck pod at Brooklyn Carreta, with dirty soda classics like Peach-o
- Burgerville: Enjoy your burger and fries with a beverage like the Cherry Seltzer with Cloud Cream (cherry compote from Oregon fruit and seltzer water, topped with cloud cream)
- Dutch Bros: now offering a full line of sparkling sodas like Double Rainbro (strawberry, peach and coconut) and choose from the many Dutch mixers like soft top or cream.
- KFC: Entering the dirty soda market is your well-known fried chicken vendor, KFC. Choose your favorite KFC fountain soda with vanilla sweet cream.