How Olivia Rodrigo Brought National Attention To 'Dirty Sodas'

While a dirty soda sounds like something you would order at a bar, it's actually a non-alcoholic beverage that has ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (via The New York Times). In 2012, the church clarified that the health code specifically prohibits hot caffeinated drinks, not caffeine in general. This revelation sparked a movement of caffeinated soda consumption in Utah, where nearly 62% of residents belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (via The Salt Lake Tribune). Soda-shop chains like Swig, which popped onto the scene in 2010, became a destination for afternoon pick-me-ups. Sodas are made "dirty" when the shops add "flavored syrups, fruit purées and dairy products like creamer and half-and-half," according to The New York Times. Although this combination may sound similar to an Italian soda, dirty sodas are much more customizable.

Deseret News cites "dirty Diet Coke" as the first dirty soda to become popular and writes that it's a combination of Diet Coke, "coconut syrup, fresh lime, and a splash of half-and-half." Sort of like a Cuba Libre, but sweeter and non-alcoholic. Unsurprisingly, over-the-top sodas like the dirty Diet Coke have gone viral on TikTok, which some people may credit to Olivia Rodrigo.