Dirty Cream Soda Recipe

Dirty soda is having its a moment, and it’s easy to see why. Sweet, fizzy, and very customizable. It takes the nostalgic idea of soda and gives it a grown-up twist (with the added rum in our version lol). This Dirty Cream Soda recipe leans into that trend with a creamy, homemade base that’s enhanced with Rodelle Gourmet Pure Vanilla Extract and a hint of Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa. The combination creates a flavor that’s a bit elevated, like the cream sodas you loved as a kid, but with a touch of indulgence. 

At the heart of this dirty cream soda recipe drink is the classic cream soda profile: smooth vanilla and sweet, milky richness. By using Rodelle’s Gourmet Pure Vanilla Extract, you get a flavor that’s full, aromatic, and layered.  Rodelle’s vanilla extract has a warm, comforting depth that stands out against the fizzy soda base. Then comes the cocoa! A mere teaspoon of Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa adds a subtle chocolatey undertone, giving the drink a mocha-like twist that balances beautifully with the vanilla creaminess. 

Of course, the “dirty” element comes from a splash of rum. The rum blends seamlessly into the drink, enhancing the cocoa and vanilla while adding a mellow warmth. For a refreshing adult cocktail, you can top your cream base with soda water, cola, or even a citrus soda for a unique spin. If you’d rather keep it kid-friendly, simply skip the rum and enjoy it as a mocktail cream soda that’s just as fun and delicious. 

What makes this dirty soda trend recipe so versatile is how customizable it is! Serve it in a tall glass over ice for a fizzy afternoon pick-me-up, or mix up a batch for a party where both kids and adults can enjoy their own versions. You can even play around with toppings, think whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a cherry on top for a nostalgic soda-shop feel. 

This Dirty Cream Soda is more than just a trendy drink. It’s a playful nod to the past, a refreshing treat for the present, and a reminder that even the simplest flavors, vanilla, cocoa, cream, and bubbles, can feel exciting again! 

  • Easy
  • 65 mins
  • 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 ½ heavy cream (568 g) 
  • 1 cup sugar, granulated (198 g) 
  • ½ tsp kosher salt (2.5 g) 
  • 1 Rodelle vanilla bean (5g) 
  • 1 tbs Rodelle Gourmet Pure Vanilla Extract (14 g)  
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder (2.5 g) 
  • 2 tbs blackstrap molasses (43 g) 
  • 1 oz spiced Rum (28 g) 
  • 4 oz bubbles, soda/seltzer (113 g)
Uses
Occasions
Directions
  1. Heat cream, sugar, and a seeded vanilla bean on the stove. Let milk and sugar thicken slightly, and vanilla infuse into the milk. Remove from the heat and all at once, add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, molasses, whisk, and chill 
  2. Once the cream base is cooled. Scale and rum and select bubbles of choice, soda water is recommended to highlight the vanilla flavor.  
  3. Using a pint glass, fill with ice, add rum, 3-4 oz dirty cream, and gently stir. Top with bubbles for a nice thick foam to form and enjoy 

Tip: This makes a large batch of dirty cream soda base. Feel free to use it in other creative ways, like iced coffee or black tea. It would be best to use it within 10-12 days, per the cream expiration date.

This recipe was prepared by Morgan Osborne for Rodelle, part of ADM's culinary team.