Dirty Diet Coke is simple, fast, and way more interesting than a plain soda. A splash of citrus and a hint of cherry give Diet Coke a little extra zip without making it overly sweet. It takes about 30 seconds to throw it together, and works just as well for an afternoon pick-me-up as it does for serving friends. You’ll have a hard time going back to regular Diet Coke after this!
This recipe is more of a formula than a rule. Once you’ve made it, it’s easy to adjust based on what you have on hand, or who you’re serving. Combine different sodas with different syrups, and the variations are truly endless!
This recipe makes 1 serving. Just for you. No one else. Go hide somewhere with a lock on the door and enjoy.
Ingredients Needed
- coconut syrup – I ordered mine from Amazon, but you can find them in most stores.
- crushed ice
- fresh lime
- Diet Coke
- half and half – technically optional, but not really in my opinion!
How to Make a Dirty Diet Coke
This is a simple overview of the recipe, you’ll find a full printable recipe below!
- Add coconut syrup to a large glass and fill halfway with crushed ice.
- Squeeze fresh lime over the ice and drop the limes into the glass.
- Pour in Diet Coke, add a splash of half-and-half if using, and give it a quick stir.
Our Best Tips & Variation Ideas
- Use cold ingredients. Make sure your soda and lime are cold; it keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Add a garnish: a fresh mint sprig and a few maraschino cherries add a nice touch.
- Crushed ice is best: Smaller ice chills faster and helps mix the syrup and lime flavor more evenly without watering it down too fast.
- Fresh lime only: Fresh lime juice adds sharp citrus brightness that really lifts the drink; bottled lime won’t give it anywhere near the same pop.
- Adjust to taste: If the coconut flavor is too sweet, add a little extra lime or use less syrup; if you want it sweeter, a tiny splash of more syrup will do the trick.
- Variations: This recipe is more of a formula, and can be mixed up so many different ways using different sodas and syrups. Here are just a few favorites!
- Dr. Pepper + coconut syrup + cream
- Diet Coke + raspberry + lime
- Sprite + coconut + lime
Frequently Asked Questions
We don’t recommend it. Avoid if you can, it won’t have that same bright kick.
We’d recommend getting a mixture of syrups and sodas, some small cubed ice, half-and-half (or other creamers), and letting people go to town with their favorite concoctions for a dirty soda bar.
Dirty Diet Coke
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut syrup
- crushed ice
- 1/2 lime cut the lime into quarters and use 2 quarters
- 12 ounces Diet Coke
- 1-2 tablespoons half and half optional
Instructions
- Pour the coconut syrup into the bottom of a 24-ounce glass. Fill it about halfway full with crushed ice.
- Squeeze the lime quarters over the ice and drop them into the glass so the rind is touching the ice. Pour the Diet Coke over the spent limes.
- If desired, add a splash of half and half. Add a straw to stir and serve.
Questions & Reviews
My day will not be complete until I have one of these! Thank you for introducing me to a new obsession.
YOU ARE MY NEW BFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh shoot, now I am going to have to make one of these today…and then probably tomorrow and maybe every single Summer’s day after that!! Thanks for feeding my addiction 🙂
I’ve been craving one of these for weeks and I couldn’t find coconut syrup anywhere. Since I live in texas and no one understands that I don’t drink everyone I asked tried to sell me pina colada mix. Then I saw your4th of July post that said you can get them at world market– totally made my week! I’m going to try one now!
The pina colada mix that I got at my local grocery store is non alcoholic. I think I might try that in my diet Pepsi today at lunch. 😀
To make an adult version: Use Coconut-flavored Rum (Malibu). It’s delish!
I like the splash of half and half! I’m gonna have to try this with Dr Pepper and *gasp* coconut rum (I’m NOT a Mormon girl so I have a wider range of vices). Thanks for sharing your recipe, it seems simple enough to make up my own, but I like having a guideline for proportions. 🙂
I saw this posted on facebook. You had me at ‘diet coke’ buuuttttt…. I had visions of adult enhancement. I wonder how I could make this an adult cocktail.
Add coconut rum instead of coconut syrup!
I cannot wait to try this! Diet Coke and I have been fast friends for over half my life, and I’m excited to find a new way to enjoy!
I’m not trying to be a party pooper……but, the original Swig has trademarked the “dirty” name…..
I agree!!! I was bugged by this too.
Well then, as long as she doesn’t open a dingy drive-in, bake sub-par sugar cookies and try to make a profit off these she should be fine. Although, I’d like to see that trademark. I’ve heard of drinks being “dirty” for years. “Dirty martini” ring a bell?
I agree with Chelsea. And since Dr. Pepper and Coke have their own trademark, they wouldn’t be able to trademark the name “Dirty Dr. Pepper” or “Dirty Diet Coke”. There is also a dirty cappuccino. So I’m pretty sure they didn’t come up with the term.
This Mormon girl goes one step wilder – drinking “Scotch and Soda” – Put 2 tablespoons of Vanilla syrup (but who really measures)in bottom of cup, fill cup with ice, pour in 7-up or Sprite, squeeze a couple of lemon wedges on top and throw them in the cup. Stir for a great tasting non-alcoholic, fun sounding treat without the “stigma” of caffeine. Tastes great with all sugar-free ingredients.