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
Wow. This is great, but on one hand, I am sad to find out we have been driving through St. George for years and not known about Swig. Definitely on the list for next year. And second, I had to share this link with you, because I bet you like Sonic Ice: http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/house-and-home/my-very-own-nugget-ice-machine.html. On the Dream list!
Sara has one, too. I’m beyond jealous. It’s lucky we’re still friends. 🙂
We made this tonight with dinner and holy cow! This drink is ridiculous. We served it along with the curry chicken and pineapple salsa from Savoring the Seasons (accompanied with cilantro lime rice and steamed broccoli). It was the perfect summer dinner.
You have created a run on coconut syrup in Utah. I am on two waiting lists: I am number 151 at World Market (maybe mid August I’ll get some) and even farther down the line at Gygi’s in Salt Lake City. You wield such power! Kind of like Oprah in the food world!
No. Way. That’s HILARIOUS! I’m so sorry, haha!
That said…shop around the Internet–the torani website actual has decent shipping rates, especially if you’re buying a few bottles, and amazon has 3 bottles for $17 or something with free shipping. All hope is not lost… 🙂
Why ruin it with DIET Coke? Just enjoy it.
In the words of the Partridge Family, “I think I love you.”
Oh my. yes.
Wait a minute. You’re not supposed to eat rice out of the refrigerator in the middle of the night?
Sounds delicious! I’d totally swap out the coconut syrup for some Coconut Rum 🙂
Oh wow. This is amazing. I’ve never heard of this but now I want one SO bad. Pinned, and totally making.
Never heard of this, but all the flavors are good by themselves. So need to run and buy the coconut syrup and try this over the weekend. As a side note, I’m hooked on diet coke with vanilla flavoring at Sonic. : )
So I’ve been obsessed with dirty diet coke or dirty regular coke or dirty diet/regular pepsi for a while now. But I have never put half in half in–will need to try that. I buy my syrup (sugar free) from Amazon.com. I keep thinking to give Dr pepper a try too.Yummy ((Sigh))