Servings: 1 large drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Hey friends, ready for a soda that tastes like dessert?

This Apple Pie Dirty Soda is everything cozy and sweet, but cold and fizzy! You’ve got crisp Pepsi (or Coke if you prefer), warm apple syrup, a dash of cinnamon, and creamy sweet cream swirled through the glass. Basically, it tastes like apple pie filling met a soda shop float. 🍏🥤

I first tried this combo when I was playing around with fall drink flavors, and it surprised me how much it actually worked. If you like fall desserts and fizzy drinks, this one’s for you.

Why I Love This Recipe

Okay, here’s why this drink has a permanent spot in my kitchen:

Tastes just like apple pie but cold and bubbly.
Takes less than 5 minutes to make, no baking required.
You can adjust the sweetness and cinnamon to your taste.
It’s a super fun drink to serve at fall parties or cozy nights at home.

What You’ll Need

12 oz chilled Pepsi (or Coke)
2 tbsp apple syrup (store-bought or homemade)
⅛ tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for sprinkling)
2 tbsp sweet cream (half & half or heavy cream + a splash of vanilla extract)
Ice cubes
Optional: thin apple slices or cinnamon stick for garnish

shot of a small glass jar filled with dark Pepsi, a small glass jar of golden apple syrup, a small white plate with a pinch of ground cinnamon, a small white plate with pale sweet cream, and a small white bowl of clear ice cubes

Pro Tips

✔️ Use cold soda straight from the fridge so the ice doesn’t melt too quickly.
✔️ Sprinkle cinnamon gently—it’s strong, and a little goes a long way.
✔️ Pour the cream slowly to keep those pretty swirls.
✔️ Stir gently if you want it mixed, or leave it layered for a pretty presentation.
✔️ Try adding a thin apple slice on top for a cute garnish.

Tools You’ll Need

1 tall glass
Spoon or reusable straw for stirring
Measuring spoons
Ice cube tray or bag of ice

Substitutions & Variations

Pepsi: Use Coke or root beer for a twist.
Apple Syrup: Try caramel syrup for a caramel apple vibe.
Sweet Cream: Sub with coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk.
Cinnamon: Swap with apple pie spice for extra warmth.

Make Ahead Tips

You can pre-mix the sweet cream and cinnamon in a small jar and keep it chilled for up to 3 days. Build the drink fresh.

Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Apple syrup adds fruity sweetness that blends with Pepsi’s caramel notes.
Cinnamon gives warmth that contrasts the cold fizz.
Sweet cream softens the acidity of the soda and rounds out the flavors, making it feel like dessert.

Common Mistakes

❌ Pouring the cream too fast—it’ll curdle if you dump it in.
❌ Using room temp soda—it’ll melt the ice and taste flat.
❌ Over-sprinkling cinnamon—it can overpower the other flavors.

What to Serve With

Warm apple muffins
Cinnamon sugar pretzels
BBQ pulled pork sliders
Grilled cheese with sharp cheddar

FAQ

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk instead of sweet cream.

Does this taste like apple cider?
Not really—it’s sweeter and fizzier with a cola base, but the apple-cinnamon combo gives it that cozy vibe.

Can I use Coke instead of Pepsi?
Definitely. Coke’s caramel flavor actually works great with apple and cinnamon.

🍏 How to Make Apple Pie Dirty Soda

Step 1: Fill the Glass with Ice

Fill your tall glass nearly to the top with clear ice cubes.

Step 2: Pour in the Pepsi

Slowly pour the chilled Pepsi over the ice until the glass is about 3/4 full.

dark Pepsi being poured into the ice-filled glass, bubbles rising through the cubes

Step 3: Add the Apple Syrup

Measure and pour the golden apple syrup gently into the soda, letting it swirl and settle through the Pepsi.

golden apple syrup being poured from a small glass jar into the dark Pepsi and ice, creating light amber streaks

Step 4: Sprinkle in the Cinnamon

Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the top of the soda, creating a light dusting on the surface.

ground cinnamon being lightly sprinkled over the soda mixture, tiny brown specks floating on top

Step 5: Pour the Sweet Cream

Slowly pour the sweet cream over the top of the soda, letting it swirl gently through the drink.

pale sweet cream being poured gently into the soda, creating creamy white swirls in the dark Pepsi

Step 6: Stir Gently and Garnish

Give the drink a gentle stir, garnish with a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick if you like, and serve with a straw.

the completed Apple Pie Dirty Soda with creamy swirls, golden apple syrup streaks, and a dusting of cinnamon, topped with a thin apple slice and straw

Leftovers & Storage

This drink is best fresh. If you do have leftovers, store covered in the fridge for up to 1 hour, but the fizz and creaminess will fade.

Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 280
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 52g
Sugar: 48g

Time to Make Your Own!

Go give this Apple Pie Dirty Soda a try and let me know in the comments how you liked it! Did you swap the soda or try caramel syrup instead? I love hearing how you guys make it your own.

Apple Pie Dirty Soda