The Dirty Soda Trend Sweeps the Treasure Coast
Residents across the Treasure Coast are eagerly embracing a viral beverage phenomenon that is shaking up the local drink scene. Dubbed the dirty soda, this highly customizable and photogenic concoction has transitioned from a social media sensation into a daily staple at local food trucks, drive-thrus, and neighborhood cafes. From Port St. Lucie up to Fort Pierce, the region is now home to at least seven distinct businesses serving up their own unique twists on the sweet, creamy treat.
For the uninitiated, a dirty soda operates on a similar principle to a classic ice cream float, though it is entirely non-alcoholic. The beverage begins with a base of standard packaged soda or a popular energy drink. It is then elevated with a splash of cream, flavoring syrups, and occasionally a squeeze of fresh citrus or other tasty inclusions. The result is an effervescent, flavorful drink that satisfies sweet cravings and provides a refreshing kick in the Florida heat.
While massive national restaurant chains like Taco Bell, Sonic Drive-In, and Dunkin’ are rapidly adding dirty sodas to their upcoming menus to capitalize on the hype, Treasure Coast locals are finding that small businesses offer a distinctly superior, community-driven experience.
One prominent local purveyor is the Girly Pop Sips food truck, operated by the mother-daughter duo of Kristy Leigh and Kaylee Stott. Originally launched when Leigh sought a secondary income, the truck quickly found success by tapping into the dirty soda trend. Together, they curate a rotating menu of seasonal specialties, including unique lemonades and energy pops utilizing popular brands like Alani Nu. Through careful recipe testing, they discovered that specific coffee creamers, such as coconut and vanilla, are essential to keeping the dairy from curdling when mixed with carbonation. Beyond the science of the drink, Leigh prides herself on fostering deep community connections.
“I know when somebody’s having a baby, getting married, I’ve sent gifts to people. I’ve surprised them with pre-built dirty sodas and dropped them off to say ‘just thinking of you’. You’re not gonna get that with Taco Bell.”
For residents and visitors looking to explore the dirty soda craze across the Treasure Coast, there are a variety of excellent local spots to choose from:
- Girly Pop Sips: A popular mobile food truck frequently stationed at the Tradition Neighborhood Farmer’s Market at Tradition Square on Sundays, offering personalized service and creative energy pops.
- Sippers: A mobile food truck serving both dirty sodas and dirty energy drinks, typically found parked at local community events, regional markets, and private parties.
- Coastal Soda Co.: A roaming food truck treating the wider Treasure Coast to a diverse menu of dirty sodas, infused lemonades, and customized energy drinks.
- Buzzworthy Sips: A family-owned pop-up venture specializing in these creamy soda concoctions, primarily catering to special events and private gatherings.
- Cali Coffee: Located at 1234 SW Gatlin Boulevard in Port St. Lucie’s Gatlin Pointe Shopping Center Harbor Village, this convenient drive-thru coffee shop crafts dirty energy drinks complete with custom flavorings, milks, creams, and cold foams.
- 7 Brew: With bustling drive-thru locations at 5422 Okeechobee Road in Fort Pierce and 1907 SW Gatlin Boulevard in Port St. Lucie, this growing brand offers heavily customizable dirty energy drinks featuring a variety of cold foams and creamers.
- Jeff’s Bagel Run: Situated at 1214 SW Gatlin Boulevard in Port St. Lucie, this beloved bagel shop perfectly pairs its fresh baked goods with both seasonal and permanent dirty soda and energy drink flavors.
Whether you prefer a caffeinated kick to start your morning or a sweet, creamy soda to cool down during a weekend outing, the Treasure Coast’s expanding lineup of local beverage artisans ensures you will never be far from your next favorite drink.
