A stock image of dirty sodas, which contains a mixture of ingredients such as soda and creamer(Image: Rimma_Bondarenko via Getty Images)

Viral drink trend lands in Midlands with opening of UK's first 'dirty soda' store

by · NottinghamshireLive

A viral food and drink trend has made its way from across the Atlantic to Derby, with a new business claiming to be the first dedicated shop of its kind in the UK. Sluurp'd is the latest addition to Derbion shopping centre's array of food and drink outlets, aiming to showcase the finest 'dirty soda' the country has to offer.

Dirty soda is a trend that takes a regular soft drink, such as cola or lemonade, and enhances it with flavoured syrups, creamers, fruit or cold foam, along with a variety of other toppings like sweets. It even offers unusual combinations such as pickle juice for those with a more distinctive palate.

An example of a dirty soda set to feature on the menu at Sluurp'd is the 'Core Memory', which includes Coke, cherry and vanilla syrup, creamer, whipped cream and a cherry on top. Alternatively, you can choose the 'Golden Era', which contains Fanta and strawberry and peach syrup, topped off with coconut milk.

In addition to Sprite and pickle juice, those looking to try something a bit different can also opt for coffee and Coke. Yes, Coke - not cake.

The brand has launched its temporary pop-up in the city centre at the former Krispy Kreme kiosk, which shut down earlier this year, reports Derbyshire Live.

The kiosk has opened near where Krispy Kreme used to be(Image: Derbion)

Customers will have just a brief window to sample this fresh and distinctive craze, which is thought to have started in Salt Lake City, Utah - a place where thousands of Mormons reside. Mormons adhere to principles aimed at keeping their bodies healthy, which includes avoiding alcohol and hot beverages, though drinking the latter remains a personal decision for many.

This led to Mormons embracing sugar, with the first dirty soda establishment launching in 2010. Over the past five years, thanks to TikTok's popularity and singer Olivia Rodrigo's backing of the beverage in 2021, it has crossed the Atlantic and arrived in our retail centres.

After the kiosk launched on Saturday, September 6, Beth McDonald, managing director at the shopping centre, commented: "We're thrilled that Derbyshire-based drinks brand, Sluurp'd, is now open on Level 1 for its two month pop-up at Derbion.

If all goes well, we could see plenty of dirty soda stores emerging across the UK(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"Throughout the next two months, visitors can discover an exciting selection of mouth-watering, made-to-order drinks including Sluurps (fizzy flavoured drinks), Surges (energy drink blends) and Sips (flavoured still or sparkling water).

"After an exciting opening weekend, we're positive that Sluurp'd will be popular with visitors, and we look forward to revealing further centre news soon."