The Ultimate Campfire Cola Dirty Soda: S’mores in a Glass

If you have been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you have likely seen the explosion of the “dirty soda” trend. But let’s be honest: not all dirty sodas are created equal. Enter the Campfire Cola Dirty Soda. This isn’t just a drink; it is a nostalgic experience that transports you straight to a cozy bonfire under the stars, minus the smoke in your eyes. Imagine the crisp, biting carbonation of an ice-cold cola, swirled with rich coconut cream, infused with the flavor of toasted marshmallows, and laced with decadent chocolate syrup. It is creamy, it is fizzy, and it is undeniably the most indulgent way to drink a soda.

This recipe takes the concept of the Utah-famous dirty soda and gives it a campfire twist. Instead of the traditional coconut-lime combination, we are leaning hard into the “S’mores” profile. Whether you are hosting a movie night, looking for a non-alcoholic party treat, or just craving something sweet to get you through the afternoon slump, this Campfire Cola is your new best friend.

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What Exactly is a “Dirty Soda”?

For the uninitiated, a dirty soda is essentially a “mocktail” made with a base of soda (usually cola, root beer, or Dr. Pepper), spiked with flavored syrups, and finished with a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut cream. The “dirty” part refers to the addition of these mix-ins which cloud the soda and alter its color. Originating in Utah, this trend has swept the nation because it is endlessly customizable and incredibly photogenic.

The Campfire Cola variation stands out because it balances the acidity of the cola with the warm, comforting notes of roasted marshmallow and chocolate. It’s like drinking a liquid S’more!

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Visual Masterpiece: The way the cream swirls into the dark soda creates a mesmerizing marble effect that is Instagram-ready instantly.
• Texture Heaven: You get the fizz of the soda, the velvet smoothness of the cream, and the sticky sweetness of the marshmallow fluff all in one sip.
• Customizable: Can be made dairy-free, sugar-free, or fully loaded depending on your dietary needs.
• Quick & Easy: It looks like a barista made it, but it takes less than 5 minutes to assemble in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

To achieve that perfect “Campfire” taste, you need specific elements that mimic the chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallow trio. Here is what you will need:

• Cola – 1 can (12 oz). You can use Coke, Pepsi, or a craft cola. Diet or Zero Sugar works perfectly fine if you want to cut the sweetness.
• Toasted Marshmallow Syrup – 2 tablespoons. Brands like Torani or Monin make excellent versions of this. If you can’t find “toasted” marshmallow, vanilla bean syrup works in a pinch, but the toasted flavor is superior.
• Chocolate Syrup – 2 tablespoons. Use a high-quality chocolate sauce (like Ghirardelli) rather than a thin syrup for better adherence to the glass walls.
• Coconut Cream or Heavy Cream – 2 tablespoons. This is the “creamer” element. Coconut creamer (like Coffee Mate or pure coconut cream) is traditional for dirty sodas and adds a subtle tropical note that pairs surprisingly well with chocolate. Heavy cream offers a richer, more neutral mouthfeel.
• Ice – 1 cup. Pebble ice (nugget ice) is the gold standard for dirty sodas, but crushed ice works too.
• Marshmallow Fluff or Whipped Cream – 2 tablespoons (optional topping). For the true campfire aesthetic, a dollop of marshmallow creme on top is non-negotiable.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs – (Optional garnish). For dusting on top.

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Instructions

Follow these steps to build the perfect layered drink. The order matters for the visual effect!

1. Prep the Glass: Take a tall glass (16oz or larger). Take your chocolate syrup and drizzle it along the inside walls of the glass. rotate the glass as you do this to create a swirling pattern. Let the chocolate pool slightly at the bottom.
2. Ice It Up: Fill the glass to the brim with pebble ice or crushed ice. The more ice, the better the soda stays cold and the better the layers separate.
3. Add the Flavor: Pour the Toasted Marshmallow syrup over the ice.
4. The Soda Pour: Slowly pour your cold cola over the ice until the glass is about 3/4 full. You will see the soda mix with the chocolate at the bottom.
5. Make it Dirty: This is the magic moment. Pour your coconut cream or heavy cream slowly over the top of the soda. Watch as it cascades down through the ice and soda, creating those beautiful “tiger stripes.”
6. Top It Off: Spoon a generous amount of marshmallow fluff (or whipped cream) right on top of the floating ice.
7. Garnish: Drizzle a little extra chocolate syrup over the fluff. If you are feeling fancy, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top.
8. Serve: Add a straw and serve immediately. Stir before sipping to mix the flavors!

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Tips for the Perfect Dirty Soda

The Ice Matters:
If you can get your hands on “Sonic ice” or nugget ice, do it. The small, porous nuggets absorb the flavor of the soda and cream, making the ice a treat to eat once the drink is gone.

Cold Ingredients:
Ensure your cola and your cream are ice cold. If they are room temperature, they will melt the ice too quickly and water down your masterpiece.

Frothing the Cream:
For an extra luxurious texture, you can use a handheld milk frother to lightly froth your coconut cream before pouring it in. This creates a thicker head on the drink.

Glassware:
Use a clear glass. Half the fun of a dirty soda is seeing the separation of the dark soda and the white cream. A mason jar or a highball glass works best.

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Variations to Try

Once you have mastered the classic Campfire Cola, try these twists:

• The Dr. Campfire: Swap the Cola for Dr. Pepper. The spicy cherry notes of Dr. Pepper pair incredibly well with coconut and marshmallow.
• The Root Beer Float Hack: Use Root Beer instead of cola and swap the marshmallow syrup for vanilla syrup. It tastes exactly like a melted root beer float.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Ensure you use a dairy-free coconut creamer and check that your chocolate syrup is vegan. It is naturally a very vegan-friendly treat!
• Spiked Campfire (21+): Add a shot of whipped cream vodka or marshmallows vodka for an adult version of this treat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the result will be less creamy. Whole milk works okay, but skim milk or 2% is too watery to stand up to the acidity of the soda and won’t create that nice “dirty” suspension. Coconut coffee creamer is the best alternative to heavy cream.

Where can I find toasted marshmallow syrup?

Most large grocery stores carry brands like Torani or skinny syrups in the coffee aisle. If you can’t find it, you can buy it online or make a simple syrup at home using water, sugar, and toasted marshmallows.

Is this drink very sweet?

Yes, it is a dessert drink! However, you can control the sweetness by using Zero Sugar soda and sugar-free syrups. The cream cuts the sweetness slightly, but it is definitely an indulgence.

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Serving Suggestions

The Campfire Cola Dirty Soda is best served alongside salty snacks to balance the sugar. Think popcorn, pretzels, or even a savory grilled cheese sandwich. It also makes for a fantastic dessert alternative at BBQ parties where actual s’mores might be too messy to manage.

So grab your glass, fill it with ice, and get ready to sip on the most viral, delicious drink of the season. It’s a little bit dirty, a whole lot of sweet, and absolutely delicious.