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If you love creamy soda shop drinks with nostalgic flavor, this Cherry Vanilla Dirty Coke is about to become a favorite. Made with Coca-Cola, cherry syrup, vanilla, fresh lime, and a splash of heavy cream, this drink strikes the perfect balance between sweet, bright, and refreshingly smooth.
If you’re new to dirty sodas, be sure to read our complete guide explaining exactly what they are and why they’ve become so popular.
Cherry and vanilla have long been one of the most beloved soda flavor combinations, which is exactly why they work so beautifully in a dirty soda. It feels familiar, indulgent, and just a little bit special — without requiring a trip to the drive-through.
Whether you’re building a drink bar for a party, making a fun weekend treat, or adding to your growing dirty soda collection, this recipe delivers soda shop flavor in just minutes.
For an even smoother finish, try topping with our Homemade Whipped Cream!
If you enjoy creative sodas like our Classic Dirty Coke, Coconut Dirty Soda, Dirty Cherry Limeade, or Dirty Dr Pepper, this cherry-forward version is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 2 minutes
- A nostalgic flavor combination everyone recognizes
- Creamy, refreshing, and perfectly balanced
- Easy to customize with sugar-free options
- Ideal for parties, drink bars, and warm weather
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ice
- 12 oz Coca-Cola
- ¾ oz cherry syrup
- ½ oz vanilla syrup
- 1 TBSP fresh lime juice
- 2–3 oz heavy cream
Optional garnish: maraschino cherries or a lime wedge.
Equipment Needed
- Tall Glass — Prevents overflow and keeps the soda nicely layered.
- Measuring Spoon or Jigger — Helps maintain the ideal sweetness balance.
- Long Spoon or Straw — Perfect for a gentle swirl without flattening carbonation.
How to Make Cherry Vanilla Dirty Coke
The secret to a great dirty soda is building the drink in layers so each ingredient enhances the flavor without overpowering the carbonation.
Start with a tall glass filled generously with ice — colder soda holds its fizz longer and creates that refreshing soda shop experience.
Pour the cherry and vanilla syrups directly over the ice, followed by the fresh lime juice. The lime is more than just a garnish; it brightens the drink and balances the sweetness so the flavors stay smooth rather than heavy.
Slowly add the Coca-Cola to preserve the bubbles, then finish with a splash of heavy cream poured gently over the top. As the cream cascades through the soda, it creates the signature swirl dirty sodas are known for.
Give it a light stir if desired, but avoid overmixing — the layered texture is part of the charm.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintCherry Vanilla Dirty Coke
This Cherry Vanilla Dirty Coke is a creamy, soda shop-style drink made with Coca-Cola, cherry syrup, vanilla syrup, fresh lime, and heavy cream. Sweet, refreshing, and easy to make in minutes, it’s the perfect treat for parties, warm weather, or a fun homemade drink.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Ice
- 12 oz Coca-Cola
- ¾ oz cherry syrup
- ½ oz vanilla syrup
- 1 TBSP fresh lime juice (up to 2 TBSP if you prefer brighter flavor)
- 2–3 oz heavy cream
Optional garnish: maraschino cherries or a lime wedge.
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour the cherry syrup and vanilla syrup over the ice.
- Add the fresh lime juice.
- Slowly pour in the Coca-Cola to preserve carbonation.
- Gently pour the heavy cream over the top to create the signature swirl.
- Lightly stir if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
👉 Fresh lime juice balances the sweetness and keeps the drink from tasting overly heavy.
👉 For a lighter, lower-sugar version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use sugar-free syrups.
👉 Adjust the cherry syrup slightly depending on how bold you want the cherry flavor.
👉 Best enjoyed immediately while fully carbonated.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lime juice whenever possible for the best flavor balance.
- Pour the cream last to achieve that beautiful swirl.
- Start with less cream and add more to reach your preferred richness.
- Serve immediately while fully carbonated.
Storage & Reheating
Store: Dirty sodas are best enjoyed right away. Once mixed, carbonation fades quickly.
Reheat: Not applicable — serve ice cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cherry Vanilla Dirty Coke taste like?
It’s creamy with bold cherry flavor, softened by vanilla and brightened with fresh lime — a perfect blend of nostalgic and refreshing.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes! Substitute Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and use sugar-free syrups for a lighter option that still tastes fantastic.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely. Half-and-half creates a slightly lighter drink while still adding creaminess.
Variations & Serving Ideas
Cherry Vanilla Dirty Coke makes a fantastic addition to a DIY drink station. Offering a few flavor options instantly elevates any gathering and allows guests to customize their drinks.
👉 Pair it with favorites like:
- Classic Dirty Coke
- Coconut Dirty Soda
- Dirty Cherry Limeade
- Dirty Dr Pepper
- Or any of our other favorite Dirty Soda Recipes
For an extra polished setup, consider displaying your flavors with a printable menu! Lucky for you – I have created a free printable one for you!
👉 Grab our Dirty Soda Menu Printable to make your drink bar feel organized, intentional, and party-ready.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Vanilla Dirty Coke is proof that familiar flavors never go out of style. It’s creamy, refreshing, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat — yet simple enough to make anytime the craving hits.
As your dirty soda collection grows, recipes like this help create a lineup that feels both fun and dependable — the kind guests remember and request again.
If you make it please consider leaving a review. We love to see your posts! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @ourgratefulkitchen
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