Smalls Sliders is betting big on the dirty soda craze, announcing the return of its Dr Pepper® Swirl and the debut of a new Dirty Dr Pepper® at all locations nationwide. Both limited-time offerings are available through October 11, giving fans of the iconic soda brand two ways to indulge. The move comes as consumer interest in customizable, indulgent soda drinks reaches a fever pitch, with Yelp searches for dirty soda climbing 600% year over year and hitting an all-time high in May 2026.
The Dr Pepper® Swirl, a hand-spun shake featuring a creamy vanilla base swirled with ripples of Dr Pepper® syrup, returns after a successful limited run last year. It puts a Smalls twist on a nostalgic soda fountain favorite, blending the classic taste of Dr Pepper with the brand's signature shake format. The new Dirty Dr Pepper® takes a different approach, starting with ice-cold Dr Pepper®, adding real strawberry puree, and finishing with a splash of creamy vanilla for a sweet, refreshing drink that aligns with the dirty soda trend.
According to Michael Alberici, Chief Marketing Officer for Smalls Sliders, the decision to bring back the Swirl and introduce the Dirty Dr Pepper was driven by guest demand. "Guests talk about the Dr Pepper® Swirl all year, so we are excited to bring it back and give guests a second way to sip," Alberici said. "The Swirl is creamy, nostalgic and hand-spun, and the Dirty Dr Pepper arrives right as guests are chasing dirty sodas everywhere they go." The launch positions Smalls Sliders to capture a growing audience seeking novel beverage experiences that complement their meals.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond menu innovation. By leveraging a partnership with Dr Pepper®, a brand of Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. (KDP), Smalls Sliders is tapping into a loyal fan base and aligning itself with a cultural moment. The dirty soda trend, popularized on social media, has moved into the mainstream, and Smalls Sliders is now poised to attract new customers who might not have otherwise visited its uniquely branded Cans. The limited-time nature of the offerings also creates urgency, encouraging repeat visits before October 11.
Both drinks pair with Smalls Sliders' fresh cooked-to-order sliders and seasoned waffle fries, reinforcing the brand's focus on indulgent, craveable combinations. Frequent Sliders members get a first look at what drops next, and guests can join the loyalty program online or in the Smalls Sliders app. For more information about Smalls Sliders, visit www.smallssliders.com, or follow them on social. Dr Pepper® fans can learn more at DrPepper.com or keurigdrpepper.com.
The return of the Dr Pepper® Swirl and the introduction of the Dirty Dr Pepper® underscore Smalls Sliders' strategy to stay culturally relevant and responsive to consumer tastes. As the dirty soda trend continues to gain momentum, this move could set the stage for further beverage innovations from the fast-growing burger chain, which has expanded to more than 375 Cans open or under development across 30 states. With backing from 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees, Smalls Sliders is clearly aiming to make a big splash in the beverage arena, one swirl at a time.
