Dr Pepper Eggnog: Holiday Dirty Soda With Rum!

You may have heard of the dirty soda trend – your favorite soda pop topped with cream and flavored syrup (or coffee creamer) to create a creamy, fizzy treat. Well, I’m giving it the holiday treatment instead with this Dr Pepper eggnog, adding the creamy spiced holiday favorite, plus optional rum to kick it up for the adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A nostalgic holiday twist: It blends the classic creaminess of eggnog with the nostalgic, cherry-spiced fizz of Dr Pepper for a fun, unexpected flavor combo!
• Surprisingly balanced: The soda lightens the richness of eggnog, giving the drink a smoother, more sippable feel, especially with the warming note of rum
• Perfect for parties: It’s a conversation-starter cocktail that feels both familiar and unique, making it great for holiday parties or “ugly sweater” nights!
• Easy to customize: Make it sweeter, spicier, fizzier, or stronger with simple tweaks; top with whipped cream, add cinnamon, switch up the rum, or enjoy it without!
• Festive without fuss: Just a few ingredients and no special techniques or equipment required. It tastes like you worked harder than you did!

Ingredients List

• 6-8 ounces Dr Pepper (adjust for size of glass and desired strength)
• 2 ounces vanilla eggnog
• 2 ounces light or spiced rum

Step By Step Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice
2. Pour in rum and then the Dr Pepper, so that the glass is about ¾ full, then stir gently to combine

3. Add the eggnog slowly over the top of the soda. Note: if you use rum, the eggnog will sink to the bottom. If you do not use rum, the eggnog will swirl at the top due to the difference in specific gravity

4. Use a straw or spoon to mix the drink if you like (this is entirely optional; you can also leave it swirled and explore different flavors as you go) and enjoy!

Pairing Suggestions

Desserts

• Gingerbread Cookies – Their warm spices echo the rum and holiday notes in the eggnog without overpowering the Dr Pepper flavor
• Chocolate Fudge – The deep cocoa sweetness pairs beautifully with the soda’s cherry–vanilla undertones. My Red Velvet Fudge is a great choice!
• Pecan Pie Bars – Buttery, nutty, and caramel-like—perfect alongside the creamy richness of eggnog
• Red Velvet Cupcakes – Mild cocoa + tangy cream cheese frosting complements the sweet, spiced drink. Try my Red Velvet Mug Cake for a single serving option!

Savory Snacks

• Salted Pretzels – The salt cuts through the richness of eggnog and balances its sweetness. For both sweet and salty, try my Butter Toffee Pretzels!
• Cheese Board (Sharp Cheddar, Brie, Gouda) – Sharp cheeses contrast the creamy drink; milder, buttery cheeses melt right into its flavor profile
• Candied Bacon – Sweet, smoky, and salty; an ideal match for Dr Pepper’s signature spice and rum. My Bacon Crackers are a great option for parties!

Holiday Treats

• Peppermint Bark – The mint refreshes your palate between sips of the sweet, creamy cocktail
• Spiced Nuts – Adds crunch and warmth while mirroring the spice tones in Dr Pepper
• Fruitcake or Cranberry Bread – The tart fruit notes highlight the soda’s fruity edge. Try my Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Bread!

Christmas Brunch

• Cinnamon Rolls – The gooey sweetness plays well with eggnog’s creaminess!
• French Toast or Bread Pudding – Custardy textures pair naturally with eggnog-based drinks. Try my Air Fryer French Toast Casserole which is the best of both worlds!
• Holiday Donuts (cinnamon, maple, or vanilla) – Light enough not to overwhelm the cocktail

Tips For the Best Dr Pepper Eggnog

• To adjust the strength of the drink, simply use more or less Dr Pepper as desired, or if it’s too weak you can always add more rum. For the non-alcoholic version the strength won’t matter, but you can still tweak it to taste depending how much you like eggnog!
• This drink will be sweet overall thanks to the use of both soda and eggnog, which is sweet too. For a less-sweet version, use a sugar free soda or swap in a black cherry vanilla flavored unsweetened sparkling water instead

Serving and Presentation

• Glassware. Highball glasses like a Collins, can, or pint glass work great for this recipe. Or, scale down for smaller options like rocks glasses, Irish coffee mugs, or vintage-style holiday tumblers. Clear glass shows off the creamy color and carbonation best!
• Garnishes are optional, but you can add a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon on top. Alternatively, a small dollop of whipped cream or a maraschino cherry gives a nostalgic soda-shop vibe!
• Make It a Float. For an over-the-top presentation, add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn the drink into a holiday dessert in a glass!
• Serve Immediately. Because the eggnog and soda react, you get the best fizz and texture right after mixing. Don’t let it sit too long before serving!

• Eggnog Martini

Final Thoughts

This Dr Pepper eggnog is a fun holiday twist on the viral dirty soda, usually made with coffee creamer added to your favorite pop. Here, I’m adding in eggnog though for that seasonal spirit, in a pairing that works amazingly well.

It’s an incredibly easy drink to make with just 3 ingredients (or two if you skip the alcohol), and no special equipment is needed at all. That makes it perfect for entertaining even during the busy season, since it’s simple, low stress, and still delicious!

So, if you’re looking for something new to try this season, this cocktail (or non-alcoholic dirty soda) will fit the bill, work for everyone in your crowd, and will make things just a little more merry and bright. Cheers!