The First 'Dirty Soda' Shop Is Opening On The Upper East Side

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — The Upper East Side is getting its first sugary dose of Utah soda culture later this month, when Cool Sips, a "dirty soda" brand, will open its first location on the Upper East Side.

The new shop, which will open on Saturday, April 26, will be on Lexington Avenue between East 82nd Street and East 83rd Street — the same block as BonBon and Lexington Candy Shop.

For the uninitiated, "dirty soda" is a customizable fountain soda with the option of adding curated flavored syrups, creams, boba pearls, and jelly candies. For example: Dr. Pepper topped with lime juice and coconut cream.

The trend first started in Utah in the 2010s, in part because it specifically appealed to Mormons, who usually abstain from alcohol and coffee. Then, the trend went mainstream when social media users caught on to the trend in 2022.

"As a born and raised New Yorker, the Upper East Side — an iconic part of the city — has a special place in my heart," Andrew Moger, the founder and owner of Cool Sips, told Patch.

Cool Sips has two other NYC locations — one in Rockefeller Center, and one downtown in the Seaport area.

Moger told Patch he wanted to open the soda shop on the Upper East Side, in part, to see how the brand would do in a more residential area.

"We also picked this specific area because of its proximity to so many schools and our Gen Alpha fan base," Moger said. "Additionally, we love being on the same block as BonBon and Lexington Candy Shop!"

All the drinks are fully customizable, but the menu has tried-and-true suggestions like the Dirty Dirty (Dr. Pepper, with coconut, lime, and half and half) and Dewey (lemonade with mango syrup, pineapple syrup and mango jellies).

The menu also features drinks based on Gossip Girl characters Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf, as a nod to the neighborhood, with ingredients like dragon fruit syrup, lychee boba, and sweet cream.

Cool Sips is giving out free drinks on April 26 to customers who fill out this form.

Cool Sips will be located at 1218 Lexington Ave. and will be open on April 26.

Know of a business opening or closing in Manhattan? Email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.