“I fear the Utah girlies are not lying.”
The first words on my For You page were from a girl talking about the “New Starbucks.” From just watching a 30 second video, I knew I had to try the elusive place myself, even if it was a 30-minute drive.
Swig, a soda-fountain chain that is primarily known for their popular “dirty sodas,” has become my new obsession. Swig originated in Utah, and after 12 years of success, they opened their first location in Texas two years ago — in Fairview. Swig came to the local area a week ago, with the Coppell location holding its grand opening on Oct. 3-4.
What started as a niche from 2016 Utah family influencers has gone viral because of the Netflix show, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Although the popularity is new, Swig has been a fantasy some have been dreaming of ever since they were children watching their favorite Utah-based YouTubers. Finally, instead of having to recreate drinks at home, they can drive to their local shop.
It’s safe to say that my usual 30 minute drive to Swig in Allen now becoming just 10 minutes could be the best, yet also worst, thing to happen to me. These are some of my favorite drinks that are a must-try.
Honorable Mentions:
The first time I went to Swig, I ordered a few drinks: one being “Shark Attack.” Even though I’m usually a huge fan of anything that combines Sprite and blue raspberry, this tasted like a second-rate “Ocean Water” from Sonic with its additional lemonade and extreme taste of blue raspberry — though I did love the way the shark visually topped things off, the gummy tasted dreadful.
For those who don’t enjoy or drink soda, Swig also has options containing sparkling water, lemonade and plain old water that are classified as their refreshers. The first one I tried was the “Mango Breeze” and, even though it greatly captured the summer flavor profile of a fresh mango, the aftertaste was a little too strong.
5. Hula Girl
After one sip of “Hula Girl,” my mind was instantly transported to Hawaii. The fresh lime of the Sprite combined with a bit of lemonade, mango, pineapple, strawberry and coconut cream was the perfect mixture of refreshing but sweet. It was the perfect pick-me-up after a hot day, but ultimately, was a bit too fruity for my liking.
4. The Founder
Even though I’m not a huge fan of the brittle taste of Diet Coke, the touch of fresh lime and coconut cream were the perfect complements to make “The Founder.” One must guzzle fast; the freshness of the drink starts to go away a bit as soon as the ice starts to melt and it waters down and it loses its freshness along with any chance of a good taste.
3. Beach Babe
The “Beach Babe” took me right back to the summertime glory of being on the beach with the ocean breeze. The drink is made of the citrusy soda Mountain Dew, along with a hint of tangy peach and a bit of sweetness from the vanilla cream. What really ties the drink together, though, is the undertones of the raspberry. “Beach Babe” was definitely one of the better, richer and fruitier dirty sodas I’ve had.
2. Big Booty Judy
When I first saw the name “Big Booty Judy” in bold letters, I knew I had to try it. I was fully expecting to be disappointed, but the drink turned out to be almost as good as its name. A “Big Booty Judy” combines the carbonated Coca-Cola with a hint of refreshing lime and sweet vanilla while not shying away from adding a different and unique undertone of raspberry. Though it’s similar to “The Founder,” “Big Booty Judy” was overall a better drink as I wasn’t rushing to chug it down so it didn’t lose that freshness. Even if it isn’t my favorite drink, it has to be my favorite name on the entire menu.
1. Texas Tab
The first drink I ever tried at Swig was their one of a kind “Texas Tab.” Combining my favorite soda, Dr Pepper, with vanilla and coconut cream has to be the best thing to ever happen to me — and no one does it better than Swig. The refreshing taste of the soda combined with the extra sweetness makes for the perfect “dirty soda.” It could just be the Texan in me, but I don’t think anyone’s lived until they’ve had a “Texas Tab.”
With over hundreds of possible dirty soda combinations, Swig has a lot more to offer than just these seven drinks. They have customizable dirty sodas as well as substitutes and revivers (energy drinks). As much as I love my go-to 24 oz Texas Tab, my order is never complete without their mini chocolate chip cookies or pretzel bites.
The “Utah girlies” were definitely right. I didn’t think Utah had much to offer other than its nature, but after trying Swig, if that were the only way to get it, I’d move there instantly.
