The Dirty Water Drink Recipe is a fun, sweet and refreshing cocktail with a cloudy brown color that gives it its playful name.
It mixes rum, cola, citrus juice and a splash of iced tea for a smooth, layered drink that tastes much better than it looks.
It’s perfect for parties, casual nights, or any time you want a simple and tasty drink.
This drink is easy to make and uses basic ingredients you already have at home. It looks wild but tastes sweet, citrusy, and smooth.
When I First Tried Dirty Water Drink
I first tried a dirty water drink at a backyard party. The dark color looked funny, but one sip changed everything.
It was sweet, light and refreshing with hints of tea and lemon. Everyone kept asking for refills. Since then, I make it whenever I need a quick crowd-pleasing drink.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Dirty Water Drink
- Servings: 1 glass
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Course: Drink / Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 190 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Cocktail glass
- Spoon or stirrer
- Measuring jigger
- Ice cubes
Ingredients You Need for Dirty Water Drink Recipe
- 1 ½ oz light rum
- ½ oz dark rum (optional, for deeper color)
- 3 oz cola
- 2 oz sweet iced tea
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice (optional)
Instructions
1. Fill the Glass
Add ice cubes to your cocktail glass.
2. Add the Rum
Pour in light rum.
Add dark rum if you want a stronger flavor and darker color.
3. Add the Other Liquids
Pour in cola, iced tea, and lemon juice.
4. Stir Gently
Mix the drink lightly so it blends but still looks cloudy.
5. Garnish and Serve
Add a lemon slice if you want.
Serve cold.
Recipe Tips
- Use sweet tea for smooth flavor.
- Add dark rum for deeper color.
- Use fresh lemon juice for bright taste.
- Add a splash of ginger ale for more fizz.
- Serve over lots of ice for the best texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Alcohol | ~14g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve at backyard parties.
- Pair with grilled foods or snacks.
- Make a big pitcher for gatherings.
- Add mint for fresh flavor.
Storage Tips
This drink is best made fresh.
If making a pitcher, keep it chilled and add ice when serving.
FAQs about Dirty Water Drink Recipe
1. Why is it called Dirty Water?
Because of its cloudy brown look — the flavor is much better!
2. Can I make it alcohol-free?
Yes, skip the rum and add more iced tea and cola.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh juice tastes brighter and cleaner.
4. Can I use sweet tea vodka instead of rum?
Yes, it adds more tea flavor.
5. Can I make it stronger?
Add extra dark rum for depth and color.
Conclusion
The Dirty Water Drink Recipe is fun, simple, and surprisingly tasty. With rum, cola, lemon and sweet tea, it creates a refreshing cocktail that everyone enjoys.
Make it once, and it will become your go-to party drink for warm days and casual gatherings!
Extra Wonderful Recipes
Dirty Water Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz light rum
- ½ oz dark rum optional, for deeper color
- 3 oz cola
- 2 oz sweet iced tea
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice optional
Instructions
Fill the Glass
- Add ice cubes to your cocktail glass.
Add the Rum
- Pour in light rum.
- Add dark rum if you want a stronger flavor and darker color.
Add the Other Liquids
- Pour in cola, iced tea, and lemon juice.
Stir Gently
- Mix the drink lightly so it blends but still looks cloudy.
Garnish and Serve
- Add a lemon slice if you want.
- Serve cold.
Notes
- Use sweet tea for smooth flavor.
- Add dark rum for deeper color.
- Use fresh lemon juice for bright taste.
- Add a splash of ginger ale for more fizz.
- Serve over lots of ice for the best texture.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
