I’m Sophie Bennett, and I’m always looking for new and exciting places to explore with my family. When I came across information about the growing popularity of “dirty sodas” and new shops popping up, I knew I had to look into it further, especially for families traveling to the Orlando area in 2026. It seems like a fun, casual treat that many people are enjoying.
New Soda Shops in Central Florida
I’ve been researching the latest additions to the Central Florida food scene, and it looks like a chain called Swig is making its mark. They specialize in “dirty sodas,” which are customized drinks made with soda, crushed ice, creams, syrups, and other flavors. It sounds like a creative way to enjoy a sweet pick-me-up.
What caught my attention is that these new soda shops are opening in areas that are convenient for families visiting Orlando, even if they aren’t directly in the theme park zones. I’m always trying to find places that offer a different kind of experience, and these soda shops seem to fit that description.
What is a Dirty Soda?
The concept of a “dirty soda” started and became very popular in Utah, with a company called Swig being a pioneer. These drinks are a bit different from a regular soda. They often start with a base like Sprite, Mountain Dew, or Dr. Pepper. Then, they add in things like cream, flavored syrups, and sometimes even candies or gummies.
It’s a way to create unique flavor combinations. For example, I saw a drink called a “Shark Attack” that uses Sprite, lemonade, and blue raspberry syrup, topped with a gummy shark. Another one, the “Texas Tab,” is made with Dr. Pepper, vanilla syrup, and coconut cream. It sounds like they offer a lot of choices for different tastes.
Locations to Consider
While these new soda shops aren’t right next door to the main attractions, they are located in areas that are accessible for families looking for a break from the usual tourist spots. I’ve been looking at where they are planned, and it seems like a good option for a casual outing.
One location is in Clermont, which is about a 40-minute drive from the heart of Orlando. I’m also seeing plans for shops in Winter Garden and St. Cloud. These are areas where families might be staying or traveling through, making them convenient stops. I think these spots could be a nice addition to a family’s itinerary, offering a sweet treat after a day of exploring other parts of the region.
Clermont Area Openings
I found that a Swig location has already opened in Clermont’s Crossridge Exchange shopping center. This is a good sign for future expansion. I’m also noting there are plans for another store in Clermont, located near the Golden Eagle Village shopping center. This suggests that the Clermont area is a key point for these new businesses.
I’m looking into the details of these locations to see how easy they are to get to. For families who have a rental car or plan to explore areas outside of the immediate Orlando tourist hubs, these could be good options for a quick stop. I always like having a few different choices for treats and snacks when we travel.
Winter Garden Plans
There’s also a planned Swig location in Hamlin Town Center in Winter Garden. This area is known for having a variety of shops and restaurants, and adding a new customizable soda shop sounds like it could fit right in. It’s another spot that might be on the route for families visiting attractions west of Orlando.
When I’m planning trips, I often look for places that offer a variety of experiences beyond just the major theme parks. A new soda shop like this could be a fun, low-key activity for the kids. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a unique drink and relax for a bit.
Why Families Might Like These Shops
I’ve been thinking about why these “dirty soda” shops might appeal to families. One of the main reasons is the customization. With plenty of flavor options and add-ins, kids and adults can create drinks that are exactly to their liking. This can be a fun experience for younger children like my daughter Emma, who loves picking out her favorite flavors.
My older daughter, Sofia, is also at an age where she enjoys trying new things and has specific tastes. Having the ability to try different combinations could be something she’d find interesting. It offers a different kind of treat compared to standard fast-food options.
Dietary Considerations
I’ve read that the popularity of these shops is partly due to their appeal to communities that refrain from drinking coffee or alcohol. For families who are looking for soda as a treat, these shops offer a wide variety of options. It’s good to know there are places that cater to different preferences and lifestyle choices.
When we travel, I always look for places that are welcoming and have options for everyone in the family. Knowing that these soda shops are designed to be a place for a sweet, non-alcoholic beverage makes them a potential go-to spot for a casual treat. I’m interested in how they cater to different age groups and tastes.
What Kind of Flavors Can You Expect
I’m curious about the range of flavors available. The shops often start with popular sodas as a base, like Dr. Pepper, Sprite, or Mountain Dew. Then, they mix in syrups such as vanilla, coconut, or raspberry. They also add cream to some drinks for a richer taste.
I’ve seen examples like a “Shark Attack” with lemonade and blue raspberry, or a “Texas Tab” with Dr. Pepper, vanilla, and coconut cream. It sounds like the possibilities are quite endless, and I’m sure they have special combinations that are popular. I’m trying to get a sense of the uniqueness of each drink.
Are They Kid-Friendly
From what I’ve gathered, these soda shops seem very family-friendly. The atmosphere is typically casual, and the focus is on creating fun, customizable drinks. For children, the brightly colored syrups and fun names of the drinks can be very appealing. I can imagine Emma would love picking out a “fancy” drink.
I’m also considering how long a visit might take. Since it’s focused on drinks, it seems like a relatively quick stop, which is often ideal when traveling with children. We might be able to pop in for a treat without it taking up a large chunk of our day. I’m always looking for ways to make our trips with the kids enjoyable and smooth.
Drive-Thru Convenience
One detail that’s important for me when planning family outings is convenience, especially for quick stops. I noticed that some of the new locations are being designed with more drive-thru lanes. This is a big plus for families on the go. Being able to grab a drink without having to park and go inside can save a lot of time and hassle.
When Sofia was younger, a drive-thru was always a lifesaver. Even now, with Emma, a convenient drive-thru can make a big difference, especially if we’re on our way to or from a more planned activity. I think this feature makes these shops more accessible for families who are making the most of their time.
Future Expansion Plans
I see that the company, Swig, has plans to continue expanding in Florida. They are looking to open more locations over the next few years, aiming to “dot Central Florida with locations.” This means that by the time families are planning their 2026 trips, there might be even more options available.
I’m keeping an eye on these developments because having more locations can make it easier to fit a visit into different itinerary plans. If these shops become more widespread throughout the Orlando region, they could become a regular consideration for families seeking a fun, casual treat.
For those interested in exploring more dining options and attractions in the Orlando area, I always recommend checking out a comprehensive guide. You can find lots of helpful information and ideas for your family trip at our detailed Orlando travel guide.
Popularity and Trends
It’s interesting to see how trends can catch on. “Dirty sodas” gained a lot of attention recently, partly through social media platforms like TikTok and even reality television. This kind of buzz can make a place seem exciting and worth trying for visitors.
I’ve noticed that when something becomes popular online, it often becomes a destination for travelers who want to experience what everyone is talking about. This trend seems to be one of those cases, where the unique concept of a customized soda drink has captured people’s interest.
Is It Worth Trying
I’m always weighing whether a new trend or a specific type of establishment is a good fit for a family vacation. For families looking for something fun, casual, and a bit different from the typical theme park food, these soda shops could be a great option. It’s a way to experience a local trend and enjoy a sweet treat.
I think the appeal lies in the novelty and the ability to create a personalized drink. It’s not a full meal, but rather a fun snack or refreshment. For a family like ours, where we enjoy trying new things, it sounds like something we’d consider adding to our plans.
When to Visit
These soda shops are generally casual places, so I don’t think there’s a specific “best” time to visit other than what works for your family’s schedule. I imagine they could be a nice stop in the afternoon for a refreshing treat, or maybe even a quick stop on your way back to your accommodation after a day out.
I’m looking into the operating hours for these locations to help with planning. Knowing that the opening times are flexible makes them more adaptable to different family routines. It’s good to have options that can fit into various parts of the day.
Planning Your Visit
When planning a trip to Orlando and its surrounding areas in 2026, I’m always looking for opportunities to add simple, enjoyable experiences for Emma and Sofia. These new soda shops seem like they could fit that bill perfectly. They offer a taste of a current trend in a relaxed setting.
I’m considering how these new locations might fit into a broader itinerary. For example, if you’re visiting attractions in Winter Garden or spending time exploring Clermont, these shops could be a convenient and fun stop. I’m trying to map out how we might incorporate such a visit naturally into our travels.
Getting Around
Since these new soda shops are located in various parts of Central Florida, having a car will likely be the easiest way to reach them, especially for families staying in the main Orlando tourist areas. The drive to Clermont is about 40 minutes, and Winter Garden is another area to consider.
I’m looking at maps to understand the routes and any potential traffic patterns. Orlando is known for its busy roads, so factoring in travel time is always important. Having a good navigation system will be key for finding these locations smoothly.
Are Permits a Concern
I’ve read that some of the new locations are currently going through the county permitting process. This is a normal part of opening new businesses, but it means that the exact opening dates for some of the planned stores might vary. I’m keeping this in mind and will check for updates closer to when I plan our trip.
Waiting for permits means that the timeline can shift slightly. I usually build a bit of flexibility into my travel plans for this reason. It’s always wise to double-check the status of any new businesses you plan to visit right before your trip.
Family Considerations
As a parent, I’m always thinking about the comfort and enjoyment of my children. The idea of a “dirty soda” and the fun names and customization options seem like they would be a hit with kids. It’s a simple pleasure that can add a bit of excitement to a day.
I envision these shops as a place where the family can relax for a few minutes, enjoy a sweet treat, and then continue with our adventures. It’s not an activity that requires a lot of time or planning, making it easy to fit in. I believe these kinds of casual stops can sometimes be the most memorable parts of a trip for children.
If you’re looking for more ideas on family-friendly dining and activities in the Orlando area, you can find a wealth of information. Don’t forget to check out the dining section for families at family-friendly dining options.
Overall, I’m finding these new soda shops to be an interesting addition to the Central Florida landscape. They offer a unique, customizable treat that seems to be gaining popularity. I’m looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow and become part of the varied offerings for visitors to the Orlando area in 2026 and beyond.
