How Olivia Rodrigo Inspired Growth for Utah's Popular Drink Thing

Who doesn’t love a good mixed drink— or should I say #dirtysoda? These specialty sodas have taken the nation by storm, and pop star Olivia Rodrigo might have played a role.

Pictured Holding a Swig Cup

Olivia Rodrigo once shared on TikTok that “Utah is the land of specialty craft sodas,” sparking widespread curiosity. She explains in the video what how drinks are made with soda and different flavors.

She says she discovered it when she lived in Utah. One particularly enthusiastic comment from Mil reads, “I WANT TO KNOW HER SWIG ORDER I HAVE A SWIG 3 MINS AWAY.” Easy there, Mil—dial down the excitement.

Origin of Swig and in Southern Utah

The origins of #dirtysoda trace back to Nicole Tanner and her husband, who founded Swig, a drive-thru soda shop, across from Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State) in St. George.

Their signature creation—a fusion of soft drinks with flavored syrups, creams, and fruit purees—quickly became a local sensation. One reason for its rapid success? Utah’s limited coffee shop culture, making dirty sodas a fun and flavorful alternative.

Huge Growth for Swig Helped By Olivia's Fandom

As of January 2025, Swig has expanded to over 101 locations across 14 states, but they’re not the only ones riding the wave. The competition has followed suit, turning Southern Utah into a hotspot not just for its red rocks but also for specialty craft sodas..