Give Dr Pepper This Hot Cocoa-Style Transformation For A Creamy Winter Drinkable Dessert

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If you love the dirty soda trend, get ready to meet your new favorite recipe. And if you haven't gotten around to making a dirty soda yet, here's the concoction that will convince you. We're talking about hot cocoa-style Dr Pepper, and you'll want this sweet treat on repeat this fall and winter — it's a super fun drink for serving at holiday parties, too. 

To make a creamy Dr Pepper that leans towards dessert, break out the cocoa and marshmallows, in the form of spreadable fluff. First, you'll spread some marshmallow fluff around the inside of your glass. This will keep it in contact with the drink for that vanilla-y sweetness in every sip. Then, pour in Dr Pepper, leaving room at the top of the glass. In a separate cup, using a frother, whip together a few tablespoons of heavy cream with hot cocoa powder. Slowly crown the Dr Pepper with a layer of this luscious cocoa cream. Optionally, garnish with a few mini marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

The resulting beverage is a symphony of flavors and textures. You get the refreshing fizz from the soda playing against the creamy cocoa. The 23 flavors that give Dr Pepper its flavor marry well with cocoa and marshmallow, and bring those elements to life with complexity, from sweet to tart to spicy.

Technically, there's a difference between "dirty" soda and "fluffy" soda: The former mixes soft drinks with a cream element and often a flavored syrup, while the latter incorporates marshmallow fluff into the soda. This hot cocoa-style Dr Pepper is the best of both worlds, giving you both a creamy and fluffy upgrade.

As creative and delicious as this drink hack already is, you can continue to upgrade from here. There are multiple varieties of Dr Pepper. Double down on creaminess with the cream soda flavor, or create a chocolate-covered cherry or strawberry flavor combo with cherry or "Strawberries & Cream." In terms of flavor additions, you could also make your own flavored simple syrup and add that in, introducing complementary flavors like raspberry, vanilla, almond, or even spicy chili pepper. 

There's more room to riff in the hot cocoa powder you use. Looking at some of the best hot cocoa mixes, you'll find varieties like dark chocolate, white chocolate, salted caramel, orange, and even candy brands like Reese's Peanut Butter Cup iced cocoa mix. Any of these would add serious flavor to your cocoa Dr Pepper. 

Finally, there are additions you can make to the soda base itself, like cold brew to turn this into a more caffeinated treat while imparting some rich, roasted character. On the flipside, especially for holiday parties, you can turn this dirty, fluffy soda into a decadent cocktail with a splash of vodka, rum, whiskey, or chocolate liqueur.