If you're subscribed to our daily newsletter, you've noticed two News Notes this week with something in common: "dirty soda." Swig, a Utah-based drive-thru soda shop, recently opened in Indian Land and, due to its quick success, is opening another location in Rock Hill, SC.

Why is the drink viral?

If you're on TikTok, a fan of Olivia Rodrigo, or watch ”The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” you've likely heard of the beverage. If not, here's a recap.

City Editor Maria, here. I wanted to see what the fuss was about regarding this drink that's growing in popularity. So, here's my journey.

12:05 p.m.

Call me crazy, I left my home in North Charlotte to drive to Indian Land, SC during lunch hour.

After a 40-minute drive, Swig was in sight with a full line of cars wrapping around the building and onto Worldreach Drive. I got nervous.

12:50 p.m.

The line was stop-and-go. The good news: it seemed to be moving at a decent pace. The bad news: There were easily 30+ cars ahead of me.

1:07 p.m.

I pulled into the Swig driveway area, noticing that drivers need to pull into the empty lot to the right of Swig to fit more cars in the space.

1:19 p.m.

There were at least eight cars in front of me as I pulled up to the sign with a QR code to decide what to drink.

Here's what I noticed: The menu boasts seasonal favorites, with sodas like Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Mountain Dew, mixed with a cream-based sweetener and other fruity or citrus flavors.

After a 35-minute wait, the drink was in hand. | Photo by CLTtoday

1:28 p.m.

The time has come to place my order! I opted to try the Cherry Bomb, which is Pepsi, cherry, coconut, and vanilla cream.

1:35 p.m.

Mission complete: drink in hand. The first sip surprised me. I was a little nervous, thinking the drink would be too creamy or sweet, but it was just right.

The total time for this adventure: 35 minutes.

Keep an eye on our Instagram for my full reaction.

Try the drink, not the drive

If Indian Land is too far of a drive for you, there are a few places in Charlotte that sell "dirty sodas."

Sips & Dips at the Promenade on Providence
Park Road Soda Shoppe
Sip Co. Drinks has two locations in Concord
Newly-opened Banana Bar in Belmont