Smalls Sliders is doubling down on its partnership with Dr Pepper, bringing back a fan-favorite milkshake and introducing a new beverage that taps into a rapidly growing consumer trend. The Dr Pepper Swirl, a hand-spun shake featuring a creamy vanilla base swirled with Dr Pepper syrup, returns to menus nationwide after a limited run last year. Alongside it, the brand is launching the Dirty Dr Pepper, a drink that combines ice-cold Dr Pepper with real strawberry puree and a splash of creamy vanilla. Both items are available through October 11.
The return of the Dr Pepper Swirl is a direct response to customer demand. "Guests talk about the Dr Pepper Swirl all year, so we are excited to bring it back and give guests a second way to sip," said Michael Alberici, Chief Marketing Officer for Smalls Sliders. "The Swirl is creamy, nostalgic and hand-spun, and the Dirty Dr Pepper arrives right as guests are chasing dirty sodas everywhere they go." The move underscores how limited-time offerings can drive traffic and build brand loyalty, especially when they resonate with nostalgic flavors.
The introduction of the Dirty Dr Pepper positions Smalls Sliders within a booming beverage category. According to Yelp data cited in the announcement, searches for dirty soda climbed 600% year over year and hit an all-time high in May 2026. By offering its own take on the trend, Smalls Sliders is not just following a fad but aiming to attract new customers and give existing ones another reason to visit. The drink's combination of Dr Pepper, strawberry puree, and vanilla aligns with the sweet, refreshing profile that has made dirty sodas popular, while also leveraging the brand's established relationship with Dr Pepper.
These new beverages complement Smalls Sliders' focused menu of fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries, and hand-spun milkshakes, all served from its signature Smorange-colored shipping containers, called "Cans." The brand's deliberate menu strategy has fueled its rapid growth from a single location in 2019 to more than 375 Cans open or under development across 30 states. Backed by 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees, Smalls Sliders is positioning itself as a major player in the fast-casual segment.
For Dr Pepper, the collaboration extends the reach of its iconic 23-flavor soft drink into new formats and occasions. Dr Pepper, a brand of Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc., is the oldest major soft drink in the United States, and partnerships like this help keep the brand relevant with younger consumers who seek novel, Instagrammable beverages. The limited-time nature of both drinks creates urgency, encouraging customers to visit before October 11.
Frequent Sliders members get a first look at what drops next, and guests can join the loyalty program online or in the Smalls Sliders app. For more information about Smalls Sliders, visit www.smallssliders.com, or follow them on social media. More details about Dr Pepper can be found at DrPepper.com or keurigdrpepper.com.
