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 with ripples of Dr Pepper syrup, returns to the menu at all Smalls Sliders locations nationwide after a limited-time run last year. Joining it for the first time is the Dirty Dr Pepper, which combines ice-cold Dr Pepper with real strawberry puree and a splash of creamy vanilla. Both limited-time drinks are available through October 11.
The return of the Dr Pepper Swirl comes after persistent customer demand, according to Michael Alberici, Chief Marketing Officer for Smalls Sliders. "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," Alberici said. "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 new Dirty Dr Pepper positions Smalls Sliders to capture a surging market. Yelp searches for dirty soda climbed 600% year over year and hit an all-time high in May 2026, indicating strong consumer interest in the beverage category. By adding its own twist on the trend, Smalls Sliders aims to attract new customers and give existing fans another reason to visit.
Both drinks pair with the chain's fresh, cooked-to-order sliders and seasoned waffle fries. Smalls Sliders operates from its signature Smorange-colored shipping containers, called "Cans," and has grown rapidly since its first location in 2019. The brand now has more than 375 Cans open or under development across 30 states, attracting premier multi-brand franchisees nationwide. The company is the brainchild of restaurateur Brandon Landry and is backed by 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees as investors.
For Dr Pepper, the collaboration extends the reach of its iconic 23-flavor soft drink, which has been a staple since 1885. Dr Pepper offers multiple varieties, including Regular, Diet, Caffeine Free, Cherry, Zero Sugar, Cream Soda, Blackberry, and Strawberries & Cream. The brand is a part of Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. (KDP).
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. More details about Dr Pepper can be found at DrPepper.com or keurigdrpepper.com.
