Sonic Drive-In, a popular fast-food chain known for its inventive drinks, has caught the internet’s attention with a peculiar new concoction: the Pickle Dr Pepper. This unusual blend of Dr Pepper soda with dill pickle slices has sparked curiosity and a surprising amount of approval across social media platforms, particularly after a viral TikTok video by a user known as Mississippi Memaw.
A Viral Sensation Born in Mississippi
Mississippi Memaw, who posted the now-viral video in early May, encouraged her viewers with a bold statement: “And don’t knock it till you try it. If you like pickles and you like Dr Pepper and you’re probably like, ‘Ew, gross. I would never ever drink that. But there’s a lot of people who do drink it,” she explains in her TikTok clip. The video has since amassed over 4 million views, with many users intrigued by the combination, some even calling it the “Dr. Pepper Pucker.”
Memaw disclosed in an interview with Today.com that she did not invent the drink but was introduced to it by her daughter nearly a decade ago. Despite its long-standing presence in some circles, the drink had never reached the kind of widespread fame it enjoys today.
Public Reaction and Sonic’s Response
The public’s reaction to this flavour pairing has been mixed, with a significant tilt towards curiosity and experimentation. Sonic’s spokesperson, Brent Reams, noted, “The restaurant chain began hearing from its locations nationwide that guests were requesting to have pickle slices added to their drinks about a week ago,” indicating a growing trend among its customers. While Sonic has no plans to make this a permanent menu item, the chain acknowledges its fanbase’s creativity in flavour experiments, including past hits like the Pickle Juice Slush.
have yall heard of ordering a dr. pepper with pickles??
who'syou in @Dabkingg710Dab ?? 😂#Munchies #DrPepper @drpepper pic.twitter.com/qEgurtNDJx
— Greasy🍟 (@greasyfries710) May 8, 2024
Community Feedback: From Skepticism to Surprise
The social media response has ranged from disbelief to enthusiastic endorsement. Commenters on Memaw’s TikTok expressed their surprise at how unfazed the Sonic worker was when taking such an unconventional order. Others, like Joshua Cade from Texas, shared their positive experiences, with Cade giving it “two thumbs up” and crediting Memaw for the recommendation.
Tiffany from Oklahoma and other commenters have likened the taste to nostalgic or familiar flavours, with some even describing the Dr Pepper Pucker as tasting like a “liquid McRib.” Reviews in the comments section largely lean positive, though some admit the combination sounds daunting at first.
A Trend Reflecting Broader Beverage Experimentation
This isn’t the first time unusual drink pairings have captured the public’s imagination. From Coca-Cola with peanuts to multi-soda concoctions like the “Witch Doctor,” adventurous drinkers have long enjoyed exploring new taste boundaries. The viral success of the Pickle Dr Pepper may well inspire further culinary creativity among fast-food enthusiasts and home mixologists alike.
In a world where culinary innovation is celebrated, perhaps it’s no surprise that a combination as odd as pickles and Dr Pepper has found its audience. Whether as a novelty try or a new favourite, this bizarre blend represents a broader trend of flavour experimentation that challenges our palates and preconceptions. So, next time you’re at Sonic, maybe ask yourself if you’re ready for the Pickle Dr Pepper challenge.
