If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen a flash of hot pink and heard the word "slay" more than a few times. Paris Hilton is back at Sonic. Honestly, it feels like 2003 all over again, but with better camera resolution and a much higher sugar intake. The Paris Hilton Sonic drink—officially dubbed "The Paris"—is currently taking over drive-ins across the country, and it’s not just because of the nostalgia.
It is a vibe. It is neon. It is very, very Paris.
But is it actually good? Or is it just another celebrity cash grab designed for the "aesthetic" of a TikTok post? I went down the rabbit hole (and through the drive-thru) to figure out if this dragon fruit concoction lives up to the 11:11 Media hype.
What is the Paris Hilton Sonic Drink?
Basically, Sonic teamed up with the ultimate Y2K duo, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, to launch a limited-time menu called "Sonic Iconic Drinks." This wasn't some random pairing. If you remember The Simple Life, you know Sonic was actually their "first job" back in the day—even if they did get fired after about twenty minutes.
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The Paris drink is a Sprite-based creation that looks like a liquid sunset. It’s got a heavy hit of dragon fruit flavor, which gives it that signature electric pink hue. To keep it from being a total sugar bomb, they’ve tossed in real slices of lemon and lime. Then, because Paris doesn't do "subtle," it’s topped with a massive swirl of whipped cream and a handful of rainbow Nerds candy.
It's essentially a "dirty soda" for people who find Dr Pepper too heavy.
While Nicole Richie’s drink (The Nicole) leans into the creamy, strawberry Dr Pepper side of things, The Paris is all about being "fruity and fun." It’s designed to be light, bubbly, and—let’s be real—highly photographable.
The Breakdown: Ingredients and Calories
You aren't ordering this if you're on a strict keto diet. Let's just put that out there. The Paris Hilton Sonic drink is a treat, plain and simple.
The base is Sprite. That’s your carbonation and your sweetness. The dragon fruit syrup is what provides the tropical edge. It’s not a "natural" dragon fruit taste—think more like a pink Starburst or a tropical punch—but the addition of the real citrus slices actually makes a huge difference. Without the lime, it would probably taste like melted candy.
The Nerds are the wild card. They sink to the bottom and create these little pockets of crunch and sourness that hit you through the straw. It’s a texture journey. Some people hate it; I think it’s kinda genius in a chaotic way.
According to various reviews and nutritional data from the 2024-2025 launch period, a medium size sits around 300 to 400 calories depending on how heavy-handed your carhop is with the whipped cream. It's a dessert you drink with a straw.
Why Everyone is Obsessed with the Slay
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug. Seeing Paris and Nicole back in a Sonic commercial, singing a remix of their "Sanasa" song (now "SONICsa"), triggered something in the brains of every Millennial who grew up watching them struggle with a manual transmission.
But there’s more to it:
- The Aesthetic: In the era of "pink lemonade" and "Barbiecore," a bright pink drink with glittery Nerds is gold for social media.
- The "Dirty Soda" Trend: "Dirty sodas"—sodas mixed with cream or fruit syrups—have exploded in popularity thanks to shops like Swig. Sonic is finally leaning into that culture with high-profile names.
- The Price Point: At roughly $3.99 for a medium, it’s an accessible way to participate in a celebrity moment without buying a $200 tracksuit.
Honestly, it's a smart business move. Sonic’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ryan Dickerson, mentioned in several press releases that the goal was "authenticity." Since the girls actually have a history with the brand, it doesn't feel as forced as some other celebrity fast-food collabs we've seen lately.
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How Does it Compare to "The Nicole"?
If you're standing at the kiosk and can't decide, here is the deal.
The Nicole is for the "Dirty Soda" purists. It’s Dr Pepper, sweet cream, vanilla, and real strawberries. It’s much heavier. It’s like a melted float. The Paris is for the person who wants something refreshing. If you’re eating a burger and heavy fries, The Paris is the better palate cleanser.
I’ve seen some people online saying they find the whipped cream on a Sprite-based drink "weird." I get it. Cream and citrus can be a risky combo for some stomachs. If that’s you, just ask them to leave the whipped topping off. The drink still slays without the dairy.
Fact Check: Is it a Permanent Menu Item?
Nope. Don't get too attached. The Paris Hilton Sonic drink was launched as a limited-time promotion to coincide with their Peacock special, Paris & Nicole: The Encore.
Typically, these celebrity "Iconic" windows last about 6 to 8 weeks. Depending on sales, Sonic sometimes moves these "secret" recipes to their permanent app-only menu, but for now, you should assume it's a "get it while it's hot" (or cold) situation.
How to Order the "Paris" Year-Round
Even if the official "Paris Hilton" button disappears from the menu, you can still get this drink. That’s the beauty of Sonic’s "Ultimate Drink Stop" setup.
You just have to know the components:
- Order a Sprite.
- Add Dragon Fruit flavor (or Blue Raspberry/Powerade if they run out of Dragon Fruit).
- Add real Lemon and Lime slices.
- Ask for Whipped Topping.
- Add Nerds candy.
You might pay a few cents extra for the individual add-ons, but you’ll get the exact same flavor profile. It’s a pro tip for anyone who misses the window.
The Verdict
Is the Paris Hilton Sonic drink a culinary masterpiece? No. Is it a fun, sugary, neon-pink celebration of 2000s pop culture that actually tastes pretty refreshing? Absolutely.
It’s sweet, sure. It’s a bit over-the-top. But that is the entire point of Paris Hilton. It’s a drink that doesn't take itself too seriously, just like the women who inspired it. If you’re a fan of tropical flavors and you aren't afraid of a little "extra" in your cup, it’s worth the stop.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the App: Before you drive over, check the Sonic app. They often have "half-price drinks" deals when you order through the app, which makes trying The Paris or The Nicole even cheaper.
- Request the "Stir": Sometimes the dragon fruit syrup settles at the bottom. Give it a quick swirl with your straw before that first sip, or you’ll just get a mouthful of straight syrup.
- Napkin Up: Those Nerds on top of the whipped cream tend to roll off the second you move the cup. Grab extra napkins for your cup holder—trust me on this one.