If you spent any part of the early 2000s watching The Simple Life, you probably remember the sheer chaos of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie trying to hold down "real" jobs. One of their most legendary—and brief—stints was at a Sonic Drive-In. Fast forward to today, and things have come full circle. No, they aren't back to being carhops, but they did just drop a massive collaboration with the brand. Specifically, The Nicole Richie Sonic drink is currently one of the most talked-about items on the "Sonic Iconic" menu.
Honestly, it's about time.
The drink isn't just a random mix of syrups. It’s a very specific, "dirty soda" inspired concoction that reflects Nicole's actual taste preferences. Officially called "The Nicole," this beverage has been popping up all over TikTok and Instagram, usually held by someone wearing a velour tracksuit for the aesthetic. But is it actually good, or is it just a nostalgia play? Let's get into the details of what’s actually inside that cup.
What is in the Nicole Richie Sonic Drink?
So, if you pull up to the stall and order "The Nicole," what are you actually getting? It starts with a base of Dr Pepper. Now, if you’re a Dr Pepper purist, you might be skeptical about messing with those 23 flavors, but the "dirty soda" trend (popularized in Utah and now everywhere) is all about the add-ins.
Here is the breakdown of the official recipe:
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- Base: Dr Pepper
- The "Dirty" Element: A shot of sweet cream
- Flavoring: Vanilla syrup
- The Fruit: Real, hand-mixed strawberries
- The Topper: A swirl of whipped topping and even more real strawberries on top
It’s basically a dessert in a cup. Think of it as a creamy, strawberry-infused version of a Dr Pepper float, but without the heavy scoop of ice cream. The sweet cream and vanilla mellow out the "bite" of the soda, while the strawberries give it a fresh, tart finish. It’s definitely "sleek and berry sweet," just like the promo says.
The Story Behind the Collaboration
This wasn't just a random marketing pitch. This partnership was timed perfectly with the release of their Peacock special, Paris & Nicole: The Encore. If you've seen the promos, the two of them are back at Sonic, messing up orders and singing "Sanasa" just like the old days.
In a press release from Inspire Brands (the parent company of Sonic), Nicole mentioned that she and Paris were "legit Sonic fans" and that this felt like a full-circle moment. They actually sat down to brainstorm names like "Paging Dr. Richie" and "Celestial Berry Bliss" before deciding to just keep it simple. Hence, "The Nicole" and "The Paris."
While Paris’s drink is a bright pink Sprite-based situation with dragon fruit and Nerds, Nicole’s is the more grounded, sophisticated (well, as sophisticated as a soda can be) choice for the Dr Pepper lovers.
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Is it Worth the Hype? (An Honest Review)
If you hate sweet things, stay away. There is no middle ground here. One medium Nicole Richie Sonic drink contains roughly 75 grams of sugar. That is a lot. For context, that’s about double the daily recommended limit for most adults.
But if you’re looking for a "treat yourself" moment? It’s surprisingly balanced.
Why people like it:
The strawberries are the real MVP. Sonic uses actual fruit pieces, not just a red syrup, which makes a huge difference in texture. When the sweet cream mixes with the Dr Pepper, it creates this velvet-like consistency. Some reviewers on platforms like Mashed and Lemon8 have compared it to a liquid chocolate-covered strawberry, even though there’s no chocolate in it. It's the richness of the vanilla and cream playing tricks on your brain.
The common complaints:
Some fans find that the sweet cream kills the carbonation too quickly. If you don't drink it fast, you’re left with a creamy, lukewarm strawberry soup. Also, if your local Sonic is stingy with the strawberry mix, the Dr Pepper can easily overpower everything else, making it just taste like... vanilla Dr Pepper.
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How to Order It (and How to Customize)
You can find it under the "Iconic Drinks" section of the app or the menu board. It usually retails for around $3.99 for a medium, though prices vary by location.
If you want to tweak it, here are a few expert-level hacks:
- The "Lighter" Nicole: Ask for Diet Dr Pepper instead. You still get the cream and sugar from the syrup/fruit, but it cuts down the syrupy thickness of the base.
- Add a Kick: Some people are adding a splash of lime to cut through the sweetness.
- The "Double Berry": Ask for a pump of cherry syrup if you want to lean into that "Dr Pepper Cherry" vibe.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Sonic Run
If you're planning to try the Nicole Richie Sonic drink, keep these few things in mind to get the best experience:
- Use the App: Sonic almost always has "Half-Price Drinks" when you order through the app. Even these specialty celebrity drinks often qualify or have specific rewards attached to them.
- Check the Straw: Since this drink has real strawberry chunks, ask for a large milkshake straw. Nothing ruins the vibe like a piece of fruit getting stuck in a tiny soda straw.
- Drink it Fresh: Because of the sweet cream, the soda loses its fizz faster than a standard Coke. This isn't a drink you want to let sit in your cup holder for an hour.
- Pair it Right: This is a very sweet drink. It pairs best with something salty, like the garlic butter bacon cheeseburger or just a large order of tots with extra salt.
The "The Nicole" is a limited-time offering, usually tied to the promotional window of their new show. If you want to taste what 2004 nostalgia tastes like in 2026, you'll want to head to the drive-in sooner rather than later.