Dirty soda lands in the Twin Cities with Sota

The big picture: These customizable beverages, which have long been popular in the Mormon community, have gone viral nationwide thanks to TikTok and the reality show, "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."

• Utah-based Swig, the nation's largest dirty soda chain, has locations in more than a dozen states.

Driving the debut: Sota owner Chad Taylor told Axios that he got the idea to bring the concept to Minnesota after seeing its popularity during visits to family in Utah.

• "It's a very simple way that people can indulge," Taylor said. "It just blew me away how often people would just line up and leave so happy."

How it works: Parched patrons can mix their own or choose from a menu of custom drinks that use still or sparkling water, Coke/Pepsi or Dr. Pepper as a base.

• Sizes range from 24 ounces ($3 including tax) to 44 ounces ($5).

Reality check: While Sota claims to be the first of its kind in Minnesota, the Twin Cities is already home to a soda "taproom" and plenty of non-alcoholic beverage shops.

• Plus: The budget-conscious consumer has always been able to make their own "Graveyard" soft drink concoctions at 7-11, fast food restaurants or other establishments with pour-your-own fountain soda consoles.

Yes, but: The flavor combos on tap at Sota go beyond mixing Fanta and Sprite.

• For example, the "Kiss From a Rose" mixes raspberries, coconut and raspberry puree into seltzer, while the "1979" jazzes up a cola of the customer's choice with vanilla, fresh lime and coconut cream.

Zoom in: Taylor tested Sota out as a food truck before deciding to open the brick-and-mortar location at 13630 Grove Drive.

• While it took a while to work out the kinks and raise awareness, they soon started seeing repeat customers, visits from social media influencers and "lines at all times."

What they're saying: "It was pretty clear if somebody tried it, they were going to come back," Taylor said.

• Some of the offerings on the current menu, including the "Tribe" (cola with coconut, peach and coconut cream), were fan favorites created by those early customers.

The intrigue: Sota's soft launch was especially popular among Gen Z teens and Gen X moms, Taylor said.

• Interest from that second group inspired him to lean into a 1990s theme when naming the drinks on the current menu.

What we're watching: Taylor hopes to expand beyond Maple Grove, with additional locations throughout the metro in the future.

Stop by: Sota is open from 2pm to 8pm Monday through Friday, and from 11am to 8pm on Saturdays.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the smallest size at Sota is 24 ounces (not 16).