Dirty Shirley
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The Dirty Shirley cocktail is an adult spin on the childhood classic, Shirley Temple. This colorful and delicious drink is made with vodka, grenadine, cherries, and lemon-lime soda. With its sweet and tangy flavor and eye-catching appearance, the Dirty Shirley is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
I was a big fan of the Shirley Temple during my growing-up years. I always felt so fancy when I’d get this drink at a restaurant. If you’re not familiar with a Shirley Temple, it’s a mocktail consisting of lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and maraschino cherries.
It was one of those drinks I had as a kid that always made me feel significantly older than I really was. Plus, the cherries were usually skewered onto one of those plastic cocktail picks that looks like a mini sword. I saved those plastic swords like they were the best toy on the planet.
Drink History
The drink was named after the famous child actress, Shirley Temple, who was known for her innocence and charm. The Shirley Temple is not only a popular choice among kids but has also gained popularity with adults who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. It is a refreshing and sweet drink that can be served as a mocktail or used as a base for a more elaborate cocktail such as the Dirty Shirley.
While the Dirty Shirley cocktail is a modern mixed drink, its roots can be traced back to the classic Shirley Temple. The Dirty Shirley is believed to have originated in the 1980s. It is essentially a boozy version of the Shirley Temple through the addition of vodka. Its playful name pays homage to the original drink while also giving it an edgy twist.
Despite its relatively recent creation, the Dirty Shirley has become a staple at parties and bars around the world. Its sweet and fruity taste makes it a crowd favorite, and its vibrant colors and playful name add to its appeal.
Want more? If you love sweet cocktail recipes with a twist, I know you’ll enjoy this campari sangria, a prickly pear margarita, or even this oatmeal cookie shot.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe
- The sweet and fruity taste makes it a crowd favorite, and its vibrant colors and playful name add to its appeal.
- It’s a fun take on a childhood classic but still serves a punch that you’d expect from a modern cocktail.
- It’s easy to make. You can put together this cocktail in mere minutes. Plus, it’s easy to customize the level of alcohol, sweetness, or amount of cherries.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Dirty Shirley, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- vodka: Opt for a high-quality vodka that complements the other flavors in the drink. Choose a brand that you enjoy and feel free to experiment with different flavors like citrus or berry-infused vodka for a unique twist.
- lemon-lime soda: The classic soda choice for a Dirty Shirley is lemon-lime soda such as Sprite or 7UP. The carbonation and tanginess of the soda pair perfectly with the other ingredients.
- grenadine syrup: Grenadine adds a touch of sweetness and the signature red hue to the cocktail. Look for a high-quality grenadine syrup that contains real pomegranate juice for an authentic flavor.
- maraschino cherries: These are a must for a Dirty Shirley cocktail. Feel free to add as many as you like. (Plastic sword optional.)
Curious about my glassware and cocktail making accessories? Everything is linked below:
How To Make
As I mentioned above, making a Dirty Shirley couldn’t be easier.. I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Fill your glass of choice with ice cubes. (A highball is standard, but any glass will work.)
- Drizzle the grenadine syrup over the ice into the glass.
- Pour the vodka into the glass over the ice.
- Slowly add the lemon-lime soda to the glass.
- Stir gently to mix the flavors.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.
Variations
While the classic Dirty Shirley is a tried and true favorite, feel free to get creative and experiment with variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spice it up: Add a splash of jalapeño syrup or muddle some jalapeño slices to give your Dirty Shirley a spicy kick.
- Berry twist: Swap the lemon-lime soda for a berry-flavored soda, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a fruity variation.
- Citrus burst: Squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon or lime juice into your cocktail to add a tangy twist.
- Mocktail version: Skip the vodka for a delightful non-alcoholic version (a Shirley Temple) that everyone can enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Dirty Shirley without alcohol?
Yes, absolutely! Simply omit the vodka and you’re good to go. As I mentioned above, this would be called a Shirley Temple.
How do I make the Dirty Shirley less sweet?
Use less grenadine or use a natural sweetener like honey or agave nectar as a substitute. You can also add a splash of fresh-squeezed lime juice for a more tart taste.
Can I make a big batch of Dirty Shirleys ahead of time?
Yes! My recommendation would be to mix up a batch of vodka mixed with grenadine. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the vodka mixture over ice in individual glasses and top with lemon-lime soda. You can also pre-skewer some maraschino cherries on picks so your garnish is ready to go as well!
More Fruity Cocktails You May Enjoy
I love a fruity cocktail recipe. And since you’re here, I assume you may too. Here are some other fruity cocktails I know you’re going to love:
- Watermelon Margarita
- Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini
- Mango Mojito
- Strawberry Basil Martini
- Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned
I hope you’ll try crafting a Dirty Shirley. There’s so much to love about this drink recipe. I know you’re going to enjoy it. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Dirty Shirley
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 6-8 ounces lemon-lime soda
- 2-3 maraschino cherries to garnish
Instructions
- Fill your glass of choice with ice cubes. (A highball is standard, but any glass will work.)
- Pour the vodka into the glass over the ice.
- Slowly add the lemon-lime soda to the glass.
- Drizzle the grenadine syrup into the glass.
- Stir gently to mix the flavors.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.
I love a fruity cocktail recipe. And thanks to you I learned more great recipes. thanks
Oh my god! I didn’t know this was a thing. I used to drink Shirley Temples as a kid. Love this.