Some say the Dirty Shirley cocktail is the drink of summer. It can't hurt to find out. Try this grown up version of a Shirley Temple and see for yourself!
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If you're feeling nostalgic and just want a fizzy, unfussy drink that's just plain FUN, try a Dirty Shirley! It's no kiddie cocktail, but it might make you feel like a kid again!
Based on a Shirley Temple, that bright and bubbly beverage we all loved growing up, the Dirty Shirley adds a shot of alcohol to suit your discerning adult tastes.
Ingredients
- Vodka: Choose a favorite brand, but maybe one that's not so expensive. You'll be covering it with sticky sweet flavors, so no need to go big.
- Grenadine syrup: Contrary to popular belief, grenadine is not cherry syrup, it's actually (supposed to be) pomegranate flavored.
- Lemon-lime soda
- Maraschino cherries
How to make it
Fill a high ball glass with ice.
Pour in vodka and lemon-lime soda.
Add grenadine and top with a cherry.
Pro Tip
Add the grenadine last. It's heavier than the other liquids so if you add it first, it will just stay on the bottom. Adding it last will ensure it distributes throughout the drink as it falls.
Variations and Substitutions
Try these ideas to make a Dirty Shirley cocktail that you can put your own spin on.
- Swap out the lemon-lime soda for ginger beer or ginger ale.
- Make it with gin instead of vodka!
- Try flavored vodkas or gins for a twist.
- Use fancy amarena cherries in place of maraschino cherries.
- If you can't find grenadine, use the syrup in the cherry jar.
- Want to make it a skinny cocktail? Try it with sugar-free soda or club soda.
Related Recipes
- An Old Cuban Cocktail is my summer go-to when temperatures soar.
- Switch to a Campari and Soda when you want to go from sweet to bitter, but still have a pretty, fizzy drink.
Recipe
Dirty Shirley Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 8 ounces lemon-lime soda
- maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a high ball glass with ice. Pour in vodka and lemon-lime soda. Add grenadine and top with a cherry. (or two or three!)
Notes
- Swap out the lemon-lime soda for ginger beer or ginger ale.
- Make it with gin instead of vodka!
- Try flavored vodkas or gins for a twist.
- Use fancy amarena cherries in place of maraschino cherries.
- If you can't find grenadine, use the syrup in the cherry jar.
- Want to make it a skinny cocktail? Try it with sugar-free soda or club soda.
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