The Dirty Shirley. It’s a grown-up twist on the classic Shirley Temple. This fun and easy drink mix sweet and bubbly soda with a splash of grown-up fun. Perfect for parties or just relaxing at home with your friends. Let’s dive into how to make your very own Dirty Shirley!
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Tasting Notes
A Dirty Shirley is sweet, fizzy, and a little bit tangy. The grenadine syrup gives it a cherry-like taste, while the vodka adds a smooth kick. The lemon-lime soda makes it bubbly and refreshing. It’s a great balance of flavors that’s both familiar and exciting.
Equipment and Glassware
Making a Dirty Shirley, a grown-up twist on the classic Shirley Temple, requires a few equipment including glassware. Mixing vodka, grenadine, and ice to cold requires a cocktail shaker. A strainer ensures a smooth serving glass pour. Measure ingredients precisely with a jigger. Serve the cocktail in a highball glass with ice, soda, and a maraschino cherry or lemon slice.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz Grenadine syrup
- Lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
- Lemon or lime wedge, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the vodka over the ice.
- Add the grenadine syrup.
- Fill the rest of the glass with lemon-lime soda.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge and a cherry.
Pro Tips
- For a less sweet drink, use less grenadine.
- Try using different sodas for new flavors.
- Add a splash of orange juice for a fruity twist.
- Chill your glass beforehand for an extra refreshing drink.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
When making a Dirty Shirley, the vodka you choose can make a difference. Here are a few popular choices:
- Smirnoff: A good, budget-friendly option.
- Absolut: Known for its smooth taste.
- Grey Goose: A high-end choice for a smoother cocktail.
Similar Cocktails
If you love Dirty Shirleys, you might also enjoy:
- Vodka Cranberry: Simple and tart.
- Cosmopolitan:Classy with a citrus twist.
- Cherry Vodka Sour: Vodka mixed with cherry syrup and sour mix for a tangy and sweet flavor.
- Gin Fizz: A bubbly and refreshing mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water.
- Tequila Sunrise: A sweet and colorful mix of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine.
History
The Dirty Shirley is a playful adult version of the Shirley Temple, which has been around since the 1930s. The original was named after the famous child actress and was a non-alcoholic mix of ginger ale and grenadine, topped with a maraschino cherry. The Dirty Shirley adds vodka, making it a fun choice for adults.
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
- 1.5 oz vodka
- Lemon-lime soda such as 7-Up or Sprite
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add grenadine syrup, vodka, then fill to top with lemon-lime soda.
- Stir the ingredients gently to combine.
- If you like a tangy taste, add a splash of lime juice to the cocktail.
- Finally, garnish the cocktail with a maraschino cherry. You can also add a lime wedge or a slice of lime for an extra touch of flavor.