in , ,

Dirty Shirley

dirty shirley drink

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!

This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy

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

  1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour the vodka over the ice.
  3. Add the grenadine syrup.
  4. Fill the rest of the glass with lemon-lime soda.
  5. Stir gently to mix.
  6. 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.
See also  Moscow Mule

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.

Save Recipe Form

dirty shirley drink

Dirty Shirley

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
5 from 3 votes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Dirty Shirley, grenadine, lemon lime soda, Vodka
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
The Dirty Shirley is an adult version of the Shirley Temple. Learn to craft this sweet and fruity blend with our recipe and step-by-step instructions.

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.

Video

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!




Dirty Shirley
Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.
5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Avatar

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Google Guide and MuckRack.

rum negroni cocktail

Rum Negroni

strawberry mojito

Strawberry Mojito