The Dirty Shirley is a playful, grown-up twist on the beloved Shirley Temple mocktail.
This vibrant cocktail combines vodka, grenadine, and fizzy lemon-lime soda, delivering a sweet and refreshing drink.
Recently, it has surged in popularity, becoming a favorite for summer parties and trending on TikTok.
Whether you’re hosting friends or reminiscing about childhood classics with a modern edge, the Dirty Shirley is a must-try.
Here’s how to make this delicious drink at home!
How to Make a Dirty Shirley: At A Glance
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add 2 oz vodka and 1 oz grenadine.
- Top with 6–8 oz lemon-lime soda.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries and a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
History of the Dirty Shirley
The Shirley Temple drink was created in the 1930s, named after the famous child actress known for her charm and talent.
This non-alcoholic beverage, made with grenadine and lemon-lime soda, was designed as a sweet, bubbly treat for young Shirley Temple during her visits to Hollywood restaurants.
Decades later, the Dirty Shirley emerged as an adult adaptation of this nostalgic classic.
By adding vodka to the original recipe, bartenders transformed the kid-friendly drink into a vibrant cocktail with a boozy kick.
Over time, the Dirty Shirley gained popularity for its simplicity, sweet flavor, and playful connection to the iconic mocktail, cementing it as a favorite for casual gatherings and summer parties.
Ingredients
Vodka
Vodka is the key ingredient that transforms the classic Shirley Temple into the Dirty Shirley.
For the best results, opt for a clean, smooth vodka.
Popular choices include mid-range brands like Tito’s or premium options like Grey Goose.
If you’re feeling adventurous, flavored vodkas like cherry, vanilla, or citrus can add an extra layer of complexity to the drink.
These variations pair well with the sweetness of grenadine and the fizz of soda, allowing you to customize the cocktail to your taste.
Grenadine
Grenadine is essential for the Dirty Shirley’s signature color and sweetness.
While many people assume it’s cherry-based, it’s actually a pomegranate-flavored syrup.
This detail is important because grenadine’s fruity, slightly tangy profile balances the drink’s overall sweetness.
Avoid using cheap substitutes to ensure the cocktail has the authentic flavor that makes it special.
Soda
The soda choice shapes the Dirty Shirley’s fizz and flavor.
Lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7UP are the most traditional options, offering a bright, sweet, and bubbly base.
For a more classic or less sweet alternative, ginger ale works wonderfully and adds a hint of spiciness.
Experimenting with craft sodas or even tonic water can provide unique variations to suit your preferences.
Garnishes
No Dirty Shirley is complete without garnishes that elevate its presentation.
Maraschino cherries are the most iconic addition, lending a pop of color and a sweet bite at the end.
Lime wedges are another great option, adding a splash of citrus and a visual contrast to the drink’s vibrant red hue.
For an extra touch, consider serving the cocktail with a decorative cocktail pick or rimmed glass to make it party-ready.
Dirty Shirley Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 6–8 ounces lemon-lime soda (e.g., Sprite or 7UP)
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino cherries and lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice to keep the drink refreshingly cold.
- Pour in 2 ounces of vodka for the boozy base.
- Add 1 ounce of grenadine to bring sweetness and vibrant color.
- Top off the glass with 6–8 ounces of lemon-lime soda, depending on your taste preference.
- Gently stir the mixture to combine the flavors without losing carbonation.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lime wedge for a finishing touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a “Skinny” Version: Substitute regular lemon-lime soda with a diet or zero-sugar version to reduce the calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Simply omit the vodka to create a classic Shirley Temple, perfect for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol.
- For a batch version (Dirty Shirley Punch), combine vodka, grenadine, and soda in larger quantities. This recipe can be scaled up and served in a punch bowl.
Nutritional Information
- Approximate calories per serving: 253
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugars: 25g
- Note: Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Variations
Flavored Vodkas
Adding flavored vodka is a simple way to elevate your Dirty Shirley.
Cherry vodka enhances the cocktail’s fruity profile, making it sweeter and more vibrant.
Vanilla vodka creates a creamy undertone that pairs beautifully with grenadine’s tartness.
Citrus-infused vodkas, like lemon or orange, bring a zesty kick, complementing the soda’s bubbles and balancing the drink’s sweetness.
These variations are easy to try and can transform the cocktail into something uniquely yours.
Alternative Mixers
If you prefer a less sugary version, swapping the lemon-lime soda with ginger ale can offer a spicier, more traditional flavor.
Ginger ale’s subtle warmth blends well with grenadine, adding depth to the cocktail.
For a lighter, drier option, club soda is an excellent choice.
It cuts the sweetness while keeping the drink fizzy and refreshing.
Additional Flavors
For a refreshing twist, try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to your Dirty Shirley.
The tangy citrus balances the sweetness of the grenadine and soda, giving the drink a brighter edge.
A splash of orange juice can also be a great addition, layering in subtle fruitiness and softening the drink’s overall sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
The Dirty Shirley is a versatile cocktail perfect for a variety of occasions.
Its sweet, fizzy flavor and vibrant color make it an excellent choice for summer gatherings, casual parties, or nostalgic events where you want to channel a bit of childhood fun with an adult twist.
To enhance the presentation, serve the cocktail in tall highball glasses filled with ice.
The clear glass showcases the bright red hue of the grenadine and the bubbly soda, adding visual appeal.
Garnish with maraschino cherries on fun cocktail picks for a playful touch, and add a lime wedge to bring a splash of color and a hint of elegance.
These simple serving ideas elevate the drink, making it a standout addition to any celebration.
Conclusion
The Dirty Shirley is a fun, vibrant cocktail that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy it responsibly and feel free to customize it with your own twists.
Share your favorite variations or experiences with us—we’d love to hear how you make it your own!
