The Dirty Shirley cocktail is a sweet and tart combination of cherry vodka, grenadine syrup, and lemon-lime soda. It’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and is a great way to add a little something special to any gathering.
This recipe is for adults ages 21+. Always drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.
But first, let’s examine the origin of this tasty libation. It is believed that the drink was first concocted in the 1930s, but the actual origins have been lost to history.
What we do know is that the cocktail makes an adult twist on the child-friendly drink known as a Shirley Temple. Some Dirty Shirleys are made with cherry vodka, a splash of cranberry juice, and topped with 7-Up.
Nowadays you can find Dirty Shirley recipes using other flavored vodkas, grenadine instead of cranberry juice, and sprite or ginger ale in place of 7-Up. All that being said, here’s a classic easy recipe for the Dirty Shirley that you can make in your own kitchen.
📝 Ingredients
- 5 ounces Lemon Lime Soda
- 1 ounce Vodka
- ½ ounce Grenadine
- Ice
- Lime wheels and maraschino cherries for garnish
👩🏻🍳 Directions
Fill a tall glass with ice and add 5 ounces of lemon-lime soda.
Add 1 ounce of vodka and a dash (½ ounce) of grenadine.
Stir, garnish, and enjoy!
📌 Tips
- If you prefer a stronger drink, then simply double your vodka amount to a total of 2 ounces.
- Differentiating amounts of grenadine will play a huge part in the color, so do not be afraid to get your shade of red just right.
- This recipe serves very well in a summer party punch bowl, especially if you fill the bowl with some cherries, lemons, and limes.
- Garnish with fresh lime slices and a maraschino cherry.
- To quickly chill the drink, place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour into a glass and garnish.
🤷🏻♀️ Questions
A regular Shirley Temple is made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry for garnish. A Dirty Shirley adds vodka to the mix, making it a stronger and more adult-oriented cocktail.
Yes, you can use other types of soda such as Sprite or ginger beer.
You can experiment with different flavored vodkas, juices, and syrups. Some popular additions include orange juice, pineapple juice, and raspberry syrup. You can also add a splash of lime or lemon juice for an extra zing.
📖 Recipe
The Dirty Shirley
Ingredients
- 5 ounces Lemon Lime Soda
- 1 ounce Vodka
- ½ Ounce Grenadine
- Ice
- lime wheels and maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add 5 ounces of lemon-lime soda, 1 ounce of vodka, and a dash (.5 ounce) of grenadine over the ice.
- Stir and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Differentiating amounts of grenadine will play a huge part in the color, so do not be afraid to get your shade of red just right.
This recipe serves very well in a summer party punch bowl, especially if you fill the bowl with some cherries, lemons, and limes.
Garnish with fresh lime slices and a maraschino cherry.
To quickly chill the drink, place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour into a glass and garnish.
Nutrition
Be sure to come back and tell us how your Dirty Shirley cocktail turned out!
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