Dirty Shirley is an adult version of the classic kid’s drink, the Shirley Temple. Great for summer parties, gatherings, and special occasions!
If you’re looking for a fun and easy cocktail to make, look no further than the Dirty Shirley! This drink is named after the classic kid’s drink, the Shirley Temple.
The Dirty Shirley is made with vodka, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda. It’s a refreshing and delicious drink that’s perfect for summer parties, holidays or any fun occasion.
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You know how I love my drink recipes. With a hubs that went through bartending school way back in the day – it’s so much fun to go through some of his old recipes & bring them to you here.
The other day I was going through the little drink recipe box searching for a drink recipe that would be fun to create. I came across a standard Shirley Temple drink recipe which I’m sure most of us enjoyed as children.
There is something so nostalgic about that drink. I would order one every time we would go out to eat when I was a kid. It definitely brings back so many memories.
I know that the child in me would still order that drink today if I knew I wouldn’t get weird looks from the waitress. But since I was looking to make a cocktail recipe I decided to change that old Shirley Temple & make a Dirty Shirley instead.
I love drinks with grenadine. I mean, really – in any drink is on the top of my favorite list so it’s really no surprise that I love this cocktail.
Fruity drinks in general are so much fun to make. Almost everyone loves them which is why you can’t go wrong when serving them at just about any party.
I love that this Dirty Shirley can really fit almost any occasion- Valentine’s Day of course – but also Memorial Day, 4th of July, Christmas, New Year’s & then of course – I’ll probably have one for homegating all through football season too.
Dirty Shirley Temple
Here are some commonly asked questions
What is Dirty Shirley?
Dirty Shirley is an adult version of the classic kid’s drink, the Shirley Temple. This refreshing cocktail is made with vodka, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda. It’s perfect for summer parties or any occasion where you want to enjoy a delicious, grown-up beverage!
Ingredients in a Dirty Shirley
- lemon lime soda
- vodka
- grenadine
- ice
- cherries for garnish
How to Make a Dirty Shirley
- Fill a highball or huricane glass with ice or use a couple of mini ice balls.
- Add the lemon-lime soda, followed by the vodka and the grenadine. Stir.
- Garnish with cherry when serving.
What are some Dirty Shirley variations?
There are many variations of the Dirty Shirley, but some popular ones include adding fruit juices or syrups to the cocktail. You can also rim the glass with sugar or salt for an extra special touch.
NOTES for MAKING A DIRTY SHIRLEY
- 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. This recipe makes 6.5 ounces – so adjust your ingredients based on the size of your punch bowl.
Where can I find Dirty Shirley?
Dirty Shirley is available at many bars and restaurants, but using this simple recipe, you can also make it at home with just a few basic ingredients. No need to go out – you can enjoy it whenever you like.
WHAT MAKES A DIRTY SHIRLEY TEMPLE, DIRTY?
The Dirty Shirley is made with vodka, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda. This cocktail is called “dirty” because of the addition of vodka. Whenever you are taking a drink that isn’t usually made with alcohol and adding alcohol to it, it is called the “dirty” version.
Just like when you order a cocktail without the alcohol added it is said to be a “virgin” drink – or clean. The Dirty Shirley is a refreshing and delicious drink that’s perfect for summer parties or any occasion where you want to enjoy a grown-up beverage!
Is there is a male version of the Shirley Temple?
You bet! It’s the Roy Rogers. A non-alcoholic drink created with coke and grenadine syrup. It too is one of my favorite drinks. You could make that one dirty as well.
Then there is always a rum and coke – slightly different with the rum vs the vodka, but you could add the grenadine to that as well.
Products I love when making this dirty shirley cocktail…
This drink recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made a twisted cocktail before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this drink recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)
If you love this Dirty Shirley recipe, you’re going to love these other drinks too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
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Dirty Shirley
Ingredients
*per glass
- 5 ounces lemon lime soda
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce grenadine
- ice
- cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball or huricane glass with ice or use a couple of mini ice balls.
- Add the lemon-lime soda, followed by the vodka and the grenadine. Stir.
- Garnish with cherry when serving.
Notes
- 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. This recipe makes 6.5 ounces – so adjust your ingredients based on the size of your punch bowl.
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Taste of the Frontier cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Tamar says
I haven’t had a Shirley Temple in ages! Wow, what a great twist on a classic!
Stephanie says
Well, I think I found my V-day drink! Yum! Thanks for sharing!
Brandi Clevinger says
I use to love drinking Shirley Temples when I was younger! Well, the virgin ones anyways. I’d love to have it again as an adult!
Thanks for sharing at #InspireMeMondays !
Christine @ myblissfulmess says
This is such a pretty cocktail and so easy to mix up. Perfect for summer sipping. I so much enjoyed this cocktail.
momof2 says
To avoid that “weird look” from the waitress, order a “Kiddie cocktail”. That’s what they’re called around here. Although my daughter always called them “kitty cat-tails” lol