When I was a kid, I always felt so grown up ordering a Shirley Temple at the local restaurant. It was the original non-alcoholic drink, named after the famous child actress of the 1930s. Well, this Shirley has grown up and the Dirty Shirley cocktail picks up where the kiddie cocktail left off.
This sweet cocktail is filled with fruity taste and boasts a bright red color. It's a fun cocktail for a special occasion and down to Earth enough for a backyard BBQ. This delicious combination of vodka, a splash of grenadine and lemon-lime soda makes a dangerously tasty drink that is the perfect cocktail for Summer!
For more bubbly cocktails made with lemon-lime soda, check out the Aqua Velva cocktail, my favorite cherry bourbon smash, or the colorful Black Opal drink.
Jump to:
Ingredient Notes
This sweet drink requires only three simple ingredients. You'll be making this easy cocktail all Summer long!
- Vodka - Use your favorite brand here. I typically go for sweet potato vodka that's made here in NC, but any brand will do. You can even go for a flavored vodka, like cherry vodka, to add a little pizazz to your drink.
- Grenadine Syrup - This pomegranate syrup is what gives the Dirty Shirley cocktail it's vibrant color. If you don't have grenadine on hand, you can use a little of the maraschino cherry syrup from the jar instead. The flavor won't be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!
- Lemon Lime Soda - Sprite, Sierra Mist, or 7-UP will work fine here. You could also sub in ginger ale or ginger beer if you prefer it.
See recipe card below for ingredient list with measurements.
Variations
- the Betty Ford cocktail - Made with Absolut Citron in place of plain vodka.
- Pink Drink Cocktail - replace the vodka with Gin.
- Dirty Roy Rogers - replace the Sprite with dark cola.
How to Make a Dirty Shirley Drink
This easy recipe is perfect for a beginner mixologist - it's basically a Shirley Temple with the addition of vodka.
- STEP 1: Add the vodka and grenadine to a Collins glass (or high ball glass).
- STEP 2: Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- STEP 3: Top it off with Sprite or 7Up soda.
- STEP 4: Garnish and serve.
Garnish Suggestions
- Lime wedge or lime wheel - Adds a nice citrus aroma that pairs well with the drink.
- Maraschino cherries - Either drop them in the drink of skewer them with a cocktail pick. I like mine with extra cherries!
Glassware for Serving this Cocktail
The Dirty Shirley cocktail is typically served in a high ball glass, also known as a Collins glass.
More easy vodka cocktails to consider:
If you have tried this recipe, we would love it if you leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below!
Recipe
Dirty Shirley Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 1 ounce Grenadine
- Ice Cubes
- 4 ounces Lemon-Lime Soda or Ginger Ale
- Lime Slices for garnish
- Maraschino Cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Pour vodka and grenadine into a Collins glass.2 ounces Vodka, 1 ounce Grenadine
- Fill the glass with ice.Ice Cubes
- Top with soda.4 ounces Lemon-Lime Soda
- Garnish with lime slices and cherries.Lime Slices, Maraschino Cherries
Leave a Comment