Dirty Shirley is an adult version of the classic Shirley Temple drink. It has a fruity taste from grenadine and lemon-lime or ginger ale, but with a vodka kick.
Origin: Though the origin of the alcohol-free beverage, pink drink, is unclear, it is typically served to children dining with adults in lieu of a real cocktail. It was invented in the 1930's and named after the actress, Shirley Temple, who called the drink "too sweet."
Try some of our other favorites, such as Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada, or Dirty Roy Rogers.
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Ingredients for Alcoholic Shirley Temple
- lemon lime soda or ginger ale
- grenadine
- vodka
- ice, crushed or cubed
- maraschino cherries for garnish
FAQs
A Dirty Shirley is an adult twist on the classic non-alcoholic Shirley Temple drink. It typically includes vodka mixed with grenadine and lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up), garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Yes, while vodka is the most common choice, you can experiment with other spirits such as rum or tequila to create different flavor profiles.
Yes, to make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka. You’ll have a classic Shirley Temple, which is a favorite among kids and non-drinkers.
For a fancier presentation, serve the drink in a highball glass or a cocktail glass, and garnish with multiple cherries on a cocktail stick or a slice of orange.
Certainly! You can experiment by adding a splash of orange juice, cranberry juice, or using flavored vodkas like cherry or lime for added complexity.
Top Tips
- Leave out the alcohol if preferred, to make a regular Shirley Temple.
- Grenadine is a pomegranate flavored syrup. Many believe it to be cherry, but it is pomegranate.
- Use crushed or cubed ice for the drink, both are equally delicious.
- You can use lemon-lime soda or ginger ale or a mixture of both!
- To make it into a lighter drink, use Diet soda in place of regular.
How to make Dirty Shirley at home
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour grenadine over the top of the ice.
- Add a shot of vodka over the grenadine and ice.
- Pour in lemon lime soda, ginger ale or a combination of both. Stir gently, then top with maraschino cherries. Enjoy and drink responsibly!
Dirty Shirley Temple Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lemon lime soda or ginger ale or 4 oz of each
- 1 oz. grenadine
- 1 oz. vodka
- ice, crushed or cubed
- maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour grenadine over the top of the ice.
- Add a shot of vodka over the grenadine and ice.
- Pour in lemon lime soda, ginger ale or a combination of both. Stir gently, then top with maraschino cherries. Enjoy and drink responsibly!
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