Dirty Shirley

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January 6, 2026

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Dive into Nostalgia with a Dirty Shirley: The Adult Twist on a Classic

When it comes to cocktails that evoke a sense of nostalgia while delivering a delightful punch, the Dirty Shirley stands out. This playful concoction is essentially an adult spin on the childhood favorite Shirley Temple. With the addition of vodka, this vibrant drink transforms from a sweet treat into a sophisticated cocktail, perfect for any occasion.

The Origin of Shirley Temple

Before we dive into mixing up this spirited drink, let’s take a quick journey back in time. The Shirley Temple mocktail was created in the 1930s and named after the famous child actress. Its bright red hue and sweet, effervescent taste made it a favorite among both children and adults. The Dirty Shirley elevates this classic by incorporating vodka, turning it into a cocktail that maintains its charm while appealing to an older crowd.

Dirty Shirley: Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces vodka: Choose a quality vodka, as its flavor will play a significant role in the overall taste of the cocktail.
  • 1 ounce grenadine: This pomegranate-based syrup provides the signature sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 6-8 ounces lemon-lime soda: Acts as the bubbly base, balancing the sweetness and adding a refreshing touch.
  • 2-3 maraschino cherries: These are essential for garnishing, giving a nod to the original Shirley Temple.

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Your Glass: Start by filling your glass of choice with ice cubes. A highball glass is standard, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

  2. Add the Vodka: Pour the vodka over the ice. This step ensures the spirit is well-chilled, enhancing the drink’s refreshing quality.

  3. Incorporate the Soda: Slowly add the lemon-lime soda to the glass. This technique helps maintain the carbonation, which is crucial for the drink’s lively texture.

  4. Drizzle the Grenadine: Pour the grenadine syrup into the glass. Its rich red color will cascade beautifully through the soda, creating a visually appealing gradient.

  5. Mix the Flavors: Stir gently to combine the ingredients, ensuring that the drink’s flavors meld together nicely.

  6. Garnish with Cherries: Complete your Dirty Shirley with 2-3 maraschino cherries. Not only do they add a pop of color, but their sweet-tart flavor enhances the cocktail’s overall profile.

Nutritional Information

While the Dirty Shirley is a treat, it’s always good to be informed about what you’re consuming:

  • Calories: 293 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Protein: 0.2g
  • Fat: 0.02g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g
  • Sodium: 26mg
  • Potassium: 12mg
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Vitamin A: 5 IU
  • Calcium: 11mg
  • Iron: 0.1mg

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

The Dirty Shirley is a versatile cocktail that pairs exceptionally well with light appetizers and snacks. Think spicy wings, salty pretzels, or even a classic cheese platter. Its sweet and effervescent nature makes it an excellent choice for warm weather gatherings, casual parties, or even as a pre-dinner cocktail.

Conclusion

Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood memories or simply looking for a delightful cocktail to enjoy with friends, the Dirty Shirley is sure to impress. Its vibrant color, sweet taste, and fizzy texture make it a standout choice for any occasion. So next time you feel like sipping on something special, mix up a Dirty Shirley and let its playful spirit transport you back to simpler times—just with a grown-up twist. Cheers!

Dirty ShirleyDirty Shirley

A delicious plate of Dirty Shirley

Dirty Shirley

A grown-up twist on the classic Shirley Temple, the Dirty Shirley is a sweet, refreshing cocktail perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 glass
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Calories: 293

Ingredients
  

Cocktail Ingredients
  • 60 ml vodka
  • 30 ml grenadine
  • 180-240 ml lemon-lime soda
  • 2-3 pieces maraschino cherries to garnish

Equipment

  • Highball Glass

Method
 

  1. Fill your glass of choice with ice cubes. (A highball is standard, but any glass will work.)
  2. Pour the vodka into the glass over the ice.
  3. Slowly add the lemon-lime soda to the glass.
  4. Drizzle the grenadine syrup into the glass.
  5. Stir gently to mix the flavors.
  6. Garnish with maraschino cherries.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of grenadine to suit your sweetness preference. Enjoy this playful cocktail at your next gathering!

A delicious plate of Dirty Shirley

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CREATED BY POLLY

Polly is the creator of Adrian Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes designed for busy home cooks.

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