dirty shirley cocktail in a collins glass made with vodka, grenadine and sprite with a cherry on top
Cocktail Recipes

Dirty Shirley Temple: The Simple Cocktail Everyone Loves

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Inside: Looking for an easy vodka cocktail? Try this Dirty Shirley recipe: a simple, 3-ingredient drink that’s perfect for a girls nights or solo sipping.

R emember sipping on Shirley Temples at family dinners while rocking your favorite glittery jelly sandals?

Well, the Dirty Shirley is here to bring that nostalgia back, but with a grown-up twist. It’s sweet, bubbly, and just boozy enough to make you feel like an adult who has their life together (even if you’re still rocking jelly sandals). Let’s break it down.

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dirty shirley temple drink is a vodka drink with 3 ingredients and pink grenadine

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What Is a Dirty Shirley?

A Dirty Shirley is the adult cousin of the Shirley Temple, which you probably remember as a mix of Sprite (or ginger ale) and grenadine, topped with a cherry on a toothpick.

The “dirty” part? That’s thanks to vodka, which transforms this childhood classic into a fun cocktail that’s equal parts sweet and sassy.

It’s the perfect drink for when you want something easy, playful, and a tad bit nostalgic.

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dirty shirley cocktail in a collins glass made with vodka, grenadine and sprite with a cherry on top

The Recipe: Dirty Shirley Cocktail

Here’s how you can whip up this bubbly delight in no time:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz grenadine
  • 4 oz lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7Up)*
  • Garnish: maraschino cherry

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a collins glass showing how to make a dirty shirley with vodka

Instructions:

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice. (Bonus points if it’s one of those fancy glasses you never use but keep for “special occasions.”)
  2. Pour in the vodka and grenadine.
  3. Top it off with lemon-lime soda and give it a gentle stir. (Be gentle; you don’t want to flatten those bubbles!)
  4. Garnish with a high quality maraschino cherry (these are the gold standard) because, let’s face it, that’s the best part.
  5. Sip and channel your inner child—but with vodka.
dirty shirley cocktail on a white marble table, made with vodka and grenadine with a cherry on top

Dirty Shirley

Yield: 1 Drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz grenadine
  • 4 oz lemon-lime soda*
  • Garnish: maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

Fill a highball glass with ice, then pour in the vodka, soda, and grenadine. Give it a stir, garnish with a cherry, and serve right away.

Notes

*Clear sodas like Sprite or 7UP are popular choices, but for a more classic twist, try swapping in ginger ale.

Pro Tips for a Next-Level Dirty Shirley

  • Go fresh: If you’re feeling fancy, swap the grenadine for pomegranate syrup or even muddled cherries for a fresher, less sweet vibe.
  • Change the base: Want to switch it up? Try raspberry vodka or even gin (technically called a “Shirley Templer”) for a fun twist.
  • Add some sparkle: Swap lemon-lime soda for club soda and add a splash of fresh lime juice to tone down the sweetness while keeping it refreshing.
  • Batch it up: Hosting a party? Mix up a big batch in a pitcher (minus the soda) and let guests top their own glasses with fizz.

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easy dirty shirley temple cocktail made with vodka and garnished with a cherry

A Drink That Brings the Fun

The Dirty Shirley isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a mood. It’s carefree, a little cheeky, and perfect for those moments when you’re feeling nostalgic but still want to keep it grown-up. Whether you’re sipping one by the pool, serving it at a retro-themed party, or just indulging in a midweek treat, this drink is as versatile as it is delightful.

So, go ahead and mix one up. Don’t forget the cherry—because some things from childhood are worth holding onto. Cheers!

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I'm Stefanie—Founder & Writer for Revel & Delight

I believe the secret to hosting exceptional gatherings, from lively celebrations to cozy get-togethers, is thoughtfulness and a little bit of prep. Craft the right atmosphere, attitude, then then sit back and savor the moment you've made.

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