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This Dirty Shirley Cocktail is the grown up version of your childhood favorite! Turn the classic Shirley Temple into a cocktail that will be perfect for your next happy hour.

As a kid, it was always such a fun treat to have a Shirley Temple when you were out to dinner, and all the grown ups had their own drinks. Not only was it extra tasty, it just made you feel like you fit in and were a grown up. Even as an adult, I still love the flavor of the classic, but now I can turn it into a fun cocktail for happy hour or get togethers! Just add vodka.
What’s In a Dirty Shirley
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Sprite – or any other lemon/lime soda
- Grenadine
- Maraschino Cherries
- Lime
- Vodka
How To Make A Dirty Shirley
- Fill a glass with plenty of ice.
- Add in grenadine, a squeeze of lime, and vodka.
- Top with Sprite, and use a spoon to gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with cherries and a slice of lime to serve.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Scale Up. The amounts in the recipe card below are for one glass. If you want to make more than one, just line up the glasses and fill each as you go.
- Don’t make ahead. You don’t want to make a pitcher or make this ahead because it is a fizzy drink. Once you pour in the Sprite it will start to go flat, so only make it right before you want to drink it.
- Want the classic Shirley Temple? Just skip the vodka!
- Don’t have grenadine? You can use the juice from the Maraschino cherry jar. It is not the same, and will taste a little different, but it will work in a pinch.
- Use plenty of ice! You want your drink nice and cold, so I like to start with cold ingredients and fill the glass all the way full with ice.
What Vodka To Use
This is really a personal preference. I like to use either Tito’s or Grey Goose for vodka, as I think they have the cleanest and best taste. You don’t need to spend a lot, just one you like to drink. You could even go crazy and use flavored Vodka for this recipe. I have seen cherry flavored vodka that I bet would be delicious!
More Fun Drink Recipes
- Ranch Water Cocktail
- Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots
- Sonic Ocean Water
- Christmas Punch Recipe
- Cranberry Gin Cocktail
Dirty Shirley Cocktail
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.Ice
- Add vodka, grenadine, and lime juice.2 oz vodka, 1 oz grenadine, 1/2 lime
- Top with Sprite, and gently stir to combine.5 oz Sprite
- Garnish with cherries and slice of lime to serve.Maraschino cherries, Slice of Lime
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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MmmMMMM. Now that is one good-looking cocktail. That’s the kind of Shirley Temple I’ve always needed and just never knew it!
This is my kind of cocktail! I will be making one this weekend!
This is fantastic! A must make!
This is such a perfect drink for the holidays!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I would like this Dirty Shirley Cocktail for tonight! I need it for my relax evening!