This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

This Dirty Shirley recipe is an adult version of the classic drink. If you love a traditional Shirley Temple but want it to be a little extra add vodka fro an adult twist!

shirley temple in a tall clear glass with cherries along the top.


Dirty Shirley Cocktail

My daughter loves Shirley Temples and has one every time we go out. I love them too but sometimes I want a little…something more – and this Dirty Shirley Recipe delivers. It’s a fizzy drink with a shot of vodka – the adult version of that childhood favorite. It’s the perfect drink for really any occasion from a simple dinner to backyard barbecues or home happy hour! This recipe reminds me of my drunken cherries but in drink form!

ingredients in dirty shirley laid out on a grey counter.

Ingredients Needed

  • Ginger Ale: You can use ginger ale or lemon lime soda, both work great. There are varying opinions on which is authentic, so use what you like best. Diet soda is great too.
  • Grenadine: The main ingredient needed for a classic Shirley Temple. In a pinch you can use the juice from the maraschino cherry jar.
  • Vodka: How to make this classic recipe dirty – you could also add gin or tequila. I used plain vodka but flavored would be good too (lime or whipped or even vanilla vodka). Even Rum would be good – it’d be like rum punch.
  • Lime Juice: I feel like adding some fresh lime juice adds a little extra depth to the recipe.
  • Garnish: Maraschino cherries and lime wedges are my go to for garnishing this recipe!

How to make Dirty Shirley Temple

  1. Fill tall glass with ice cubes. Add grenadine.
  2. Top with vodka and a squeeze of a quarter of a lime.
  3. Top off with soda and stir carefully. Garnish with cherries and a lime wedge.
shirley temple in a tall clear glass with cherries along the top.

Expert Tips

  • A classic Shirley Temple is made with ginger ale, but it can be sweeter with a lemon lime soda like Sprite, so the choice is yours.
  • I call for an oz of grenadine but if that’s too much for you, just add a splash of grenadine instead.
  • You can serve this in a highball glass or tall drinking glass or you can make a big batch in a punch bowl for a party.
shirley temple in a tall clear glass with cherries along the top.

Dirty Shirley Temple

5 from 1 vote
This recipe takes a classic delicious recipe and makes it perfect for adults! It is so sweet and so yummy.
Yield 1 serving
Serving Size 1 serving

Ingredients
 

  • 1 ounce grenadine
  • 1 ounce vodka
  • 8 ounces ginger ale or lemon lime soda
  • Squeeze of quarter of a lime
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Instructions

  • Fill tall glass with ice. Add grenadine then top with soda and a squeeze of a quarter of a lime. Stir.
  • Garnish with cherries.

Recipe Notes

  • Traditionally, this is made with ginger ale but in recent times lemon lime soda has been used. Use what you prefer.

Recipe Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 10mg | Sugar: 33g | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Drinks
Cuisine American

Other Alcoholic Drinks



Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

5 from 1 vote

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




1 Comment