Dirty Shirley Cocktails are exactly what they sound like – a boozy version of your childhood favorite! This bubbly sweet drink is spiked with the perfect amount of vodka to get the party started. Cheers!
Dirty Shirley Cocktails
Ready for a grown-up twist on a nostalgic soda? Me too! I first made this cocktail for the fourth of July last year (mostly because of the way the red color looked in pictures), and it was a HUGE hit with my friends. Now, it’s officially a summer staple in my house! It’s refreshing and just sweet enough to help mask the flavor of the vodka. It’s also got the perfect pop of bubbly goodness, which was always my favorite part as a kid. I’m a sucker for anything fizzy! I also love that I can very easily use the ingredients (sans vodka, of course) to make some regular Shirley Temples for the kids.
Soak up the sun with something fun in your hand like a piña colada, mojito, or white sangria!
Can I make it a batch cocktail?
Yes! If you’re prepping for a party, you probably don’t want to be stuck behind the bar making individual drinks. Just double up on the ingredients as many times as needed and stir in a pitcher. Wait to add the soda until right before serving so it stays bubbly!
How to Make a Dirty Shirley
- Start with ice. Fill two glasses with ice.
- Next, vodka. Pour 2oz of vodka into each glass.
- Make it red. Add 1oz of grenadine to each glass.
- Add bubbles. Top each glass with 1/2 cup of 7-Up or Sprite and gently stir to combine. Use a cocktail stirrer if you have one!
- Finally, enjoy! Garnish with maraschino cherries and serve immediately.
Ingredient Notes
- Vodka – Use a middle of the road vodka like Grey Goose, Absolut, Kettle One, etc. While it doesn’t need to be something crazy expensive and top shelf (especially with how much we’re mixing it with), you don’t want it to be bottom shelf, either.
- Soda – 7-Up or Sprite both work well. If you want to cut back on the sugar, you could always use a diet version! Or, you could even use lemon-lime sparkling water.
- Grenadine – This brings that signature cherry sweetness. Keep in mind a little goes a long way! If you prefer a less sugary sip, start light and adjust to taste.
- Maraschino Cherries – Don’t skip these – they aren’t just a garnish! They’re the final touch that adds just an extra kick of cherry flavor to really seal the deal on that classic Shirley Temple flavor.
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Dirty Shirley Cocktails
Ingredients
- 4 Ounces Vodka
- 1 Cup 7-Up or Sprite
- 2 Ounces Grenadine
- 4-6 Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Fill two glasses evenly with ice.
- Pour 2 ounces of vodka into each glass.
- Add 1 ounce of grenadine to each glass.
- Top each glass with 1/2 cup of 7-Up or Sprite and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
