The dirty Shirley cocktail is the drink of the summer! This vodka cocktail is a twist on the classic Shirley temple and is made with just 3 simple ingredients. It’s an easy mixed drink that’s refreshing for the summertime.
If you’re looking for similar cocktails try my Sea Breeze, Cosmopolitan and Cherry Mojito!
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- Easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.
- A perfect summer cocktail because it’s refreshing and has a fun, festive vibe. But can also be great for the holidays with its bright red color.
- It’s a great drink to make if you’re entertaining because it can be easily scaled up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.
Dirty Shirley Ingredients
Lemon-Lime Soda: There are many options for lemon-lime soda. You can use a healthy version, no sugar version, or the classic old-fashioned kind. We prefer using healthier soda options. See our recommendations below.
Grenadine: There are many types of grenadine, but we recommend using one that gives the Dirty Shirley its characteristic pink color. You can buy grenadine syrup at most grocery stores.
Vodka: There are many types of vodka and it can be confusing to choose the right one for a recipe. In general, you want to use vodka that is neutral in flavor. This means that it won’t add any additional flavors to the drink. You want good quality without paying too much.
How to Make
- Fill a tall glass or highball glass with ice.
- Add in a shot of vodka.
- Pour the grenadine into the glass.
- Top it off with lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.
Healthy Lemon-Lime Sodas
Gone are the days of sugary sodas being our only option. Now there are multiple brands that make “healthy” lemon-lime sodas. Most of them are very low in sugar, have zero artificial colors or flavors, and are non-GMO.
Some of them even have added health benefits like probiotics and antioxidants! If you’re looking for a healthy option, we recommend trying any of these brands:
Grenadine and Cherries
Grenadine is a sweet, tart syrup made from pomegranates (sometimes cherries, cranberries, or raspberries).
It gives the Dirty Shirley its signature pink color.
You can find grenadine at most grocery stores or make a natural version at home.
Cherries for Garnish
- Maraschino cherries: Bright red, sweet, and commonly used in Shirley Temples.
- Luxardo cherries: Dark, rich, and soaked in syrup – perfect for cocktails.
I prefer Luxardo for their flavor, but either works based on your taste!
How to Make a Healthy Dirty Shirley
Use lemon-lime sparkling water, natural or homemade grenadine, and organic vodka. Add a squeeze of lime and garnish with real Luxardo cherries.
Recipe Tips
- Use good-quality vodka for the best flavor.
- Adjust the grenadine to taste – more for sweeter, less for lighter.
- For a natural option without red dye, use homemade grenadine made from pomegranate juice and sugar.
- Easily scale the recipe up or down for a group.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Dirty Shirley is made of lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and vodka. This drink is easy to make and it is perfect for summer. The Dirty Shirley is a great option for adults who are looking for a refreshing and tasty drink.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy summer drink, we recommend trying a Dirty Shirley!
Yes, Dirty Shirley can be made without alcohol. Simply omit the vodka from the recipe and you will have a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple.
Grenadine is red like cherry, but it is actually made from pomegranates. Many people think grenadine is cherry flavored because of its color. However, grenadine is actually a sweet and tart syrup with a flavor that is similar to pomegranates.
If you do not have grenadine, you can use any of these grenadine substitutes. You can also use hibiscus simple syrup.
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
Here are more of our favorite, easy cocktails to make at home:
- Vodka Soda
- Orange Juice Cocktails
- Vodka and Orange Juice
- Pineapple and Vodka Cocktail
- How to Make a Classic Mocktail
- The Best Dirty Martini or Dirty Martini with Tequila!
- Wine and Coke
Now that you know how to make this fun boozy version of a dirty Shirley temple, I can’t wait to hear what you think! Leave a COMMENT and review below!
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Dirty Shirley Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 5 ounces lemon-lime soda
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass or highball glass with ice.
- Add in a shot of vodka.
- Pour the grenadine into the glass.
- Top it off with lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.
We make a non-alcoholic version of this drink & enjoy it all summer long!! Love this little history you gave! It’s fun to learn where recipes came from!
Ahhhh! I made this for girls’ night and everyone LOVED them! They were super easy to make too. Thank you!
So easy! The perfect summer sipper!