This Dirty Shirley Temple Drink is the perfect Summer Cocktail. It is only 3 ingredients and takes 2 minutes to put together. This adult version of my favorite childhood drink, the Shirley Temple or Kiddie Cocktail, is a MUST TRY!
My favorite part of going to a restaurant when I was a kid was ordering a Shirley Temple.
Now, I'm all grown up and recreated this childhood drink by adding in a shot of Vodka for the perfect Adult version. It truly is the best Summer poolside cocktail!
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Why You'll Love This Cocktail Recipe:
- Minimal Ingredients. It only uses 3 ingredients!
- Quick. The recipe takes less than two minutes to make.
- Nostalgic. It will bring you back to your younger years.
- The Best Summer Cocktail. The drink is sweet, bubbly, delicious and perfect to sip on in warm weather.
If you love a good Summer cocktail, be sure to try my Mango Mojito, Frozen Strawberry Margaritas, Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail and Limoncello Spritz!
The Ingredients:
Sprite- Bubbly, sweet lemon-lime soda and my personal favorite for a Shirley Temple
Grenadine- For the pretty pink color and to add a bit of fruity flavor
Vodka-Just a shot to add the adult-ness to this drink. Vodka is one of my favorite liquors to use in summer drinks (along with rum & tequila).
Maraschino Cherries- Optional, but I gotta have them!
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations:
I like Sprite best for this recipe, but 7up could be used as well.
If you don't like Vodka, use a clear rum instead.
How to Make a Dirty Shirley Temple Drink:
Step 1: Begin by filling a glass half way with ice.
Step 2: Pour in the vodka, grenadine, then the Sprite.
Step 3: Give it a stir and top with a maraschino cherry or two. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips:
- Make sure to stir to avoid getting a big sip of vodka.
- Serve right away before the ice begins to melt.
For fun appetizers to serve with this cocktail, try these Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups, Charcuterie Skewers and Pineapple Pico de Gallo.
Recipe FAQs:
Of course! Just leave out the Vodka.
I personally have not tried it, but I think a Clear Rum would be delicious.
It's grenadine, which adds a fruity taste and is non-alcoholic.
If you're not crazy about sweet, try substituting the Sprite out for bubbly water, like La Croix or Perrier.
More Summer Cocktails You Will Love:
If you tried this Dirty Shirley Cocktail Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
PrintRecipe
Dirty Shirley
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 Cocktail 1x
Description
This Dirty Shirley Temple is the perfect Summer Cocktail. It is only 3 ingredients and takes 2 minutes to put together. This adult version of my favorite childhood drink, the Shirley Temple or Kiddie Cocktail, is a MUST TRY!
Ingredients
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 1 ounce Vodka
- 8 ounces of Sprite
- 1 maraschino cherry
- One glass and ice to fill it half way up
Instructions
Begin by filling a glass half way with ice.
Pour in the vodka, grenadine, then the Sprite.
Give it a quick stir and top with a maraschino cherry or two.
That's it!
Notes
The perfect Summer drink!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Category: cocktail
- Method: stirred
- Cuisine: American
Josie says
Love this cocktail & so easy! Thanks for the recipe.
Tara Smithson says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you liked it.