Dirty Shirley

Name: Dirty Shirley
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ounce grenadine; 1 ounce Vodka; 8 ounces of Sprite; 1 maraschino cherry; One glass and ice to fill it half way up

This post contains affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

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!

dirty shirley cocktails in glass mason jars filled with ice and topped with cherry — Easy 3 Ingredient Dirty Shirley

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!

If you love a good Summer cocktail, be sure to try these recipes too:

Frozen Strawberry Margaritas

Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail

Summer Sangria

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

It only uses 3 ingredients
The recipe takes less than two minutes to make
It will bring you back to your younger years
The drink is sweet, bubbly, delicious and perfect to sip on in warm weather

The Ingredients:

ingredients for dirty shirley temple drink — Ingredients for Dirty Shirley Temple

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!

2 mason jars filled with ice and dirty shirley temple drinks with cherries laying next to them

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe:

Can I make this a Virgin Shirley Temple?

Of course! Just leave out the Vodka.

Can I substitute the Vodka for a different liquor?

I personally have not tried it, but I think a Clear Rum would be delicious.

What syrup is in a Shirley Temple?

It's grenadine, which adds a fruity taste and is non-alcoholic.

Can I make this drink less sweet?

If you're not crazy about sweet, try substituting the Sprite out for bubbly water, like La Croix or Perrier.

How to Make a Dirty Shirley:

Check out this video to watch the full recipe and be sure to Subscribe to my Youtube Channel. I post weekly recipe videos and I love sharing them with you: