Dirty Shirley Cocktail
A fizzy, grown-up twist on the classic Shirley Temple—vodka, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda over ice with a cherry garnish. Simple, nostalgic, and perfect for a fun night in.
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger or shot glass
- Ice scoop or tongs
- Cocktail pick
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz grenadine syrup
- 4-6 oz lemon-lime soda Sprite or 7Up; ginger ale also works
- ice cubes fill the glass
- 1-2 maraschino cherries for garnish
- lime juice splash, optional
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the vodka using a jigger.
- Add the grenadine slowly so it settles near the bottom.
- Top with lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale for a softer flavor).
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to lightly combine without losing too much fizz.
- Garnish with 1–2 maraschino cherries. Serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust grenadine to taste for sweetness. A splash of lime juice adds brightness. For batch prep, combine vodka and grenadine ahead of time and add soda to each glass just before serving to keep the bubbles lively.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka for a classic Shirley Temple.