Looking for a fun twist on a classic mocktail? Look no further than the Dirty Shirley Temple! This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of grenadine with the tanginess of lemon-lime soda for a delicious and easy-to-make beverage that's perfect for any occasion.
In this recipe, we'll show you how to make a perfect Dirty Shirley Temple, complete with tips for customizing it to your taste. So grab your ingredients and get ready to mix up a drink that's sure to become a new favorite!
Looking for more cocktails and mocktails? Try my Balsamic Negroni and Prickly Pear Cocktail.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The Dirty Shirley Temple recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal preparation. It's perfect for those who want a refreshing drink without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Customizable: This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. You can experiment with different types of soda or fruit juices to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
- Refreshing and Delicious: The combination of sweet grenadine and tangy lemon-lime soda creates a refreshing and delicious flavor that's sure to satisfy your thirst on a hot summer day. Plus, it's a non-alcoholic option that's great for those who prefer to avoid alcohol.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card.
- Vodka: Provides a subtle kick of alcohol that enhances the overall flavor of the drink. Substitute with any other clear spirit like gin or tequila for a different twist.
- Grenadine: Adds a sweet and fruity flavor to the drink, and gives it the classic pink color. Can substitute with other fruit syrups such as raspberry, strawberry or cranberry syrup.
- Lemon Lime Soda: Provides a refreshing and bubbly base to the drink. Substitute with any other clear soda like 7Up, Sprite or ginger ale for a different taste.
- Ice: Keeps the drink cool and refreshing. No substitute required, but you can use crushed ice for a slushy texture.
- Garnishes (optional): A lemon or lime wheel and a maraschino cherry add a pop of color and extra flavor to the drink. You can also use other fruit or herb garnishes, like a sprig of mint or a slice of orange, for a personalized touch.
Equipment Needed
- Highball glass: Used to serve the drink. A tall glass like a Collins glass can be used as a substitute.
- Jigger or measuring cup: Used to accurately measure the ingredients.
- Ice cube tray: Used to freeze ice for the drink.
- Stirring spoon or straw: Used to stir the drink and combine the ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board (optional): Used to cut the lemon or lime wheel for garnish.
- Cocktail shaker (optional): Can be used to shake the ingredients with ice for a more blended cocktail.
How to Make this Dirty Shirley Temple
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.
Making a Dirty Shirley cocktail is quick and easy. First, fill a highball glass with ice. Use a jigger or measuring cup to add 2 ounces of vodka to the glass.
Add ยฝ ounce of grenadine to the glass, pouring it over the vodka to create a layered effect.
Top off the glass with 4 ounces of lemon-lime soda. For a more blended cocktail, you can use a cocktail shaker to mix the ingredients with ice before pouring.
Use a stirring spoon or straw to gently stir the drink, blending the flavors together.
Garnish the drink with a lemon or lime wheel and a maraschino cherry. If desired, you can also use other fruit or herb garnishes, like a sprig of mint or a slice of orange.
Top Tip
You can adjust the sweetness and tartness of the drink by varying the amount of grenadine and soda you use. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of soda or fruit juices to create your own unique flavor profile. With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing Dirty Shirley cocktail or mocktail anytime.
Variations
- Spicy Shirley: Add a dash of hot sauce or a slice of jalapeรฑo to the recipe for a spicy twist.
- Fruity Shirley: Substitute lemon-lime soda with fruit-flavored soda like orange, raspberry or grape.
- Tropical Shirley: Replace grenadine with pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut cream for a tropical flavor.
- Southern Shirley: Swap vodka with bourbon and grenadine with peach schnapps for a southern-inspired cocktail.
- Italian Shirley: Use limoncello instead of vodka, and add a splash of soda water and a twist of lemon for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Dirty Shirley Slushie: Blend ice with the ingredients in a blender until smooth to make a frozen version of the drink.
- Diet Shirley: Use a diet or sugar-free soda to make a lower calorie version of the drink.
Food Pairing
Since Dirty Shirley is a sweet and tangy cocktail, it pairs well with savory and salty snacks. Here are some good food pairing options:
- Chicken wings: Salty and spicy chicken wings make a great pairing with the sweet and tart flavors of the Dirty Shirley.
- Cheese and crackers: Soft or hard cheeses with crackers or breadsticks is a classic pairing that balances out the flavors. Try my oven fried chicken wings.
- Popcorn: Salty popcorn is a great snack to munch on while sipping on a Dirty Shirley.
- Fries: A basket of crispy, salty fries is a perfect complement to the sweet and tangy flavors of the cocktail. Try my Air Fried Fries.
- Charcuterie board: A charcuterie board with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits is a great option for a more upscale pairing.
FAQ's
Absolutely! Simply omit the vodka and you'll have a delicious and refreshing Shirley Temple mocktail.
Yes, you can experiment with different types of soda to create your own unique flavor profile. Some popular options include ginger ale, lemonade, or even fruit-flavored soda.
If you don't have grenadine on hand, you can substitute it with pomegranate juice or raspberry syrup.
It's best to make the Dirty Shirley cocktail right before serving, so the flavors are fresh and the carbonation is still intact. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and keep them chilled until you're ready to mix the drink.
Chefs Tips
- Use quality ingredients: Use high-quality vodka, fresh lemon-lime soda, and grenadine to ensure the best flavor for your drink.
- Chill the ingredients: Chill the vodka and lemon-lime soda before making the drink to ensure a cold and refreshing cocktail.
- Use a highball glass: A highball glass is the perfect size and shape for the Dirty Shirley cocktail, allowing plenty of room for ice and garnishes.
- Layer the ingredients: For a visually appealing drink, layer the vodka and grenadine on top of the ice before adding the soda.
- Don't overmix: If you want a layered look for your drink, avoid stirring too much as it will mix the layers together.
- Garnish with care: The garnishes add a touch of elegance to the drink. Be sure to use fresh and colorful garnishes like a lemon or lime wheel and maraschino cherries.
- Experiment with variations: Don't be afraid to try different variations by substituting the ingredients with your favorite flavors to make a unique cocktail that suits your taste.
Looking for more recipes?
Looking for more cocktails and mocktails? Try my Balsamic Negroni and Prickly Pear Cocktail.
Did You Make this Recipe?
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๐ Recipe
Dirty Shirley Temple
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- ยฝ ounce grenadine
- 4 ounces lemon lime soda
- Optional garnishes: lemon wheel cherries
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice, then pour in the vodka. Add grenadine, then top off with lemon lime soda.
- Serve as is for a layered look, or stir to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry.
Notes
- Use high-quality grenadine for the best flavor.
- Consider adding a splash of fresh lime juice to balance the sweetness of the drink.
- Serve over plenty of ice to keep it refreshingly chilled throughout enjoyment.
Meghan
a great drink to enjoy whether you're looking for a cocktail or mocktail!