Taylor Ann Spencer is the assistant food editor at Delish, where she develops recipes, creates recipe videos, and styles food. With a background in writing and theater as well as professional cooking, she enjoys sharing her love for global flavors and all things baking through informational posts, hosted videos, and just plain everyday conversations. When she's not cooking, she's brainstorming her next culinary mash-up. Mac 'n' cheese chili rellenos, anyone?
Bright and colorful, sweet with just a hint of booze, the Dirty Shirley Temple is quickly gaining popularity with cocktail drinkers. And who can blame them? It’s a boozy version of that nostalgic beverage so many of us grew up with—and let’s be honest, what too-sweet mocktail can’t be improved with a shot of vodka?
Read on for tips on making this easy, simply-stirred cocktail at home. If you’d like another variation, take a look at our Shirley Temple mimosas. And if you’re not feeling the booze after all, take a look at the tried-and-true classic Shirley Temple itself.
What makes it dirty?
In short—the alcohol! Basically, we’ve just taken a classic Shirley Temple drink recipe and added a few ounces of vodka to it for that alcoholic kick.
Aren’t Shirley Temples made with ginger ale? And what’s the lime juice doing in there?
While a classic Shirley Temple can be made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, Dirty Shirley Temples are most often made with lemon-lime soda. We’re throwing in some fresh lime juice to accent the flavor of the soda and add an extra zing that helps balance out that sweet grenadine.
I don’t have a jigger or a bar spoon! Can I still make this cocktail?
Absolutely! You do not need any fancy bar tools to make this cocktail (or most others, for that matter!). All you need is a 16-ounce glass, a set of basic measuring spoons, and something long to stir with, like a metal straw or even a long blunt butter knife. When it comes to measuring out liquids for mixed drinks, just remember: one ounce equals two tablespoons.
Made this cocktail? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!
- Yields:
- 1 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Total Time:
- 5 mins
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
vodka
- 1 oz.
fresh lime juice
- 1 oz.
grenadine
- 4 oz.
lemon-lime soda
Maraschino cherries and lime wheels, for serving
Directions
- Step 1Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour vodka, lime juice, and grenadine over ice. Add lemon-lime soda and stir with a long-handled spoon to combine.
- Step 2Serve topped with cherries and a lime wheel.