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Dirty Shirley

A fun, nostalgic cocktail that spikes the classic Shirley Temple with vodka, combining lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and maraschino cherry juice for a sweet, fizzy drink.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 to 6 oz lemon-lime soda such as Sprite or 7UP
  • 1 oz grenadine
  • 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
  • Ice cubes as needed
  • 2 to 3 maraschino cherries for garnish
  • 1 lime wedge optional, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Place a highball or Collins glass in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to chill.
  2. Remove the glass and fill it completely with ice cubes.
  3. Pour 2 oz vodka over the ice.
  4. Add 1 oz grenadine; allow it to settle at the bottom for a layered effect.
  5. Pour in 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice.
  6. Slowly top the glass with 4 to 6 oz chilled lemon-lime soda, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the rim.
  7. Stir gently with a bar spoon, rotating 3 to 4 times to combine without losing carbonation.
  8. Garnish with 2 to 3 maraschino cherries threaded onto a cocktail pick and a lime wedge on the rim. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.

Notes

For a slightly less sweet version, reduce the grenadine to 1/2 oz and skip the cherry juice. Keep the soda well-chilled and open it just before mixing to maximize carbonation.