A Dirty Shirley is just a grown‑up Shirley Temple: vodka, grenadine, and lemon‑lime soda over ice, garnished with cherries.

Quick Scoop

Classic Dirty Shirley Ratio

  • 2 oz vodka.
  • 1 oz grenadine.
  • 4–6 oz lemon‑lime soda (Sprite or 7Up style).
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish.
  • Ice, plenty of it.

Step‑by‑Step (Single Drink)

  1. Fill a tall glass (highball) all the way with ice.
  1. Pour in 2 oz vodka and 1 oz grenadine.
  1. Top with lemon‑lime soda, then give it a gentle stir so the color swirls but stays bright.
  1. Drop in a couple of maraschino cherries (and a lime wedge if you like) and serve.

It should look like a vivid red‑pink soda with cherries at the bottom and taste like a nostalgic Shirley Temple with a subtle vodka kick.

Simple Flavor Tweaks

  • Less sweet: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or 1 oz lime juice to cut the syrupy edge.
  • Extra cherry: Add a splash of tart cherry juice along with the grenadine for a deeper cherry flavor.
  • Lighter drink: Use more soda and less vodka, or make one “half‑shot” version if you just want a hint of alcohol.

Party Pitcher Version (About 8 Servings)

  • 2 cups vodka.
  • 1 cup grenadine.
  • 4 cups lemon‑lime soda.
  • 8+ maraschino cherries.

Stir vodka and grenadine in a pitcher, gently add soda, then pour over ice in individual glasses and garnish with cherries.

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