D is for Dirty
The Dirty Shirley is a grown-up version of the classic Shirley Temple, with vodka, Sprite, and grenadine for the familiar flavor and bright red color, finished with cherries and a squeeze of lime.
Whether you make it by the glass or the pitcher, Dirty Shirleys are easy to mix and simple to serve.
What You'll Need
Ingredients for 1 drink:- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce grenadine
- Sprite
- Ice
- Maraschino cherries and lime wheel, optional
How to Make It
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add vodka and grenadine.
- Top with Sprite and stir gently.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries and a wheel of lime, if desired.
By the Pitcher
For a crowd, mix the vodka and grenadine in a pitcher, then pour over ice into individual glasses and top each with Sprite. Add cherries and a wheel of lime to each glass, if desired.If you try this recipe be sure to leave a comment or a rating down below. You may also enjoy our Bee's Kiss or New England Iced Tea.
Thanks again to Wendy for hosting the challenge! This is our third time working through the alphabet, and you can follow along with the recipes we’re sharing this year right here: Alphabet Challenge 2026. Scroll down to see what the other bloggers are sharing for the letter D.
Dirty Shirley Cocktail

Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 1 ounce Grenadine
- Sprite
- Ice
- Maraschino cherries and lime wheel (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka and grenadine.
- Top with Sprite and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries and a wheel of lime, if desired.
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I love the name! This would be a lovely party cocktail for Valentine's Day or during the Christmas holidays. Such a pretty color!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun cocktail. Cheers, Jolene.
ReplyDeleteI bet this goes down easy! This sounds so refreshing.
ReplyDeleteOh that's fun! I like a Shirley Temple anyway.
ReplyDeleteCheers! Perfect cocktail for Christmas or Valentine's Day. I like it with ginger ale.
ReplyDeleteNow this is my kind of cocktail. Vodka at its very best!!!
ReplyDeleteA lovely drink Jolene!
ReplyDeleteCheers! I have never heard of this cocktail, but definitely want to try one. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun name! I love the color and perfect for holidays, too.
ReplyDelete