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This Dirty Shirley is a grown-up take on the nostalgic classic—sweet, crisp, and effortlessly festive. It comes together in minutes, scales easily for a crowd, and works just as well for Valentine’s Day as it does for casual happy hour. Pair it with something salty or snacky like my homemade chicken nuggets with crème fraîche and caviar to keep it classy.
A Dirty Shirley is one of those drinks that feels familiar but still special when done well. That beautiful red color and maraschino cherries just feel like it’s about to be a good time. I like batching the vodka and grenadine ahead of time so serving is as simple as pouring and topping with soda. This cocktail is what I’d make if I had my friends over for a Galentine’s dinner, along with this short rib ragu and these brownie pudding cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need for a Dirty Shirley
Vodka – Vodka provides a clean, neutral base that lets the cherry and citrus flavors shine without competing.
Grenadine syrup – Grenadine adds sweetness and that signature ruby color; using a good-quality syrup keeps the drink balanced instead of cloying.
Lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite, 7UP, or sparkling water) – This brings carbonation and brightness, cutting through the sweetness and keeping the drink crisp and refreshing.
Maraschino cherries – More than just garnish, cherries reinforce the cherry-forward flavor and give the drink its classic look.
Ice – Plenty of ice is key here—it keeps the drink cold and properly diluted as you sip.
For the rest of the ingredients, please refer to the recipe index card below!
Quick Tips for the Best Dirty Shirley
Chilling the vodka and grenadine mixture before serving makes a noticeable difference. Starting with a cold base means the soda stays fizzy longer, and the drink doesn’t taste watered down as the ice melts.
For an elevated vibe, add a splash of champagne.
For a less sweet drink, reduce the grenadine slightly and/or use lime sparkling water instead of soda.
Elevated variation: A small splash of champagne added just before serving gives the drink a drier, more celebratory finish.
Make-Ahead & Storage
The vodka and grenadine mixture can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, covered.
Store the batched mixture in a sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge; keep soda separate until serving.
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In a pitcher, add the vodka and grenadine syrup. Mix it together and transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.
When you’re ready to serve, add ice to each glass. Pour in the vodka mixture and top with lemon-lime soda.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry or two and serve.
Quick Tips
Chilling the vodka and grenadine mixture before serving makes a noticeable difference. Starting with a cold base means the soda stays fizzy longer, and the drink doesn’t taste watered down as the ice melts.
For an elevated vibe, add a splash of champagne.
For a less sweet drink, reduce the grenadine slightly and/or use lime sparkling water instead of soda.
Elevated variation: A small splash of champagne added just before serving gives the drink a drier, more celebratory finish.
Make Ahead & Storage
The vodka and grenadine mixture can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, covered.
Store the batched mixture in a sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge; keep soda separate until serving.
Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 0.1g | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 12mg | Sugar: 27g | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.05mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
