Dirty Shirley: Adult Shirley Temple Cocktail

The Dirty Shirley is an adult version of the famous Shirley Temple cocktail. This Dirty Shirley cocktail pays homage to the child star known to complain that her namesake drink was too sweet! 

As a child, every special occasion called for a Shirley Temple. As an adult, that same hurt-your-teeth, sweet drink should be replaced with the Dirty Shirley, an adult version of the Shirley Temple cocktail. I think you’re going to love its refreshing and delicious vibe.

The 1930’s were packed with parties for the child star actress, Shirley Temple Black. It’s rumored she often complained about being surrounded by adults who were enjoying cocktails that she herself could not enjoy. A quick-thinking bartender from the famous Chasen’s Bar in Beverly Hills whipped up the famous namesake Shirley Temple drink in her honor.

Later in life, Temple admitted she hated the drink because it was so sweet. I have to admit as a kid, the reason I loved the drink was because it was so sweet! As an adult, the Dirty Shirley is definitely where it’s at. As far as I’m concerned the Dirty Shirley ranks right up there with my lemon drop martini and cosmopolitan cocktail recipe. Try them all and decide for yourself.

Looking For More Cocktail Recipes? Try These:

• Hemingway Daiquiri ~ perfect for book club
• Icy Hibiscus Margarita
• The Best Bloody Mary Ever

What Does Dirty Shirley Mean

The dirty Shirley is a cocktail version of the famed Shirley Temple mocktail we all enjoyed as kids. So many people ask if there is a male version of the Shirley Temple. Yes there is! It’s the Roy Rogers. A Roy Roger’s drink is also non-alcoholic made with coke and grenadine syrup. I don’t think I’ve ever had one. Have you? It also sounds sickeningly sweet!

When you add alcohol to a previously known non-alcoholic drink, it makes it “dirty”.

What Flavor Is Grenadine

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It is not cherry! I thought grenadine was this neon-cherry flavored syrup. Nope! Grenadine is actually a sweet-tart syrup made with pomegranate juice and loads of sugar. It is also non-alcoholic.

All grenadine is not created equal. Now, if you’re making a kid’s Shirley Temple, use Rose’s brand or this one that we can all find at the grocery store. Your kid’s will not like the high-quality grenadine used in cocktails. Trust me, they want the yucky sweet stuff.

Here are some grenadine brands I recommend for an adult cocktail. They do cost a little more and can be a little harder to find. But it’s worth the effort. B.G. Reynolds’ Hibiscus Grenadine and Small Hands Food Grenadine are two of my favorites.

Ingredient List for a Dirty Shirley Cocktail

• Top shelf vodka
• fresh lime juice
• grenadine syrup
• ginger beer
• maraschino cherries or brandy soaked cherries

Don’t be the bartender who garnishes their drinks with only one cherry. As a kid it was always such a bummer to get my Shirley Temple and the stingy bartender had only added  one cherry . Be generous!

How To Make A Dirty Shirley Cocktail

Add all listed ingredients in a cocktail shaker, except the ginger beer. Add large ice and shake vigorously. Add ginger beer and stir or roll the cocktail shaker. You do not want to shake the ginger beer since it is carbonated. At this point I like to taste the cocktail for balance. If it’s too sweet I add more lime to taste. Strain the drink over ice and garnish with lime wedges and lots of cherries.

If you love trying new cocktails, I highly suggest giving this Hpnotiq Cocktail a try. However, don’t forget about my Best Mojito recipe, it’s amazing.

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Print Recipe

4.88 from 8 votes

Dirty Shirley: Adult Shirley Temple

The Dirty Shirley is an adult version of the famous Shirley Temple cocktail. This Dirty Shirley cocktail pays homage to the child star known to complain that her namesake drink was too sweet. 

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time5 mins

Total Time10 mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Adult Shirley Temple, Dirty Shirley

Servings: 1 glass

Calories: 226kcal

Author: Cathy

Ingredients

• 2.5 oz top shelf vodka such as Tito's
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.25 oz grenadine syrup
• 3 oz ginger beer
• Garnish with lime, maraschino cherries or brandy-soaked cherries

Instructions

• Place all ingredients (except ginger beer) into a cocktail shaker and add large ice. Shake cocktail shaker vigorously. Add ginger beer and roll the cocktail shaker once. Taste for balance, adding more lime if you prefer. 
• Strain over fresh ice. Garnish with, maraschino cherries or brandy-soaked cherries for a more adult taste.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Dirty Shirley: Adult Shirley Temple

Amount Per Serving (1 glass)

Calories 226 Calories from Fat 79

% Daily Value*

Fat 8.8g14%

Sodium 4.2mg0%

Potassium 29mg1%

Carbohydrates 37.8g13%

Fiber 0.8g3%

Sugar 15.4g17%

Protein 0.2g0%

Vitamin C 3.1mg4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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