Dirty Shirley Vodka Cocktail

Remember those bright red Shirley Temples from childhood? This grown-up frozen version brings back all that sweet nostalgia but adds a perfect splash of vodka for an adult spin. The Dirty Shirley cocktail proves some things do get better with age!

Two pink slush drinks in glasses with lime slices, cherries, and striped straws on a wooden board with ice and lime wedges.

This frozen blend combines fizzy lemon-lime soda, smooth vodka, and sweet grenadine into a slushy treat that’s perfect for summer parties or any time you want to feel like a kid at heart (with adult privileges). Topped with a maraschino cherry and lemon wedge, it’s just as fun to look at as it is to drink.

If you are on the hunt for more cocktail recipes, you might want to try out my Fresh Mango Margarita or Classic Mint Julep. Both recipes offer that perfect balance of spirits and mixers for a refreshing cocktail experience.

Still in the mood for alcoholic drinks? Try my Blue Kamikaze Shot for another easy vodka-based cocktail.

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Takes just 5 minutes to prepare from start to finish
Only requires four basic ingredients (plus optional garnishes)
It can be easily scaled up for parties or gatherings
The perfect balance of sweetness and spirits that everyone will enjoy

What’s in This Dirty Shirley Cocktail Recipe?

Vodka, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda with lime wedges and ice cubes on a marble surface.

Lemon Lime Soda provides the classic bubbly base that makes this drink refreshing and light.
Vodka adds the “dirty” element to this cocktail, transforming it into an adult beverage.
Grenadine gives the signature sweet cherry flavor and a beautiful pink-red color.
Ice keeps everything perfectly chilled and helps achieve the ideal frozen consistency.
Maraschino Cherries add the classic garnish that makes this drink instantly recognizable.
Lemon Wedges provide a fresh citrus accent and an elegant finishing touch.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Additions

Vodka can be replaced with white rum or gin for a different twist
Lemon Lime Soda could be swapped for ginger ale or sparkling water
Grenadine can be substituted with cherry syrup or raspberry syrup
Fresh Cherries can replace maraschino cherries for a natural option
Lime Wedges work just as well as lemon for garnish
Add Fresh Fruit like strawberries or raspberries for extra flavor
Flavored Vodka can be used to add another dimension of taste

How to Make the Frozen Dirty Shirley Vodka Cocktail (step-by-step directions)

Collage of blender cup filled with ice cubes, lime, and liquid being poured from a measuring cup and small metal cup.

Start by gathering your ingredients and a powerful blender.
Add 5 cups of ice to your blender. (Photo 1)
Pour in 1¼ cups lemon-lime soda. (Photo 2)
Add ½ cup vodka to the mixture. (Photo 3)

Three-panel image showing ingredients being blended and poured to create two pink frozen drinks garnished with cherries and lime.

Include ¼ cup grenadine for color and flavor. (Photos 4 & 5)
Blend everything until smooth and well combined.
Pour the mixture into highball glasses.
Garnish with maraschino cherries and lemon wedges if desired. (Photo 6)

Two tall glasses of pink iced drinks with cherries, lime slices, and straws. Surrounded by ice cubes, limes, and a red cloth.

Recipe Tips

Use name-brand lemon-lime soda for the best flavor
If the mixture is too thick to blend, add two tablespoons of sugar to help it blend smoothly
Serve with both a straw and spoon for the perfect frozen drink experience
Pre-chill your glasses for an extra frosty presentation
Use a tamper if your blender struggles with crushing ice
Don’t over-blend, or the ice will melt too much
Add garnishes just before serving for the freshest presentation
Quality vodka makes a difference in the final taste

Storing Tips

Storage: This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for storage
Refrigerator: If needed, store the blended mixture without ice for up to 24 hours and re-blend with fresh ice before serving
Freezing: Not recommended as the alcohol content will prevent proper freezing and affect the texture

Serving Suggestions

Pair this playful cocktail with other party favorites from the site, like my Easy Hot Party Dips: 4 Dips In One Pan! or Fresh Watermelon Bites With Whipped Feta.

For a complete party spread, consider adding some Spicy Alabama Fire Crackers With Mini Saltines for a perfect balance of sweet drinks and savory snacks.

Tall glass of pink drink with lime slice and cherry garnish, two straws, surrounded by ice and lime wedges.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make a Dirty Shirley without a blender?

Yes! While this frozen version requires a blender, you can make a classic Dirty Shirley by simply combining the ingredients over ice in a glass and stirring.

What makes a Dirty Shirley “dirty”?

The addition of vodka transforms a regular Shirley Temple into a “dirty” version, making it an adult beverage while maintaining the classic flavors.

How strong is a Dirty Shirley cocktail?

This frozen version is relatively mild since it’s blended with ice and mixers. However, you can adjust the vodka amount to your preference.

Can I make this as a mocktail?

Absolutely! Simply omit the vodka, and you’ll have a classic frozen Shirley Temple that everyone can enjoy.

Need More Cocktail Recipes? Try These:

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Two tall glasses of pink slushie topped with lime slices and cherries, surrounded by ice cubes and lime wedges on a wooden board.

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