The Original Dirty Shirley Cocktail Recipe (And Why a Can Is Better)

If you've been at a bar in the last few years, you've heard someone order a Dirty Shirley. It's the drink that took TikTok by storm, got crowned the New York Times' "drink of the summer," and showed up on menus everywhere from dive bars to rooftop lounges. And for good reason — it's delicious.

Here's everything you need to know about the Dirty Shirley cocktail, including the classic recipe, variations worth trying, and why a ready-to-drink can might be the best version of all.

What Is a Dirty Shirley?

A Dirty Shirley is an alcoholic version of the classic Shirley Temple mocktail. The original Shirley Temple — named after the child actress — is a mix of grenadine, lemon-lime soda, and a maraschino cherry. The Dirty Shirley takes all of that and adds a kick of alcohol, giving it the grown-up twist you didn't know you needed.

Think: sweet, cherry, fizzy, nostalgic — but with a buzz.

The Classic Dirty Shirley Recipe

Serves: 1 | Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz spirit of choice
- 1 oz grenadine syrup
- Lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP), to top
- Ice
- Maraschino cherry and orange slice to garnish

Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour your spirit over the ice.
3. Add the grenadine — it will sink to the bottom and create a beautiful layered look before you stir.
4. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and orange slice.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips for the Best Dirty Shirley

Use real grenadine. The difference between real pomegranate-based grenadine and the neon red corn syrup version is massive. Brands like Liber & Co. make the real thing.

Chill your glass. Pop your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the drink.

Don't over-stir. The layered look is part of what makes this drink beautiful.

Balance your sweetness. A splash of fresh lime juice cuts through the grenadine perfectly.

Variations to Try:

Dirty Shirley Royale — swap lemon-lime soda for champagne or prosecco.
Spicy Dirty Shirley — add fresh jalapeño slices. The heat plays beautifully against the cherry.
Frozen Dirty Shirley — blend with ice until smooth, top with a splash of Sprite.
Batch Dirty Shirley (For a Party) — scale up with 1 bottle of spirit, 1 bottle grenadine, and a 2-liter Sprite. Serves 12–15.

The Dirty Shirley in a Can: Skip the Mixing

Here's the thing — when you're at the beach, a concert, a barbecue, or anywhere that doesn't have a full bar setup, the classic recipe isn't exactly portable.

That's exactly why we made Tempted.

Tempted is the Dirty Shirley in a can — real cherry flavor, a touch of fizz, and only 4g of sugar. At 7% ABV it's the cocktail you know and love, ready to drink the second you crack it open. No mixing, no grenadine that stains everything, no measuring.

Find Tempted online and in select stores across PA, NJ, FL, CA, and NY.

Shop Tempted Now → https://drinktempted.com/collections/all

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Dirty Shirley taste like?
Sweet, cherry, and fizzy with a clean finish. It's nostalgic — like a Shirley Temple you can drink at a party.

How strong is a Dirty Shirley?
A homemade Dirty Shirley is roughly 8–10% ABV before dilution. Our Tempted cans are 7% ABV — right in the sweet spot.

Is a Dirty Shirley the same as a Shirley Temple?
No — a Shirley Temple is non-alcoholic. A Dirty Shirley adds alcohol, making it an adult cocktail.

Can I make a Dirty Shirley without grenadine?
Yes — cherry juice works as a substitute. That's actually the approach we took with Tempted.

What spirit works best in a Dirty Shirley?
You want something clean and neutral that lets the cherry flavor shine.

— Cheers, the Tempted team
Tempted is a ready-to-drink Dirty Shirley cocktail available online and in select states. Must be 21+ to purchase.