Shirley Temple / Dirty Shirley

Shirley Temple Mocktail (And How to Turn It Into a Dirty Shirley!)

Looking for a fun, refreshing drink that’s perfect for all ages? The Shirley Temple is a classic non-alcoholic mixed drink with a sweet, fizzy kick that makes any occasion feel special. Whether you’re serving it up at a kids’ party, a baby shower, or just want a fun drink to sip on, this mocktail is a crowd-pleaser. But if you want to take it up a notch for the adults, simply add a shot of vodka, and you’ve got yourself a Dirty Shirley—a fruity, easy cocktail recipe with vodka that’s great for any celebration.

The History of the Shirley Temple Drink

The Shirley Temple mocktail was named after the famous child actress Shirley Temple, who charmed audiences in the 1930s with her dimples and golden curls. The story goes that the drink was first created at a restaurant in Beverly Hills when young Shirley was out with her parents. While the adults were sipping on fancy cocktails, the bartender whipped up a special non-alcoholic mixed drink just for her—using ginger ale, grenadine, and a cherry on top.

Today, the Shirley Temple is still a popular mocktail with grenadine syrup, and it’s often served at family gatherings, weddings, and holiday parties. It’s the best virgin drink for anyone who wants to enjoy a fun, fancy beverage without alcohol.

But let’s be honest—sometimes, you want something a little stronger. That’s where the Dirty Shirley comes in! Just add vodka, and you’ve got a delicious, fruity drink with alcohol that’s perfect for happy hour.

How to Make a Shirley Temple Mocktail

Servings: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cuisine: American

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ginger ale (or use lemon-lime soda for a sweeter version)
• 1-2 tablespoons grenadine syrup (adjust to taste)
• Juice of half a lime (optional, but adds a little tartness)
• Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedges or orange slices (for garnish)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

*printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page

Step One: Prepare the Glass

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to keep your drink nice and cold.

Step Two: Mix the Drink

Pour the ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda) over the ice.

Step Three: Add Grenadine

Drizzle grenadine syrup gently over the drink. It will sink to the bottom at first, creating a beautiful layered effect before blending into that signature pink color.

Step Four: Add Lime Juice (Optional)

If you like a little tartness to balance the sweetness, squeeze in the juice of half a lime.

Step Five: Garnish

Top with a maraschino cherry and, if you’d like, add a lime wedge or an orange slice for extra color and flavor. A sprig of fresh mint adds a fun touch, too!

Step Six: Serve & Enjoy

Stir gently before sipping, and enjoy your delicious and festive Shirley Temple mocktail!

How to Make a Dirty Shirley

Want to level up your Shirley Temple? Turn it into a Dirty Shirley by adding vodka!

Dirty Shirley Ingredients:

• Everything from the original Shirley Temple recipe
• 1 to 1.5 ounces vodka (your preferred brand)

Instructions:

1. Follow the same steps as the Shirley Temple recipe above.
2. Before adding the grenadine, pour in the vodka over the ice.
3. Continue with the recipe as usual—drizzle in the grenadine, add your garnishes, and enjoy!

This version is a fruity drink with alcohol that’s easy to make and perfect for summer barbecues, girls’ nights, or a simple treat after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Drink

✔ Perfect for All Ages – The Shirley Temple is a kid-friendly drink that makes little ones feel special.
✔ Customizable – Prefer it less sweet? Use club soda instead of soda. Want more citrus? Add extra lime!
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making Valentine drinks, birthday party mocktails, or fun cocktails for a celebration, this recipe is a hit.
✔ Easy to Make into a Cocktail – The Dirty Shirley is one of the easiest mixed drinks with vodka to whip up in seconds.