Dirty Shirley temple!! 🍹

You know that nostalgic feeling when you sip on a classic Shirley Temple? Well, get ready for its cooler, grown-up cousin: the Dirty Shirley Temple! I recently tried making this viral drink at home, and let me tell you, it's an absolute game-changer for happy hour or just a chill evening. Whether you're looking for an 'adult shirley temple' with a kick or a delicious 'dirty shirley mocktail' for everyone to enjoy, I've got the perfect recipes for you. Let's start with the classic alcoholic version, which many of you are searching for when asking 'shirley temple with rum' or 'what alcohol goes in a dirty shirley'. The beauty of a Dirty Shirley is its simplicity and how easily you can customize it to your taste. For the adult version, the key is balancing the sweetness of the grenadine and soda with your chosen spirit. While rum is a popular choice, and what many people mean by 'shirley temple with rum', vodka also works wonderfully for a cleaner taste. I personally love it with rum because it adds a nice depth of flavor! My Go-To Dirty Shirley Temple (Adult Version) Recipe: Ingredients: 1.5 oz (approx. 3 tablespoons) White Rum (or Vodka, if you prefer) 0.5 oz (approx. 1 tablespoon) Grenadine 5-6 oz Lemon-Lime Soda (like Sprite or 7-Up) or Ginger Ale Ice Maraschino Cherries and a Lime Wedge, for garnish Instructions: Fill a tall glass with ice. I find that a good amount of ice keeps it perfectly chilled. Pour in the rum (or vodka). Add the grenadine. Watch that beautiful red swirl! It's part of the fun. Top with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. I usually go for soda for a sweeter, bubblier drink, but ginger ale offers a nice, subtle spice. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, making sure not to lose too much fizz. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (or two, I won't judge!) and a fresh lime wedge. It makes it feel extra special! Now, for those of you asking about a 'dirty shirley non alcoholic' or 'dirty shirley mocktail,' you absolutely don't have to miss out on this deliciousness! This version is perfect for all ages and still delivers that iconic sweet and fizzy flavor. It’s essentially an elevated classic Shirley Temple, often made a bit 'dirtier' with extra grenadine or a different soda combination to make it feel more grown-up, even without alcohol. My Favorite Dirty Shirley Mocktail Recipe: Ingredients: 1 oz (approx. 2 tablespoons) Grenadine 6-7 oz Lemon-Lime Soda or Ginger Ale Ice Maraschino Cherries and a Lime Wedge, for garnish Instructions: Fill a tall glass generously with ice. Pour in the grenadine. Top with your choice of lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. I sometimes even mix half soda and half sparkling water for a less sweet option. Stir gently. Garnish with cherries and a lime wedge. Sometimes I'll even add a fresh orange slice for extra color! Tips for the Perfect Dirty Shirley Temple Every Time: Choose Your Soda Wisely: While lemon-lime soda is traditional, experimenting with ginger ale or even a clear soda can change the profile. For a lighter, less sweet drink, try half soda and half club soda. Garnish Power: Don't underestimate the power of a good garnish! Fresh cherries, a lime slice, or even a fancy cocktail pick can elevate your drink. Make it 'Extra Dirty': If you love that distinct grenadine flavor and vibrant red color, feel free to add a little extra grenadine. That's how I like my Dirty Shirley Temple! Chilled Everything: Make sure your soda and grenadine are well-chilled before mixing for the best taste. I hope you enjoy trying out these recipes! It's such a fun and easy drink to make, and it's always a crowd-pleaser whether you're serving the 'shirley temple cocktail' or the non-alcoholic version.