This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.
Think sweet grenadine, bubbly lemon-lime soda, and that unmistakable tequila kick that keeps things interesting -extra cherries welcome.
Tequila Dirty Shirley
In grad school, my roommate and I were supposed to have a "chill night in" with rom-coms and takeout… until we made the good/bad? decision to make these dirty Shirleys with tequila.
Next thing we knew, we were digging out our eyeshadows and texting the group chat, "shots?" Be warned: adding the grenadine to a tequila and Sprite makes this cocktail taste incredible and go down easy.
What is a Shirley Temple Called with Alcohol
Once you spike a Shirley Temple, it becomes a Dirty Shirley. Most versions use vodka, but swapping in tequila turns the volume up and brings the party. This version is definitely a lot less innocent than the one you remember.
Difference Between a Tequila Sunrise and Dirty Shirley
They both use grenadine but that's where the similarity ends. A Tequila Sunrise is all about OJ, with the grenadine sinking to the bottom to make that gorgeous gradient effect. A Dirty Shirley leans into lemon-lime soda, giving it a fizzy, candy-sweet taste that's more playful. Think fun and flirty vs. brunch chic.
Ingredients
No shaking or muddling required for this tequila cocktail. Just simple ingredients and a spoon.
- Tequila: I recommend Blanco or Silver here. You want that crisp, clean agave flavor to shine through.
- Grenadine: for that sweet pop of red that tastes like your 90s childhood.
- Lemon-lime soda: Sprite, 7-Up, or any similar brand. A lemon-lime sparkling water will give you a lighter taste.
- Maraschino cherries: Yes, plural. As many as your heart desires!
How to Make a Dirty Shirley with Tequila
A dirty shirley is a really easy drink to pull together, but these additional tips will ensure the perfect sip:
- Make the cocktail
Fill a glass with ice, and I mean all the way. This drink tastes the best when it's served very cold. Pour in your tequila and grenadine first. Then top it with lemon-lime soda until your glass is nearly full. Give everything a good stir with a cocktail spoon. - Garnish & serve
Drop in a cherry (or five) and you're done! It's sweet, simple, and ready to serve before the next group chat text pops up.
Garnishes
Maraschino cherries are non-negotiable in my book, but if they're not your thing, try a lime wheel on the rim or even a fun cocktail umbrella. I have an entire collection for when I'm feeling retro. Or combine them all! No wrong answers here.
What to Serve with this Cocktail
This playful drink is practically begging for equally fun tacos! Coconut-crusted fish tacos or Hawaiian pork tacos with pineapple are a perfect match to its citrusy-sweet notes. And my girlfriends absolutely loved these cute taco cupcakes!
Dirty shirley with tequila
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 4 ounces lemon-lime soda
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the tequila, grenadine, then lemon-lime soda and with a cocktail spoon, stir to combine.
- Add a maraschino cherry for garnish and added flavor.
Rose says
Dirty Shirley is my favorite cocktail and this recipe couldn't be any better!
Melissa says
This dirty shirley with tequila was so good! I'm in love
Addison says
Minimal ingredients and tasty! My friends loved these when I made them!
Pam says
I loved shirley temples when I was little, but now that I'm an adult, I'm LOVING this leveled-up version of my favorite drink. I didn't know it was called a dirty shirley, but now I'm obsessed.