Indulge in this effortless Dirty Shirley recipe! Crafted with Vodka, ginger ale, grenadine, and a hint of garnish, this refreshing cocktail is a delightful sip for any occasion.
Prep time: 1 minute minute
Mixing time: 1 minute minute
- 1½ oz Vodka
- 3 oz ginger ale
- ½ oz grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice or cherry - for garnish, optional
Highball Glass
Measuring Jigger
Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
Add Vodka: Pour 1½ oz Vodka over the ice.
Add Grenadine: Drizzle ½ oz grenadine into the mix.
Add Ginger Ale: Measure and pour 3 oz ginger ale into the glass.
Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
Garnish: Place a lemon slice or cherry into the glass for garnish.
Substitutes:
- Vodka: When I don't have Vodka, I often use gin; it gives the drink a different, more botanical flavor. Rum can also be a good substitute, adding a sweet and smooth taste.
- Grenadine: In the absence of Grenadine, a mix of pomegranate juice and simple syrup can be a decent replacement. It brings a similar sweet and tart flavor profile.
- Ginger Ale: Any clear soda or club soda with a splash of lemon and lime juice works well when I run out of ginger ale soda.
Making a Pitcher of Dirty Shirley:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Vodka, 24 oz of ginger ale soda, and 4 oz of Grenadine.
- Mix: Combine the Vodka, ginger ale, and Grenadine in a large pitcher and stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with a lemon slice or cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Vodka Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute or skip it.
- Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular Vodka, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Check Ingredients: Ensure the Grenadine is vegan; some brands may use animal products. Opt for a brand that uses plant-based ingredients.
- Proceed As Usual: Once you have a vegan grenadine, follow the original steps and enjoy a vegan alternative.