Every Friday night, Sean and I go to the same local bar. It’s 2 blocks from my house, we don’t have to get dressed up, and their burgers are really, really good. I was having a rough day and I asked our bartender, Phyllis, with whom I’ve grown quiiite close, for something strong. She whipped up this Dirty Shirley and I knew immediately that I had to share it with you guys. If you’re having a crappy day and want an easy-to-make cocktail that’s delicious and strong… this is it.
As a kid, my favorite treat was a Shirley Temple. Every time my mom and I went out to a nice dinner, I’d order so many that my tongue would turn red. Maraschino cherries are one of my favorite sweet treats, to be honest. We actually keep these in the fridge at all times!
The Dirty Shirley
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened 100% pomegranate juice
- the juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- Sprite
- Maraschino cherries (these are my absolute favorites)
Instructions
- To make your own grenadine, combine the sugar and juice in a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Thicken the mixture by rapidly bringing it to a boil for about 5 minutes. Remove form heat and cool completely. Add lemon juice to taste (it brings out a bit of the tartness). To store, pour the mixture into an airtight bottle or jar. It will keep for a month.
- Add ice to your glass and pour in vodka (adding a little extra, depending on how hard your day was). Fill the glass with Sprite and float about 1 oz of grenadine. Garnish with cherries — as many as you want!
Nutrition
So what do you think?? Let us know if Shirley Temples are a nostalgic drink for you too! Cheers!
Cheers to tomorrow!
photography & styling by Jojotastic.
YUM. I’ll need to try one of those, too. Thanks!