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Dirty Shirley Cocktail

A playful twist on the classic Shirley Temple that swaps innocence for a splash of vodka and a savory olive garnish. This cocktail bridges the gap between sweet and sophisticated with minimal effort, offering a sweet, tangy, and refreshing drink with a savory olive twist.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 ounces 45 ml vodka
  • 0.5 ounce 15 ml grenadine syrup
  • 4 ounces 120 ml ginger ale
  • 0.5 ounce 15 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 2 to 3 pitted green olives for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
  • Jigger or measuring shot glass
  • Bar spoon or long spoon
  • Cocktail strainer
  • Highball or rocks glass
  • Citrus knife or small paring knife

Method
 

  1. Add a generous handful of ice cubes to your highball or rocks glass.
  2. Measure 1.5 ounces of vodka using a jigger and pour it directly over the ice.
  3. Pour 0.5 ounce of grenadine into the glass, pouring slowly so it sinks to the bottom and creates a beautiful gradient effect.
  4. Measure out 0.5 ounce of fresh lemon juice and add it to the glass, stirring gently as you pour.
  5. Pour 4 ounces of cold ginger ale over everything, filling the glass most of the way.
  6. Use a bar spoon or long spoon to stir the drink for about 10 seconds, making sure the grenadine and lemon juice blend evenly throughout.
  7. Thread 2 to 3 pitted green olives onto a cocktail pick or small skewer.
  8. Rest the olive skewer across the rim of your glass or lay it on top of the ice. Serve immediately and enjoy while everything is still cold and the carbonation is still alive.

Notes

Chill your glass in the freezer for five minutes before making the drink, and the cocktail stays colder longer without diluting as the ice melts. Use quality ginger ale, not ginger beer, which would overpower the delicate balance. Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice whenever possible. For parties, pre-mix the vodka, grenadine, and lemon juice in a pitcher and chill, then pour over fresh ice and top with cold ginger ale just before serving.