Big Batch Dirty Shirley

Celebrate Galentine’s Day with a sweet, fizzy, and vodka-infused Dirty Shirley! I’ve carefully tested this big batch recipe to ensure the proportions are just right and taste like childhood nostalgia (plus alcohol, of course). This cocktail is the perfect blend of sweet and citrus that’ll keep you sippin’ all night long!

elizabeth holding one of two cocktail glasses beside a large batch of a dirty shirley

Why You’ll Love This Dirty Shirley Recipe

This cocktail recipe has everything you could ever want: childhood nostalgia, a delicious blend of flavors, gorgeous presentation, and supersized measurements! When I was a kid I would’ve given my left arm for a big batch of Shirley Temples, so I had to make that dream to come to life for my adult self.

This big batch cocktail is going to become your go-to for parties. You can whip it up with or without the vodka, so kids and adults alike can partake in this yummy beverage. Just keep the alcohol on the side for the adults (me) who are interested!

This Dirty Shirley recipe is perfect for any time of the year, but I think the reddish-pink color and nostalgic vibes make it perfect for celebrating Galentine’s Day with your girls.

Ingredients

grey goose vodka, betty buzz sparkling lemon lime soda, cherries, grenadine, and limes

These cocktails are easy to make but they’re full of flavor. There’s sweetness, a punch of fizzy citrus, and of course, syrupy maraschino cherries on top. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious drink:

Vodka
Fresh lime juice
Grenadine
Lemon-lime soda (your choice)
Maraschino cherries
Lime wheels

How To Make Dirty Shirley Temples

adding the vodka and grenadine to the large pitcher

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

In a large pitcher, add the vodka, lime juice, and grenadine. Stir everything together until well combined.
If you’re serving your cocktails immediately, add the lemon-lime sods of your choice and ice. If you’re not serving them immediately, wait to add the soda and ice until shortly before you serve so your drinks don’t go flat.

squeezing lime juice into the cocktail and adding the lemon lime soda

Step 2: Garnish

Before serving, garnish the pitcher with maraschino cherries and fresh lime wheels.

the pitcher being garnished with lime wheels and maraschino cherries

FAQs

what’s the best vodka for a Dirty Shirley?

As someone who likes appreciating the finer things in life, I’ll always recommend you go with top-shelf alcohol if you can. However, these cocktails in particular have so much flavor to them that you could easily get away with a mid-shelf option. Do whatever works for you!

what flavor is grenadine?

Grenadine is what gives our Shirley’s that bright color, but it’s hard to discern what the exact flavor it is. I view it as a simple syrup kind of product, to be honest. It’s meant to taste a bit fruity, but I look at it more as a sweet-tart syrup that adds some colorful pizazz.

a large pitcher of dirty shirley cocktails beside two cocktail glasses full of the drink and a small bowl of extra limes

Serving Suggestions For Galentine’s Day

You can enjoy these cocktails at any gathering any time of year, but for the sake of my girls, I’m going to share serving suggestions for a Galentine’s Day celebration.

Appetizers: You can’t go wrong with charcuterie bites, and you can make some air fryer pigs in a blanket for your glizzy girls.
If you’re serving brunch: Start with these tips for how to throw a stress-free brunch, and then go hog wild! Build a pancake board, serve strawberry lemon poppy seed scones, and/or smoked salmon bagels with mashed avo. If you want to do something low-key that you can prep ahead of time, serve strawberry and cream overnight French toast.
If you’re serving dinner: The options are endless! Of course you should make a meal that you know your friends like, but here are some ideas. Make a warming and healthy chicken tortilla soup, white chicken chili, or spaghetti squash lasagna boats for something a little lighter. You can also make a crowd-favorite: Mediterranean salmon!
Dessert: You can’t leave your girls hanging without a sweet treat! If you want something colorful and fun, go for these funfetti white chocolate blondies. If you’d rather prep something that you don’t have to cook, go for a banana pudding trifle. And finally, chocolate! Try this decadent chocolate orange cake if you want to impress everyone.

elizabeth holding a pitcher of dirty shirleys with an ice bucket, limes, and extra cherries on the side

More Big Batch Recipes You’ll Love

If you make this Big Batch Dirty Shirley, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!

I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!