Thirsty Thursday: Dirty Shirley

This summer I have perfected the art of mocktails. I’ve also consumed my fair share of Shirley Temples. I’m expecting beauty baby #7 (my first!) in February which means I have been cut off from the good stuff since June. But I’m not complaining, the little “pit” growing in my tummy is so worth it!

I’ve been loyally posting Thirsty Thursday recipes this summer, but for every real cocktail I’ve made for Curtis, there’s been a virgin version alongside. So when I saw this recipe for Dirty Shirley’s on Pinterest, I was thrilled and decided this would be my signature cocktail on our summer boat trip.

The first evening in Desolation Sound, I made the dirty version for Curtis, mom and dad, and a clean version for myself. They all looked the same (it’s a good thing we label our glasses on the boat to avoid any possible confusion) so I didn’t feel left out when happy hour rolled around!

My dad labeled our cups and he made the "E" prego. How cute is he!? 

I know maraschino cherries are weird but I’ve always loved them in drinks and on ice cream sundaes. I thought everyone did (obviously Megan does too based on her Manhattan recipe and I know my friend Hillary, generally a very clean eater, has a weakness for them) but I learned Curtis is opposed to them and in his words they “taste like plastic”. Poll: Are you a maraschino cherry fan or do you think they’re disgusting?

Our awesome crew enjoying happy hour!

And now for the drink recipe:

DIRTY SHIRLEY 
Ice
Vodka
Grenadine
Sprite
Maraschino Cherry
Optional: Umbrella for flair and club soda

Fill a glass with ice. Pour in some vodka. Add a tiny bit of grenadine (it gives it great color and flavor, but be careful, it’s sweet!). Top the glass of with sprite and garnish with a maraschino cherry, a little cherry juice and an umbrella. If this is too sweet for you, you can do ½ Sprite and ½ club soda. If you're growing a baby, are underage or don't like alcohol (gasp!), for a clean Shirley (aka Shirley Temple): leave the vodka out!

PS. I’m so excited to make this for the Shirley in our family! It will be a perfect cabin cocktail.