Uploaded September 2014 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The Dirty Shirley is a grown up drink based on the classic Shirley Temple mocktail. It was featured as the Ryan Gosling character's favorite cocktail in Gangster Squad and deserves all the publicity is can get.
This version of the drink is definitely a crowd pleaser, but it's complex enough to tantalize the adventurous drinker as well. It takes the overly sweet, classic virgin cocktail and turns it into something exciting and delicious. You'll see it made different ways. There are quite a few different recipes out there. The drink typically calls for a vodka or light rum, but vodka is an anachronism. This is a post-war cocktail and rum was the spirit of the time as whiskey production was hindered. And besides, more importantly, an aged rum brings the drink to life in a way that you can't get with vodka. I really like the Old New Orleans Rum 3-Year (which is what's featured in the video), but you can also use the Old New Orleans Cajun Spice Rum.
Grenadine is definitely acceptable, but I will use any excuse to sub in Raspberry Syrup (youtu.be/fdtctmdqgA4) and since that used to be a common practice, it's perfectly justified. Ginger Ale is what's called for, but if you find that you only have Ginger Beer in the house, no one is going to fault you for subbing that in. Just make sure you're using a quality Ginger Ale made with real ginger. The fresh ginger juice is certainly optional, but it's the best option. And you want to use a real Maraschino Cherry (youtu.be/FXLI4XvFlPo), one soaked in booze, you'll be much happier you did. Don't use the blanched and candied sundae topping version. It has no home here.
Make it as listed below. You'll agree that it's be best version you can find. Cheers!
Recipe:
2 oz Rum
1 tsp Raspberry Syrup (or Grenadine)
5-6 oz Ginger Ale
splash of Juiced Ginger (optional)
Build in the glass over ice.
Garnish with Maraschino Cherry
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facebook.com/DistinguishedSpirits
instagram.com/distinguishedspirits
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Featured in This Episode
Old New Orleans Rum
youtube.com/user/Neworleansrum
oldneworleansrum.com
Fever Tree Ginger Ale
fever-tree.com/us
Fentimen's Ginger Beer
fentimans.com
The Dirty Shirley is a grown up drink based on the classic Shirley Temple mocktail. It was featured as the Ryan Gosling character's favorite cocktail in Gangster Squad and deserves all the publicity is can get.
This version of the drink is definitely a crowd pleaser, but it's complex enough to tantalize the adventurous drinker as well. It takes the overly sweet, classic virgin cocktail and turns it into something exciting and delicious. You'll see it made different ways. There are quite a few different recipes out there. The drink typically calls for a vodka or light rum, but vodka is an anachronism. This is a post-war cocktail and rum was the spirit of the time as whiskey production was hindered. And besides, more importantly, an aged rum brings the drink to life in a way that you can't get with vodka. I really like the Old New Orleans Rum 3-Year (which is what's featured in the video), but you can also use the Old New Orleans Cajun Spice Rum.
Grenadine is definitely acceptable, but I will use any excuse to sub in Raspberry Syrup (youtu.be/fdtctmdqgA4) and since that used to be a common practice, it's perfectly justified. Ginger Ale is what's called for, but if you find that you only have Ginger Beer in the house, no one is going to fault you for subbing that in. Just make sure you're using a quality Ginger Ale made with real ginger. The fresh ginger juice is certainly optional, but it's the best option. And you want to use a real Maraschino Cherry (youtu.be/FXLI4XvFlPo), one soaked in booze, you'll be much happier you did. Don't use the blanched and candied sundae topping version. It has no home here.
Make it as listed below. You'll agree that it's be best version you can find. Cheers!
Recipe:
2 oz Rum
1 tsp Raspberry Syrup (or Grenadine)
5-6 oz Ginger Ale
splash of Juiced Ginger (optional)
Build in the glass over ice.
Garnish with Maraschino Cherry
Follow Us!
facebook.com/DistinguishedSpirits
instagram.com/distinguishedspirits
twitter.com/DistinguishedSp
pinterest.com/DistinguishedSp
Featured in This Episode
Old New Orleans Rum
youtube.com/user/Neworleansrum
oldneworleansrum.com
Fever Tree Ginger Ale
fever-tree.com/us
Fentimen's Ginger Beer
fentimans.com
