1-First Step: Fill a highball glass with ice to the top. This chills the drink and helps dilute it slightly for the best taste in your dirty shirley temple recipe; for a colder version, use crushed ice if you have it on hand.

2-Second Step: Pour 2 ounces (¼ cup) of vodka into the glass. Whether you choose plain or cherry-flavored, this adds the boozy element that makes this shirley temple cocktail special; if you’re watching calories, consider a lower-proof vodka here.

3-Third Step: Add 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of grenadine to the mix. Stir it gently with the vodka to create that vibrant red color, which is key for the classic look of your dirty shirley drink; this step brings in the sweet pomegranate flavor that ties everything together.

4-Fourth Step: Top the glass with white soda, such as lemon-lime soda, until it’s about three-quarters full. Pour slowly to keep the fizz, and if using ginger ale as a substitute, add a splash of orange juice for extra zing; this makes your boozy shirley temple bubbly and refreshing.

5-Fifth Step: Give the drink a light stir with a spoon to blend the ingredients without losing the carbonation. Taste it here and adjust if needed, like adding more grenadine for sweetness, to perfect your dirty Shirley Temple.

6-Final Step: Garnish with maraschino cherries on top, then serve immediately for the best experience. This adds a fun, visual pop and makes your shirley temple cocktail ready for any occasion in just a minute or two.