Dirty Shirley served at Lastriko – a cocktailbar in Krakow Old Town known for its vibrant Krakow nightlife.
Dirty Shirley – The Classic All Grown Up
A pink cocktail with a story to tell
Not every bar legend smells of cigars and dark rum. Some sparkle in pink, taste like nostalgia, and smile with irony. That’s the story of the Dirty Shirley — a playful, light-hearted cocktail that was born in Hollywood and has found a new life in the best cocktail bars in Krakow.
The original Shirley Temple was a 1930s creation made for the famous child actress — a non-alcoholic mix of ginger ale, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry. Cute, sweet, and camera-ready. But when someone added vodka, the innocent drink grew up. The result? Dirty Shirley – the Shirley Temple after hours.
And now, almost a century later, this pink classic is back — lighting up Krakow nightlife from Manhattan to the bars in Krakow that understand what fun really tastes like.
How Dirty Shirley tastes
Don’t let the color fool you. This cocktail might look innocent, but it has rhythm, brightness, and balance. It’s sweet but not syrupy, fizzy yet smooth — a perfect mix for a city that knows how to celebrate without rushing.
Here’s the Dirty Shirley recipe from Difford’s Guide, recreated in our cocktailbar Krakow – Lastriko:
🍸 Dirty Shirley Recipe (Difford’s Guide)
Ingredients:
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30 ml One Vodka
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10 ml Heering Cherry Liqueur
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5 ml Grenadine or pomegranate syrup
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7.5 ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
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120 ml Ginger Ale
How to make it:
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Select and pre-chill a Collins or Hi-Ball glass.
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Shake the first four ingredients (vodka, cherry liqueur, grenadine, and lemon juice) with ice.
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Open the shaker and pour the ginger ale slowly over ice.
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Garnish with a lemon slice and a Luxardo maraschino cherry.
It’s bright, refreshing, and fun — the kind of drink that makes any evening feel a little more cinematic.
Why Dirty Shirley is making a comeback
In an age of hyper-complex mixology, the Dirty Shirley feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s unapologetically simple — cheerful, nostalgic, and photogenic. After a viral revival on TikTok in 2022, the cocktail became a symbol of carefree joy and retro glamour.
It’s also a reminder that cocktails don’t always have to be serious. Sometimes, the best bars in Krakow are the ones that make you smile before you even take a sip.
Dirty Shirley at Lastriko – cocktailbar Krakow
In Lastriko, our cozy cocktailbar Krakow, Dirty Shirley isn’t just a drink — it’s a mood. We serve it in our hidden courtyard garden, surrounded by plants and warm lights, away from the rush of the city. It’s the side of Krakow nightlife that doesn’t shout — it whispers.
We’re not your typical pub Krakow or crowded tourist spot. Think of Lastriko as the city’s secret – part Krakow old town bar, part modern speakeasy Krakow. You come for the drink, but you stay for the vibe: music that glows, light that flatters, and cocktails that feel like stories.
How to drink Dirty Shirley
This cocktail isn’t meant to be rushed. Sip it slowly. Let the ginger ale fizz release the aroma of cherry and lemon, and watch the color change in the glass as the ice melts.
If you want to play around, try these Lastriko-style twists:
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Prosecco version: replace ginger ale with sparkling wine for a more elegant touch.
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Hibiscus tonic: floral and aromatic, perfect for warm nights.
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Extra dirty: add a dash of maraschino liqueur for extra depth.
Why Lastriko is among the best cocktail bars Krakow
Because we treat cocktails like experiences, not just recipes.
Our drink bar in Krakow focuses on balance, craft, and calm – not chaos. Among the many best bars in Krakow, Lastriko stands out for its warm rhythm, glass-roofed garden, and the kind of atmosphere that makes every sip a little slower.
Dirty Shirley fits perfectly into our philosophy — playful, timeless, and quietly sophisticated.
Looking for another cocktail with history and attitude?
Discover the Negroni – a timeless Italian classic that perfectly complements the playful spirit of Dirty Shirley.
