When I was 4 or 5 years old, my parents too me out to dinner to a nice restaurant in my hometown. It was what we in the Midwest call a Supper Club. Supper Clubs are a place to enjoy drinks, multiple courses, dessert and perhaps some music or other entertainment. And it was always a treat! On these occasions, is when I was first introduced to the Kitty Cocktail, the Shirley Temple, and a Roy Rogers. All felt fancy and grown-up to this 5 year old girl!
What's the difference between a Kitty Cocktail and a Shirley Temple?? Not much other than the mixer...a Kitty Cocktail uses a lemon-lime mixer such as 7-up or Sprite; where a Shirley Temple is mixed with Ginger Ale.
It's fun to go back to these sweet cocktails as an adult and summertime feels like the right time. They bring back some wonderful memories...and of course there are ways to spice them up for a 21 & up beverage.
This summer my girlfriends have been enjoying Kitty Cocktails and some Dirty Shirleys while we happy hour outside on each other's patios. Enjoy the recipe options below and mix one up for yourself.
Shirley Temple / Kitty Cocktail
Pour 1 ounce grenadine over ice in a glass.
Top with 8 ounces ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Stir gently to combine. (You can also combine the two sodas, using 4 ounces of each)
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and enjoy!
Roy Rogers
Pour 1 ounce grenadine over ice in a glass.
Top with 8 ounces of cola. Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and enjoy!
Dirty Shirley (for 21 & up only!)
Pour 1 ounce of vodka over the ice in a glass.
Top the glass off with ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or a combination of the two.
Drizzle the grenadine to taste over the cocktail. Give everything a good stir.
Garnish with a cherry or two!
Dirty Roy (for 21 & up only!)
Pour 1 ounce of whiskey or bourbon over the ice in a glass.
Top the glass off with cola.
Drizzle the grenadine to taste over the cocktail. Give everything a good stir.
Garnish with a cherry or two!
I hope you take a little time and step back in time remembering those days as a little kiddo feeling like a big kiddo while you sipped on your pretty drink with that bright red cherry and an orange twist!
XO,
Crystal