Campus Cocktails: Damon’s Dirty Shirley

It’s no secret that my roommates and I are obsessed with vampires. 

From the large Edward Cullen blanket hanging in our hallway to the sultry Vampire Diaries poster prominently displayed in our cozy common room in 2150, our love for all things vamp is clear from the moment you step into our room. 

With Halloween just around the corner, this cocktail—Damon’s Dirty Shirley—is the perfect ode to all things vampire. Inspired by Damon Salvatore, one of the main characters on The CW’s hit show The Vampire Diaries, this drink is a unique twist on a dirty Shirley. 

Though the ingredients are consistent with a typical dirty Shirley, the drink’s presentation is what sets it apart. Rather than just pouring grenadine into the cocktail, my recipe calls for a plastic syringe that injects the grenadine into the lemon-lime soda and vodka mixture. 

Just like Damon, this cocktail is sweet, strong, and a little spooky. It’s the perfect drink for any Halloween party, pregame, or vampire-themed event. 

(Photo Courtesy of MC Claverie)

(Photo Courtesy of MC Claverie)

DRINK: Damon’s Dirty Shirley 

INGREDIENTS: 

For one serving 

6 oz of lemon-lime soda (I used Sprite)

½  oz of grenadine (If you like your drinks a bit sweeter feel free to add more)

1 ½ oz of vodka (I used Tito’s)

Optional 

One plastic syringe 

One straw

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and lemon-lime soda to the glass. 
3. Fill the syringe with grenadine. Add leftover grenadine to the glass. 
4. Inject the grenadine-filled syringe into the glass. 
5. Stir with a straw and enjoy.