In the song “Good Old Days,” rapper Macklemore reflects on his past. “I wish somebody would have told me, babe / That someday, these will be the good old days / All the love you won’t forget / And all these reckless nights you won’t regret / ‘Cause someday soon, your whole life’s gonna change / You’ll miss the magic of the good old days,” Kesha sings in the chorus in the song filled with nostalgia.

Nostalgia isn’t just for music or other forms of art. Indeed, nostalgic products have been trending with consumers recently.

Dirty Shirley, a ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail brand, was founded with this in mind in 2023.

Adam Kost, founder and CEO of the Austin, Texas-based brand, says the motivation behind the brand was to bring a nostalgic yet boozy twist to the classic Shirley Temple beverage, “delivering a fun, refreshing and premium cocktail experience for modern consumers seeking a taste of their childhood with an adult upgrade.”

Noting the boom of the current RTD cocktail market, Kost highlights “convenience, premiumization and the demand for high-quality, flavorful options that cater to diverse lifestyles and occasions.”

“Key trends include a desire for nostalgic flavors, health-conscious options, premium ingredients and creative branding that connects with younger, socially active audiences,” he adds.

Compared with other RTDs on the market, the founder shares how Dirty Shirley has been able differentiate itself in this burgeoning segment.

“Dirty Shirley stands out with its nostalgic charm, use of organic cherry juice, natural flavors and super premium vodka,” Kost states. “The cocktails are perfectly balanced — not too sweet — and are crafted for those who want indulgence without compromise.”

Each can of Dirty Shirley — which is made with vodka mixed with real cherry juice — contains just 150 calories, 9 grams of real sugar and is gluten free. The drink is free of Red-40, corn syrups and artificial sweeteners.

Dirty Shirley’s portfolio consists of the Classic, Extra Dirty, Cherry Vanilla and variety packs. Extra Dirty and Cherry Vanilla are the most recently released varieties, which Kost notes were inspired by consumer demand for bold, adventurous flavors and versatile options that elevate the RTD cocktail experience.

“Each product delivers a playful and elevated twist on the Shirley Temple, resonating with consumers’ desire for nostalgia and high-quality craftsmanship,” Kost says. “Success stems from its unique flavor profile, premium ingredients and strong branding.”

The founder also hints at future portfolio expansion.

“We are exploring new flavor innovations and collaborations that continue to surprise and delight our fans, including seasonal offerings and creative partnerships,” he shares.

Dirty Shirley is available nationwide in the United States, with strong placements in grocery stores like Walmart, Total Wine and Meijer, as well as convenience stores and select specialty retailers across 32 markets in 2025, Kost adds.

“Expansion plans include U.S. regions, focusing on areas with a high demand for premium RTD beverages and strong distributor and retailer partnerships,” he states.

To support this growth, Dirty Shirley has employed a host of successful marketing programs. Kost highlights the Dirty-Dazs Ice Cream Float collaboration with Häagen-Dazs and themed promotions like “Dirtiest Summer Ever” and “Drink Pink” for Breast Cancer Awareness as stand outs.

“We aim to have strong consumer/trade program each quarter that capitalizes on key drinking occasions,” he notes.

Last December, Dirty Shirley shared milestones the brand reached in 2024. The following are key company highlights:

• Growth year-to-date (YTD) 2024: 934%.
• Number of doors opened by the end of 2024: 3,500, an increase of 377% versus the prior year.
• Rate of sale: Increased by 166% vs. 2023.
• Retail partnerships in place with key players such as Meijer, Safeway, Walmart, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Total Wine, Circle K and more.
• Strategic brand partnerships in place with globally recognized lifestyle brands, including Buxom, Vacation and Häagen-Dazs.

“We believe that Dirty Shirley is more than just a drink — it’s a vibe, a memory and the ultimate feel-good refreshment, which is one of the many reasons we feel the brand resonates with consumers, trade and influencers alike,” Kost said in a statement at the time the highlights were released. “We are humbled at the overall growth and positive feedback we have received to date regarding the brand and look forward to continuing to serve as a thought leader and disruptor in what has become a notably competitive landscape as it pertains to the wider beverage sector.”

Going forward, Kost anticipates that the RTD cocktail market will experience continued growth as consumers seek convenience, quality and innovation.

“Dirty Shirley is positioned to lead this evolution, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, fun and premium craftsmanship,” Kost concludes. “Dirty Shirley is more than a cocktail — it’s a movement celebrating fun, nostalgia and unapologetic joy.”