Shirley Temple Recipe
on Jun 17, 2022, Updated Jul 15, 2024
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Shirley Temple is a classic non-alcoholic drink that’s perfect for everyone, no matter their age! The combination of the sweet grenadine syrup, fizzy soda, and the garnish of maraschino cherries feels fancy and elegant.
Making a Shirley Temple drink is a breeze and takes about one minute! You start by filling a tall glass halfway with ice. Then pour the grenadine over the ice and finish up by adding the lemon-lime soda (typically Sprite or 7UP) or ginger ale. Oh, and don’t forget to garnish with maraschino cherries, too!
Shirley Temples are a pink, fizzy mocktail that is sweet and always in style. They are a great drink to make year-round. You can make just one drink, several, or a big batch to serve at a party or wedding. (Check out my other party-worthy drinks, too: Butterbeer, Wassail, and ALL the lemonades!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: Shirley Temples are often considered a “grown-up” drink for kids, making them feel special and included when adults are enjoying cocktails.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: Shirley Temples are typically garnished with maraschino cherries and sometimes a slice of orange or a lemon wedge. The bright red color and garnishes make the drink visually appealing and fun to consume.
- No Alcohol: For individuals who do not drink alcohol or prefer not to consume it, Shirley Temples provide an alternative that allows them to participate in social events without feeling left out.
- Low-Cost Option: Shirley Temples are usually less expensive than alcoholic cocktails, making them an economical choice for those on a budget.
Recipe Ingredients
- Grenadine: this flavored syrup is the star! It’s what gives the drink its characteristic color and flavor. (More on grenadine below.)
- Ice
- Lemon-Lime Soda Pop: use Sprite, 7up, or a generic alternative or ginger ale soda that you like or a combination of the two
- Maraschino cherry (or two): the classic garnish
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities
Popular Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Shirley Temple recipe is sure to please children and adults alike, there are a few fun and creative variations to try. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Shirley Temple Black(Shirley’s married name): A more grown-up version of the original, this recipe calls for black cherry soda instead of lemon-lime soda. Add grenadine and ice, and top with a cherry.
- Blue Shirley: Instead of using grenadine, use blue curacao for a fun blue twist on the classic drink.
- Dirty Shirley: Add a splash of vodka to your Shirley Temple for a little extra kick.
- Tropical Shirley: Use pineapple juice and orange juice instead of soda for a tropical twist.
- Raspberry Shirley: Add a splash of raspberry syrup to your Shirley Temple for a fruity and flavorful variation.
- Strawberry Shirley Temple: Mix strawberry syrup with lemon-lime soda and garnish with fresh strawberries for a refreshing summer mocktail.
- Roy Rogers: This mocktail is similar to a Shirley Temple, but instead of grenadine, it uses cola. Simply add cola instead of lemon-lime soda to your glass of ice and top it with a cherry.
How to Make a Shirley Temple
- Grab a tall cup and fill it half full with ice.
- Pour in the grenadine. This is the key to achieving the drink’s signature flavor and classic pink color!
- Add in your favorite lemon-lime soda and give it a gentle stir to combine all the flavors.
- Top it off with a maraschino cherry.
Recipe FAQs
I have made Shirley Temples using both Sprite (or 7UP) and ginger ale and they taste similar. Ginger ale was used in the original Shirley Temple. I say do whatever you prefer!
A mocktail is a drink that doesn’t contain alcohol. It typically consists of a fruit juice mixed with a soda.
This popular drink is caffeine and alcohol free. It really is a great drink that everyone can enjoy and feel fancy.
Grenadine is what gives the Shirley Temple its signature sweetness and tangy flavor, in addition to that classic pink color. But if you’re in a pinch, cherry syrup or raspberry syrup can work.
The name “grenadine” originates from the French word grenade, which means pomegranate. Grenadine is a fruit syrup that is traditionally made from pomegranate juice and sugar. At the grocery store, you can usually find Rose’s or Torani grenadine with the other drink mixers. If you want a more adult version of your Shirley Temple drink, Liber & Co make an excellent grenadine made from pomegranates, cane sugar, and orange flower water.
Expert Tips
- Need more than a few Shirley Temples? Try making a Shirley Temple Party Punch: Add 6 cups ice, 1 (12-ounce) bottle Grenadine, and 1 bottle each (2 liters each) of lemon-lime soda and ginger ale to a large serving bowl and stir gentle to combine! Top with a whole jar of maraschino cherries without any stems and serve it like any other party punch. It’s always a huge hit and the color is so pretty!
- Use what soda you like or have on hand. You can do all lemon-lime or all ginger ale or do a mix of the two. I prefer all ginger ale.
- Other garnishes might include a slice of lime or lemon for a citrusy twist, or a bit of fresh mint for a refreshing herbal aroma. You might try a slice of orange or a few raspberries for some added color and flavor.
- Popular glasses for this faux-fancy drink include a narrow Collins or highball. But our family parties often just sport SOLOs!
More Party Recipes to Consider
Appetizer Recipes
Fresh Cranberry Salsa Recipe | Sweet & Spicy Holiday Dish
Sandwich Recipes
Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Seafood Recipes
Butterfly Shrimp
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Shirley Temple Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 ounce grenadine, about 2 tablespoons
- 8 ounces lemon-lime soda, or ginger ale – or a mixture of the two, chilled
- maraschino cherries and mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the ice to a cup and then pour the grenadine over the ice.
- Add the soda of your choice and stir gently to combine.
- Add a maraschino cherry to the top of the glass and a sprig of mint if you’d like.
- Serve right away.
Video
Notes
- Need more than a few Shirley Temples? Try making a Shirley Temple Party Punch, here’s the recipe: Add 6 cups ice, 1 (12-ounce) bottle Grenadine, and 1 bottle each (2 liters each) of lemon-lime soda and ginger ale to a large serving bowl and stir gentle to combine! Top with a whole jar of maraschino cherries without any stems and serve it like any other party punch. It’s always a huge hit and the color is so pretty!
- Use what soda you like or have on hand. You can do all lemon-lime or all ginger ale or do a mix of the two. I prefer all ginger ale.
- Try a different garnish or in addition to the cherries—slice of lime or lemon for a citrusy twist, or a bit of fresh mint for a refreshing herbal aroma. You might try a slice of orange or a few raspberries for some added color and flavor.
- For more tips and variations, please refer to the full article.
