Shirley Temple


A fizzy, fun, and alcohol-free favorite! Learn how to make the perfect Shirley Temple with 3-ingredients, and why this nostalgic mocktail is still a party hit.

Why Shirley Temples Are Still The Cutest Drink On The Menu

If you've ever sat at a restaurant as a kid and wanted to feel a little fancy, chances are you've ordered a Shirley Temple. It's my daughters number one drink of choice when we eat out as a family, so I thought I'd bring that restaurant sparkle home and show you just how easy (and fun!) it is to make.

What Is A Shirley Temple?

The classic Shirley Temple drink is a mix of ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda), a splash of grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry on top (or two if you're my daughter.) That's it. No shaking, no blending, no bartending degree required. It's fizzy and sweet with a touch of cherry flavor.

This recipe has seen a few upgrades over the years---some folks swap in club soda, orange juice, or use real cherry juice instead of grenadine. But the core vibe is sweet, bubbly, and 100% kid-friendly.

Just 3-Simple Ingredients

Ingredients set out for Shirley temples. 7-up, Maraschino cherries, Grenadine.

Lemon Lime Soda- Per my daughters suggestion, 7-Up is the way to go but feel free to use any lemon lime soda you enjoy.

Maraschino Cherries

Grenadine- This is a non-alcoholic syrup that is sweet and tart.

How To Make The Perfect Shirley Temple At Home

This recipe is for one Shirley Temple mocktail.

  • Fill a glass with ice. (preferably a clear one so you can see the pretty color)
  • Pour in the soda.
  • Add the grenadine and watch the magic swirl.
  • Top with one (or three) maraschino cherries.
  • Sip and enjoy being fancy.

So Who Was Shirley Temple Anyway?

Shirley Temple was a child actress in the 1930's. The Shirley Temple drink is believed to have been made by a bartender as a special mocktail she could enjoy when she was dining with her parents and others who were enjoying alcoholic cocktails. The drink consisted of ginger ale, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry---a way for her to feel included and enjoy something fancy.  

The Shirley Temple is more than just a drink-it's a mood. It's cheer in a glass, fun without the alcohol, and proof that sometimes the simplest things are the best.

Shirley Temple

A fizzy, fun, and alcohol-free favorite! Learn how to make the perfect Shirley Temple with 3-ingredients, and why this nostalgic mocktail is still a party hit.
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Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 Drink
Calories: 189kcal

Equipment

  • 1 12 ounce glass, preferable clear

Ingredients

  • Ice
  • 1 cup 7-Up or lemon lime soda
  • 1 ounce Grenadine or to taste
  • 2-3 maraschino cherries

Instructions

  • Fill a 12 ounce cup with ice and add 1 cup lemon lime soda. Stir in 1 ounce grenadine or to taste and top with 2-3 maraschino cherries. Enjoy right away.

Notes

Make a big batch: 6 servings
6 cups lemon lime soda
¾ cup grenadine 
Mix together in a large pitcher and serve over ice with maraschino cherries

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 12mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.1mg

More Fun Drinks To Choose From

There are plenty more fun and refreshing drinks to try! For something fruity and vibrant, my Strawberry Lemonade hits the spot-sweet, tart, and full of summer energy. Craving something minty and cool? Mojito Mocktail brings zesty lime and fresh mint together in this no-alcohol refreshing drink.

If you're all about classic Southern charm, you can't go wrong with a tall glass of Southern Sweet Tea---a family favorite in the summer time. Or for something a little more unique, Blueberry Lavender Lemonade is as pretty as it is delicious.

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