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
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
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
Nutrition
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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