There’s nothing quite like a well-made Shirley Temple mocktail. With its bright red color, fizzy sweetness, and iconic maraschino cherries, this classic non-alcoholic drink is loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an alcohol-free option, or just want to recreate a nostalgic treat, this post will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Shirley Temple.
Table of Contents
The Story Behind the Sparkle
The Shirley Temple mocktail has a fascinating history tied to the legendary child actress who shares its name. While the exact origin is disputed, most accounts point to 1930s Hollywood, California.
According to popular legend, the drink was invented for young Shirley Temple when she dined with her parents at either Chasen’s restaurant in Beverly Hills or the Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood(source). One story claims a bartender at Chasen’s created the drink when little Shirley wanted something grown-up like what the adults were drinking. Another version says it was created by Gustave Tops, head bartender at the Brown Derby, who was tasked with making a special non-alcoholic drink for kids.
Interestingly, Shirley Temple herself wasn’t a fan of her namesake drink! In a 1986 NPR interview, she described it as “saccharine sweet” and “icky”. She even sued a company in 1988 for trying to sell a bottled soda version using her name without permission.
Despite her personal feelings, the Shirley Temple mocktail was an instant hit in the 1930s and has been popular ever since, synonymous with fancy non-alcoholic drinks.
Oh, and if you’re into mocktails beyond this classic, check out my Top 10 Classic Mocktails Everyone Should Try over at Mocktails101. It’s got more goodies like this one.
Essential Ingredients: What Makes a Classic Shirley Temple
The beauty of a Shirley Temple lies in its simplicity. At its core, this mocktail requires just three key ingredients:
The Base: Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda
Traditionally, ginger ale serves as the foundation of a Shirley Temple, providing a subtle spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the other components. However, lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7Up have become extremely popular alternatives, offering a brighter, more citrusy profile. Some people even enjoy mixing both for a more complex flavor!
The Star: Grenadine Syrup
Grenadine gives the Shirley Temple its signature pinkish-red color and sweet flavor. Despite what many believe, authentic grenadine is made from pomegranates, not cherries—a common misconception! Using high-quality grenadine (or even making your own from scratch) can significantly elevate your mocktail experience.
The Garnish: Maraschino Cherries
No Shirley Temple is complete without those bright red maraschino cherries. They’re not just for looks—they add an extra burst of sweetness when enjoyed alongside the drink. The classic presentation typically includes two to three cherries per serving.
The Ratio Game: How Much of What?
Now, proportions. You don’t need a PhD in bartending to get this right, but there’s a go-to mix that works like a charm: 1 cup (that’s 240 ml) of your soda of choice and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of grenadine. Top it with those cherries, and you’re golden. It’s sweet, balanced, and looks dope in the glass.
But here’s where it gets fun – people tweak this all the time. Some throw in orange juice – think half a cup of OJ, half a cup of lemon-lime soda, and a tablespoon of grenadine with one cherry. Others go wild with 4-6 ounces of ginger ale, an ounce of grenadine, and a splash of lime juice. Want less sugar? Try 4 ounces of ginger ale, half an ounce of grenadine, and a top-off with 2-4 ounces of sparkling water. The point is, there’s wiggle room. Start with the classic, then mess around ‘til it’s your jam.
| Ingredient | Classic Proportion | Orange Juice Variation | Low-Sugar Option |
| Ginger Ale/Lemon-Lime Soda | 1 cup (240 ml) | 1/2 cup (120 ml) | 4 oz (120 ml) |
| Orange Juice | – | 1/2 cup (120 ml) | – |
| Grenadine Syrup | 2 tablespoons (30 ml) | 1 tablespoon (15 ml) | 1/2 oz (15 ml) |
| Sparkling Water | – | – | 2-4 oz (60-120 ml) |
| Maraschino Cherries | 2-3 | 1 | 1-2 |
As shown in the table, some variations include orange juice for a citrusy twist, while others add sparkling water to reduce the overall sweetness. The beauty of this drink is that you can easily adjust these ratios to suit your taste preferences.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Crafting Your Shirley Temple
Prep Time: PT5M (that’s 5 minutes, folks - quick and dirty).
Type: Mocktail (a drink that doesn’t judge your sobriety).
Cuisine: American (born in Hollywood, baby).
Calories: Around 150-180 kcal (depends on your soda and cherry greed).
The Traditional Method
- Choose Your Glass: For the full visual effect, select a tall glass, such as a highball glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass about halfway with ice cubes. This not only chills the drink but helps the ingredients mix properly.
- Pour the Soda: Gently add your ginger ale or lemon-lime soda over the ice.
- Add the Grenadine: For that Instagram-worthy effect, slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon held near the surface of the soda. This creates a beautiful gradient as the denser grenadine sinks to the bottom. Alternatively, just pour it directly in if you prefer a more uniformly colored drink.
- Stir (Optional): If you want to blend the flavors more thoroughly, give it a gentle stir with a long spoon. Be careful not to stir too vigorously—you don’t want to lose all that wonderful carbonation!
- Garnish: Add two to three maraschino cherries. For extra flair, you can place one on the rim of the glass.
The Orange Juice Variation
If you’d like to try the orange juice twist on this classic mocktail, follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Glass: Select a tall glass and fill it with ice.
- Combine Juices: Pour equal parts orange juice and lemon-lime soda into the glass.
- Add Grenadine: Gently pour the grenadine into the glass, allowing it to sink to the bottom for that beautiful layered effect.
- Garnish: Add a maraschino cherry and perhaps an orange slice for extra visual appeal.
Taking It Up a Notch: Creative Variations
While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with these popular variations:
Soda Swaps
Try substituting the traditional ginger ale with:
- Club soda or tonic water for a less sweet option
- Cherry soda for an extra fruity punch
- Flavored sparkling water for a lighter version
Fruit Juice Additions
Beyond orange juice, consider experimenting with:
- Cranberry juice for a tart twist
- Apple juice for subtle sweetness
- Pomegranate juice to complement the grenadine
- Grapefruit juice for a more sophisticated profile
Syrup Sensations
While grenadine is the classic choice, these alternative syrups can create exciting flavor variations:
- Strawberry syrup for a berry-forward profile
- Vanilla syrup for a creamy dimension
- Raspberry or blackberry syrups for deeper fruit notes
- Mint syrup for a refreshing twist
For the Grown-Ups: The “Dirty Shirley”
For adults looking to add a kick to their Shirley Temple, the “Dirty Shirley” variation might be just what you’re looking for. This adult version typically includes:
- A shot of vodka added to the classic recipe
- Alternatively, some recipes call for rum instead
Another adult variation, sometimes called a “Shirley Temple Black” (named after the actress’s married name), incorporates Kahlua, grenadine, and lemonade. Some versions even replace the ginger ale with alcoholic ginger beer and add dark rum and Maraschino liqueur.
Pro Tips for Shirley Temple Perfection
Quality Ingredients Matter
- Opt for real pomegranate grenadine rather than artificially flavored syrups
- Consider high-quality cherries like Luxardo for a gourmet touch
- Try making your own grenadine from scratch using pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice
Balancing Sweetness
If you find traditional Shirley Temples too sweet:
- Top with sparkling water or club soda to dilute the sweetness
- Use lime sparkling water for a tart contrast
- Reduce the amount of grenadine (especially if using store-bought, which tends to be sweeter)
- Squeeze a lemon or lime wedge into the drink before adding it as a garnish
Chill Factor
- Make sure all ingredients are well-chilled before mixing
- Consider chilling your glass in advance
- Use plenty of ice, but not so much that it waters down the drink too quickly
- Fun ice cube shapes can add a playful touch, especially for kids
Perfect Presentation
The visual appeal of a Shirley Temple is part of what makes it special. For the perfect presentation:
- Serve in a clear, tall glass to showcase the gradient of colors
- Add a colorful straw (paper or reusable for eco-friendliness)
- Consider additional garnishes like citrus wheels, mint sprigs, or even small fruit skewers
- For special occasions, sugar or salt the rim of the glass with colored sugar
Why Shirley Temples Never Go Out of Style
Despite being nearly a century old, the Shirley Temple remains a beloved mocktail for several good reasons:
- It’s simple to make with readily available ingredients
- The bright color and fun cherries appeal to children and adults alike
- It offers a sophisticated non-alcoholic option for those who don’t drink
- The nostalgia factor makes it a comforting choice for many
- It’s easily customizable to suit various preferences
Ready to Mix Your Perfect Shirley Temple?
With its vibrant appearance, sweet-tangy flavor profile, and rich Hollywood history, the Shirley Temple mocktail continues to charm generations of drinkers. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with creative variations, this iconic drink brings a touch of sparkle to any occasion.
Next time you’re hosting a gathering, consider setting up a Shirley Temple bar with various syrups, sodas, and garnishes so everyone can craft their perfect version of this timeless mocktail. And remember, while the original recipe is foolproof, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it—after all, the best drink is the one made exactly how you like it!
The Shirley Temple is your ticket to mocktail greatness. Stick to the classic, tweak it with OJ, or go rogue with your own spin – it’s all about keeping it easy and tasty. Got the itch for more? Hit up my Top 10 Classic Mocktails or the Ultimate Guide to Making Mocktails at Home for the full rundown. Now, go make one and sip like it’s 1935.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy a Shirley Temple? Classic and traditional, or with a modern twist? Share your preferred recipe in the comments below!
