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I’ve made this Shirley Temple drink recipe so many times, I can’t count. It’s a sweet, fizzy, and fun non alcoholic drink that’s perfect for special occasions, family get togethers, or anytime you want a fancy drink without the booze. It’s a nostalgic classic that always brings a smile to everyone’s face!
“This drink is perfect for everyone! And it’s so pretty!”
-Becky
This bright and bubbly drink is made with just a few simple ingredients of ginger ale, grenadine, and bright red maraschino cherries. It’s a crowd pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to sip and enjoy.
If you’re planning a family gathering, pair this mocktail with other refreshing drinks like this Roy Rogers Drink or Virgin Pina Colada. Then serve up a Scooby Doo Shot, Gummy Bear Shot, Peach Cobbler Shot or a festive Green Tea Shot for the adults.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
Ginger Ale: A fizzy, mildly sweet carbonated drink with a light ginger flavor. Lemon lime soda like Sprite or 7UP is another popular option.
Grenadine Syrup: A deep red pomegranate syrup that adds a red color to drinks, and a little sweetness.
Maraschino Cherry: Bright red, sweet cherries, are preserved in sweet syrup. I love to use this to garnish my Shirley Temples.
Note: A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Dirty Shirley: To make this a cocktail, add an ounce of vodka.
- Shirley Temple Black: Mix in dark rum for a deeper flavored cocktail.
- Shirley Temple Float: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for twist on a root beer float.
- Fruit Garnishes: Garnish with fresh fruits like orange slices, lemon wedges, or even a skewer of berries for added flavor and presentation.
- Change the Flavors: Add a splash of orange juice or cherry juice to your drink for a sweet twist to the taste.
- Change the Cola: Swap out the ginger ale for sprite or 7-up. Or make it a Roy Rogers drink using coke.
- Homemade Grenadine: Create your own by simmering pomegranate juice with sugar.
How to Make a Shirley Temple Mocktail
- Begin by filling a tall glass (like a highball glass) with a handful of ice cubes, then slowly pour the ginger ail over the ice, about 3/4 full. Let the bubbles settle.
- Once the fizziness has died down, pour the grenadine syrup over the ginger ale. It will sink to the bottom of the glass, and that’s ok.
- Use a cocktail stirrer or a spoon to gently stir the drink. This will mix the grenadine with the ginger ale.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry (or two!) and an orange slice if you like. Serve immediately. (You can just drop it in the glass, or make a small slice on the bottom of the cherry, and place it on the rim of the glass.)
Expert Tips
- Chill Ingredients: This drink is best when chilled. You can chill your ginger ale before mixing, and add glasses to the freezer for 30 minutes to chill first. This will help prevent the ice melting and watering down the drink.
- Add Grenadine Slowly: Pour the grenadine slowly for a beautiful layered effect. It sinks to the bottom, creating fun layers of color.
- Use a clear glass: It shows off the beautiful pink color and makes the drink look extra special.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less grenadine to suit your taste.
- Add a fun straw or stir stick: It’s a simple touch that makes the drink feel more festive.
Shirley Temple FAQ’S
Absolutely! Simply use sugar-free ginger ale, Sprite, or 7-Up.
When you need a large amount for a party, mix the ingredients into a punch bowl or serving pitcher, but use chilled ingredients so when ice is added it doesn’t water down your drink.
If you don’t have grenadine, try a splash of pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, cherry juice, or raspberry syrup. You can even make a simple syrup with fruit juice and sugar for a homemade version.
This drink was named after the famous child actress Shirley Temple in the 1930s. It was created so she could have a special, fancy drink at Hollywood parties, just like the adults, but alcohol free!
More Drink Recipes
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Shirley Temple Drink
Equipment
- Glasses
- Drink stirrer
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ginger ale
- 1/2 ounce grenadine syrup
Garnish: Fresh maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Begin by filling a tall glass with a handful of ice cubes.
- Slowly pour the ginger ail over the ice, letting the bubbles settle.
- Once the fizziness has died down, pour the grenadine syrup over the ginger ale. It will sink to the bottom of the glass, and that's ok.
- Use a cocktail stirrer or a spoon to gently stir the drink. This will mix the grenadine with the ginger ale.
- Garnish with a cherry or two before serving, then add a straw and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love this drink, reminds me of my childhood. I use to get this drink in Boone NC, great memories.