Shirley Temple Recipe

Sparkling Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe for Sweet Sips

Sweet memories dance through a classic shirley temple, sparkling with childhood nostalgia and vibrant cherry magic.

Bartenders first crafted this nonalcoholic delight decades ago for young Hollywood stars.

Bright red maraschino cherries bob playfully atop fizzy ginger ale, creating a mini celebration in a glass.

Kids and adults alike adore its bubbly charm and whimsical presentation.

Mixing grenadine and soda yields a drink that feels like pure joy in liquid form.

Unexpected combinations make this beverage more than just a simple refreshment.

Shirley Temple Leftovers: Storing for Next Sip

  • Store leftover Shirley Temple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The drink may lose its carbonation, so it's best consumed fresh.
  • Keep ice cubes, ginger ale, and grenadine separately to maintain freshness and prevent dilution.
  • For the best taste, quickly prepare a new Shirley Temple rather than reheating. Carbonation and flavor are at their peak when mixed just before serving.
  • Add fresh maraschino cherry and orange slice when serving stored ingredients to revive the drink's vibrant appearance.

Classic Additions To Shirley Temple

  • Elevate Citrus Burst: Pair the Shirley Temple with tangy orange-glazed chicken or lemon herb shrimp to complement the sweet and zesty drink profile.
  • Dessert Harmony: Match with vanilla bean cheesecake or light angel food cake to enhance the cocktail's sugary notes and create a balanced flavor experience.
  • Cheese Contrast: Serve alongside mild white cheddar or creamy brie to provide a savory counterpoint to the drink's intense sweetness.
  • Picnic Perfect: Combine with classic summer barbecue fare like grilled hot dogs or pulled pork sliders for a refreshing and playful meal combination.

Classic Shirley Temple Fun Flavors

  • Virgin Mocktail Fusion: Swap ginger ale with sparkling water and add a splash of cranberry juice for a tangy, refreshing alternative.
  • Tropical Paradise Version: Replace grenadine with passion fruit syrup and garnish with a pineapple wedge for a Hawaiian-inspired drink.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free ginger ale and a natural pomegranate syrup to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining classic flavor profile.
  • Herbal Wellness Variation: Infuse the drink with fresh mint leaves and use a natural ginger kombucha instead of traditional ginger ale for added health benefits.

FAQs

  • What is the origin of the Shirley Temple drink?

The drink was named after child actress Shirley Temple in the 1930s, created as a non-alcoholic alternative for children at grown-up cocktail parties.

  • Can I make a Shirley Temple with different sodas?

Yes, you can substitute ginger ale with lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up for a slightly different flavor profile.

  • Are there any health considerations with grenadine?

Grenadine is typically high in sugar, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Some brands offer sugar-free versions for those watching their sugar intake.

  • What makes a Shirley Temple visually appealing?

The bright red grenadine creates a beautiful gradient effect in the glass, and the maraschino cherry adds a pop of color and sweet garnish.

Shirley Temple That’s Fizzy Bright And Timeless

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delightful mocktail in just 2 minutes with minimal ingredients and zero cooking skills required.
  • Kid-Friendly Delight: Perfect non-alcoholic beverage for children's parties, family gatherings, and special celebrations that everyone can enjoy.
  • Colorful and Festive Drink: Bright red grenadine creates a beautiful sunset-like appearance that makes the beverage visually appealing and fun to serve.
  • Customizable Garnish: Dress up the drink with maraschino cherries and orange slices to add extra flair and personalization for different occasions.

Classic Shirley Temple Drink Combo

Primary Ingredients:
  • Ginger Ale: A fizzy, sweet soft drink that forms the base of the cocktail, providing a crisp and refreshing flavor.
  • Grenadine: A bright red syrup made from pomegranate juice, adding a sweet and vibrant touch to the drink.
Garnish:
  • Maraschino Cherry: A classic sweet cherry that adds a pop of color and traditional cocktail flair.
  • Orange Slice: An optional garnish that can provide a subtle citrus accent to the drink.
Ice and Serving:
  • Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and helps blend the flavors, creating a refreshing beverage.

Shirley Temple Drink Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

Select a tall glass and fill it completely with ice cubes, creating a frosty foundation for your refreshing drink.

Step 2: Pour the Bubbly Base

Slowly cascade ginger ale over the ice, allowing the fizzy liquid to create a sparkling layer in the glass.

Step 3: Add a Sweet Splash

Drizzle grenadine syrup into the ginger ale, watching the beautiful crimson color swirl and settle at the bottom of the glass.

Step 4: Create a Gentle Blend

Use a long spoon to softly stir the drink, helping the grenadine and ginger ale merge into a delightful sunset-colored beverage.

Step 5: Decorate With Flair

Top your Shirley Temple with a vibrant maraschino cherry and, if desired, an orange slice for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Present your mocktail immediately, inviting friends and family to enjoy this classic non-alcoholic drink that brings joy to any gathering.

Mocktail Tips With Classic Shirley Temple Sparkle

  • Use a chilled glass to keep the drink refreshingly cool and enhance the overall taste experience.
  • Pour grenadine slowly down the inside of the glass for a beautiful layered effect that looks Instagram-worthy.
  • Choose bright, plump maraschino cherries from a high-quality brand for the best visual appeal and flavor.
  • Use larger ice cubes that melt slower to prevent diluting the drink's vibrant taste and maintain its crisp texture.
  • Experiment with different ratios of ginger ale and grenadine to find your perfect balance of sweetness and fizz.
Print
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Shirley Temple Recipe

Shirley Temple Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Sweet childhood memories come alive with this classic Shirley Temple mocktail, blending grenadine, ginger ale, and maraschino cherries into a playful, nostalgic drink. Refreshing sips transport you back to carefree moments of youthful celebration.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ginger ale
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) grenadine

Garnish Ingredients:

  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • 1 orange slice (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Chill a tall glass by placing ice cubes inside, creating a frosty foundation for the refreshing beverage.
  2. Stream ginger ale smoothly over the ice, allowing it to cascade and create a bubbly base.
  3. Drizzle grenadine syrup through the drink, watching it create beautiful crimson swirls as it settles at the bottom.
  4. Carefully select a vibrant maraschino cherry and perch it on the glass rim as the primary garnish.
  5. For an extra touch of citrusy brightness, consider adding a delicate orange slice alongside the cherry.
  6. Gently stir the drink to blend the grenadine’s sweet notes with the sparkling ginger ale, creating a harmonious mixture.
  7. Present the Shirley Temple immediately while the ice is still crisp and the carbonation is at its peak, ensuring a delightful and visually appealing non-alcoholic cocktail.

Notes

  • Swap ginger ale with sparkling water for a lighter, less sweet version that cuts down on sugar.
  • Use fresh grenadine from pomegranate juice for a more vibrant, authentic flavor profile that elevates the classic drink.
  • Choose cocktail cherries with stems for an elegant presentation that adds a touch of sophistication to the mocktail.
  • Create a fun twist by adding a splash of fresh orange juice or using blood orange soda for a unique citrusy complexity.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Mocktails
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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