Shirley Temple Drink Recipe: Are you craving something sweet, bubbly, and delightful? I introduce you to my favorite mocktail – the iconic Shirley Temple Drink Recipe. As someone who’s been mixing drinks for family gatherings for years, I can tell you this cherry-kissed sparkler always brings smiles to faces, whether you’re 5 or 95.
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What Makes a Shirley Temple Drink Recipe Special?
Before we get into the recipe, let me tell you a quick story. Last summer, I hosted a backyard barbecue where I set up a DIY Shirley Temple bar. You should have seen the kids’ eyes light up (and honestly, the adults were just as excited) as they customized their drinks with different amounts of grenadine and various garnishes. That’s the magic of this mocktail—it brings out the inner child in everyone.
The Classic Shirley Temple drink recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 ounces grenadine syrup (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 8-10 ounces ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes (I prefer to fill it about ¾ full for the perfect ratio)
- Pour in the grenadine syrup
- Slowly add the ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- Gently stir to combine
- Garnish with 2-3 maraschino cherries and an optional orange slice
- Serve immediately while the bubbles are still dancing
Pro Tips for the Perfect Shirley Temple
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that take this drink from good to absolutely fantastic:
- Temperature Matters: Use well-chilled soda and plenty of ice. A warm Shirley Temple just doesn’t hit the same way.
- The Grenadine Pour: Don’t just dump it in! Pour the grenadine slowly down the side of the glass for that beautiful gradient effect. Kids especially love watching the syrup create red swirls as it settles.
- Bubble Management: Add the carbonated beverage gently to maintain maximum fizz. Nothing’s sadder than a flat Shirley Temple!
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few of my favorite variations on the classic:
The Tropical Temple
- Use half ginger ale and half pineapple juice
- Add a splash of coconut cream
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry
The Berry Bliss Temple
- Add a splash of cranberry juice
- Use raspberry-flavored ginger ale
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and cherries
- Shirley Temple drink recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
How sweet should a Shirley Temple drink recipe be?
The sweetness level is completely customizable! Start with 1 ounce of grenadine and adjust to taste. Remember, it’s always easier to add more than to subtract.
Can I make a Shirley Temple ahead of time?
While you can mix the grenadine with non-carbonated ingredients beforehand, I strongly recommend adding the ginger ale or Sprite just before serving to maintain those lovely bubbles.
What’s the best soda to use?
Traditional recipes call for ginger ale, but Sprite or 7-Up work beautifully, too. I prefer ginger ale for its slightly spicy kick, balancing the sweet grenadine perfectly.
Perfect Occasions for Serving Shirley Temples
This versatile mocktail fits just about any celebration:
- Children’s birthday parties
- Baby showers
- Summer barbecues
- Holiday gatherings
- Movie nights
- Pool parties
A Little History in Your Glass
Did you know the Shirley Temple drink was created for Shirley Temple herself? In the 1930s, bartenders at Hollywood’s Chasen’s restaurant created this special non-alcoholic drink for the child star while dining with her parents and older celebrities.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of the Shirley Temple is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ratios and ingredients until you find your perfect blend. Whether you prefer it super sweet or just slightly flavored, this drink can be customized.
Remember, the key to a great Shirley Temple isn’t just in the ingredients – it’s in the love and fun you put into making it. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner mixologist, and get ready to create some magic in a glass!
Shirley Temple Drink Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
Ice cubes (as needed)
1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
1 slice of orange or lemon (optional garnish)
Instructions
Fill a glass with ice cubes to the brim.
Pour ginger ale or lemon-lime soda into the glass, leaving a little room at the top.
Add grenadine syrup and gently stir until combined.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange or lemon for added flair.
Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy!
Notes
Tips:
- For a more citrusy flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon or orange juice into the drink.
- Use chilled soda for an extra refreshing taste.
- Adjust the amount of grenadine for sweetness preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How sweet should a Shirley Temple be?
The sweetness level is completely customizable! Start with 1 ounce of grenadine and adjust to taste. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away. Start with less and add more to suit your preferences.
Can I make a Shirley Temple ahead of time?
While you can mix the grenadine with non-carbonated ingredients beforehand, I strongly recommend adding the ginger ale or Sprite just before serving to maintain those lovely bubbles. If you’re preparing for a party, you can pre-measure your grenadine into glasses and add ice and soda when guests arrive.
What’s the best soda to use?
Traditional recipes call for ginger ale, but Sprite or 7-Up work beautifully, too. I personally prefer ginger ale for its slightly spicy kick, which perfectly balances the sweet grenadine. Canada Dry or Schweppes are excellent for their crisp flavor and reliable carbonation.
Is a Shirley Temple alcoholic?
Not at all! The Shirley Temple is a classic mocktail, meaning it contains no alcohol. That’s what makes it perfect for kids’ parties and those who don’t drink alcohol. However, there is an alcoholic version called a “Dirty Shirley” that adds vodka – but that’s a different drink entirely!
What can I substitute for grenadine?
If you can’t find grenadine or prefer an alternative, you can use:
- Pomegranate juice mixed with sugar syrup
- Cherry juice
- Raspberry syrup
- Cranberry juice concentrate: Remember that these substitutions will create a slightly different flavor profile.
How long does Shirley Temples last?
Once mixed, a Shirley Temple is best enjoyed immediately while the carbonation is fresh. The drink will gradually lose its fizz over time, and the ice will dilute the flavors. If you need to store it, separate the ingredients and mix just before serving.
Are Shirley Temples healthy?
While delicious, Shirley Temples are a treat due to their high sugar content from the grenadine and soda. For a healthier version, you can:
- Use diet ginger ale or Sprite
- Make your grenadine with pure pomegranate juice
- Reduce the amount of grenadine used
- Add fresh fruit for natural sweetness
Can I make my grenadine at home?
Absolutely! Homemade grenadine can be made by reducing pure pomegranate juice with sugar and a splash of orange blossom water. It tastes fresher than store-bought, and you can control the sweetness. Additionally, it contains no artificial colors or preservatives.
Why is my Shirley Temple separating?
If you notice the grenadine settling at the bottom, that’s completely normal! Grenadine is denser than soda, which is why it creates that beautiful gradient effect. To remix the flavors, give it a gentle stir before drinking.
How many calories are in a Shirley Temple?
A typical Shirley Temple contains about 200-250 calories, primarily from the sugar in the grenadine and soda. The exact count depends on the portions and ingredients used. For a lower-calorie version, use diet soda and reduce the amount of grenadine.
How do Roy Rogers and Shirley Temple differ?
While similar, Roy Rogers uses cola instead of ginger ale or Sprite as its base. Both drinks include grenadine and maraschino cherries, but the cola gives the Roy Rogers a distinctly different flavor profile..