Shirley Temple Drink

Make the classic Shirley Temple drink yourself with this easy recipe! It's perfect for a special occasion or a hot summer day.

Did you know that the delightful Shirley Temple drink has a fascinating history? Named after the beloved child actress, this iconic beverage emerged during the 1930s not too long after Prohibition.

Originally made with a combination of ginger ale and grenadine syrup, it quickly gained popularity as a non-alcoholic option for children. As time passed, variations began to emerge and lemon-lime soda becoming the preferred option for those who don't like the taste of ginger ale.

The non-alcoholic drink is sweet and refreshing, whether made with ginger ale, lemon-lime soda (7up or Sprite), or a combination. This timeless mocktail continues to bring joy to both young and old alike so give this Shirley Temple drink recipe a try.

Ingredients

You can quickly make this Shirley Temple recipe with just a few simple ingredients. The soda you use is entirely up to you.

Here are the items you'll need for the recipe:

• Ice
• grenadine
• soda (lemon-lime, ginger ale, or a mix of both)
• maraschino cherry, for garnish

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Gather your ingredients and follow these easy steps to make your own Shirley Temple drink at home.

Variations

Looking to switch things up in your Shirley Temple drink? There are plenty of options to explore. Let's dive into some exciting alternatives:

• Pomegranate Juice: Swap out grenadine syrup with pomegranate juice for a tangy twist. It adds a similar fruity flavor without artificial sweetness.
• Tangy Citrus: Add two ounces of orange juice or 1 ounce of lime juice.
• Flavored Syrups: Get creative by experimenting with flavored syrups like raspberry or strawberry. These alternatives bring their unique taste profiles to your mocktail.
• Homemade Grenadine: For those who prefer a DIY approach, make your homemade grenadine using pomegranate juice and sugar. This allows you to control the sweetness and customize the flavor according to your preferences.
• Cherry Kick: Add an extra burst of cherry goodness by incorporating a splash of cherry juice or cherry-flavored soda. It enhances the classic Shirley Temple taste while adding more depth.
• Add fresh fruits. Fruity additions like orange slices or pineapple wedges enhance the visual appeal and infuse delightful flavors into every sip.
• Give it an adult twist. The Dirty Shirley Temple version adds vodka which makes it perfect for parties or happy hours.
• Use cola. Another popular variation is the Shirley Temple Black which replaces ginger ale with cola. This adds a hint of extra sweetness and a darker color.

Tips

• Have all ingredients chilled. Using chilled ingredients for your Shirley Temple drink is best to maintain a cool temperature without diluting the flavors too quickly.
• Adjust grenadine to taste. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if desired, finding that perfect balance between tangy and sweet.
• Don't forget the garnish. The maraschino cherry adds sweetness and an elegant touch to your drink. You can also add some citrus slices or mint leaves for freshness and color.

Serving suggestions

This non-alcoholic beverage is perfect for any occasion where alcohol isn't appropriate or desired, such as children's parties or sober events. It's also a great way to add fun and color to your drink menu.

One of the best ways to serve a Shirley Temple is in a tall glass filled with ice cubes. You can use any glass you like, but we recommend using one with enough room for the ingredients and some extra space for garnishes. Add some ice cubes to the glass, then pour in your ginger ale or 7up and grenadine syrup. Stir it with a straw or spoon until everything is well mixed.

Another option is to serve your drink in smaller glasses or cups as part of a tray of appetizers or snacks. This can be especially fun if you're hosting an event where guests mingle and snack throughout the evening. To make things even more festive, consider adding fruit slices or colorful garnishes to each glass before serving them up!

Storage

When stored properly in an airtight container, a Shirley Temple drink can last up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator without losing its taste and quality.

Related Recipes

Want a few more cold and refreshing drink recipes? These are some of our favorites.

• Blackberry tea served over ice is a delicious choice for summer.
• Lemonade strawberry drink is a perfect blend of sweet and sour.
• Creamy espresso martini is the cocktail of choice for coffee lovers.

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