Sweet and bubbly, this Shirley Temple drink has a bright citrus flavor that keeps it light and refreshing. The fizzy base gives it that classic soda fountain feel that makes it fun to serve for parties or family nights. It's a quick, nostalgic mocktail that comes together in minutes.
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When I want a quick drink that feels a little special, I usually make a Shirley Temple with Sprite or 7up soda because it keeps the sweetness balanced and light. After making it a few times, I realized that using a citrusy soda base gives it a fresher taste than heavier options like ginger ale. When friends and family are over, I feel like a bartender mixing up fancy drink mocktails with this easy recipe.
I also enjoy serving it when I want a non-alcoholic drink that still feels fun and nostalgic. Other fruity drinks I enjoy when I'm not in the mood for something fizzy are fresh blackberry iced tea and my homemade cherry limeade, which are just as refreshing and easy to make at home. These simple drink recipes are great for both everyday and special occasions.
Ingredients
You can quickly make this drink 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
- lemon-lime soda (or 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 this classic Shirley Temple drink recipe.
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour soda over ice.
Add grenadine to the glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Variations
Looking to change up the Shirley Temple recipe? There are plenty of options to explore. Let's dive into some exciting alternatives:
- 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.
- Make an adult version. 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
Top tip: Pour the soda slowly. Adding the soda gently helps keep the drink fizzy instead of flattening the bubbles. Pouring it down the side of the glass can help preserve the carbonation.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste. If the drink tastes too sweet for your preference, add a little extra soda to dilute it slightly. If you want it sweeter, you can simply add a small splash more of the flavored syrup.
- Use plenty of ice. A full glass of ice helps keep the drink cold and slightly tones down the sweetness as the ice slowly melts.
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Recipe
Shirley Temple Drink
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 8 ounces lemon-lime soda or ginger ale
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add grenadine and soda.
- Garnish with cherry on top.
Jessica says
I can't tell you how many of these my cousin and I used to drink every time we got together. It's been too long! Thanks so much for the easy recipe. I'm going to make these next time we're together again.
Jennifer Osborn says
The most loved drink of my youth! Thanks for a fun throwback recipe. This was delicious.
Ellen says
Sometimes you just need a classic drink. This is perfect when you just want something simple but delicious.
Sue says
This brings back memories! I love your variation ideas - going to try the pomegranate juice option with my granddaughter - the ultimate judge!
Sharon says
Omgsh so good!! This brought me right back to being a kid. I just had to have those cute little spears for the cherry too. I remember sparring with my brother using them. Great recipe!
Rachna says
This has been such a favourite of mine. My teen also loves it. I followed your advice and garnished it with orange slices. Delicious.
Jenn says
I first tried a shirley temple in a resturant, and I really wanted to make one of my own, because it was so good! This recipe worked so well, and It turned out even better than I imagined. I also used a small orange slice instead of a cherry, as I didnt have any, but it worked great!
Shilpa says
This is refreshing we loved it. Perfect for the summer.
Anne says
This is the perfect sweet and bubbly non-alcoholic drink. The blend of ginger ale and the cherry flavor took me right back to when my kids were little and we used to make this all the time!