Learn how to make a Shirley Temple drink recipe for all ages or any get-together!
This zero-alcohol drink is easy to make, bubbly and so pretty!
Once you know how to make a Shirley Temple, it’ll be a party favorite all year long with kids and grown-ups alike!
What is a Shirley Temple?
- This sweet and colorful drink was named after the famous child star, Shirley Temple when she visited a restaurant with her parents in the 1930s.
- It’s a classic non-alcoholic beverage that kids love.
- Shirley Temples are perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, and any other event where non-alcoholic drinks are needed.
- Even though they look fancy, they are actually really quick and easy to make! Even clear plastic cups are perfect for showcasing the reddish-pink hue and the must-have maraschino cherry.
What’s in a Shirley Temple Drink?
Four ingredients and some ice is all it takes for this sweet and tangy drink recipe, but there’s plenty of room for mixing and matching!
Grenadine – Grenadine is a sweetened pomegranate syrup that’s bright red and has a tart, fruity flavor. It’s not only great for drinks, but it can also be used as syrup over ice cream or pancakes. If you don’t have grenadine, you can substitute some of the maraschino cherry juice or mix homemade grenadine by combining 1/4 cup pomegranate juice with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Mixers – This virgin cocktail doesn’t require any fancy drink mixers. The original recipe for a Shirley Temple calls for lemon-lime soda, but other carbonated mixers like ginger ale, 7up, or Sprite are great, too. For a sweeter touch, add a splash of orange or pineapple juice, or make it tart with fresh lime juice or lemon juice. Make a less-sugar version by switching out the lemon-lime soda for club soda, the drink will still be sweet and refreshing!
Garnishes – Aside from the sweet maraschino cherries, try other fun garnishes like a slice of orange, lemon, or lime for the rim of the glass or frozen blueberries to keep the drink cold and snack on! I love adding a specialty “gourmet” maraschino cherry from Luxardo. They are my favorite!
Variations
- To make this a dirty Shirley, replace an ounce of soda with an ounce of vodka.
- Don’t leave the boys out! Make a Roy Rogers mocktail for the boys by swapping out the ginger ale for cola or grape juice!
- When learning how to make a Shirley Temple, practice your mixologist skills with other festive drink recipes, like candy corn martinis, homemade rhubarb liqueur, white wine sangria, or cherry margaritas.
How to Make a Shirley Temple
- Pour lemon-lime soda and grenadine into a glass with ice.
- Stir and top with a cherry or other garnish, as desired (as per the recipe below).
Shirley Temple Tips & Tricks
For a fancy, layered look, slightly tilt the glass and pour the grenadine down the side of the glass. Stir it before drinking.
Have you tried this Shirley Temple drink recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Shirley Temple
Ingredients
- ¾-1 cup ice optional
- 8 ounces lemon lime soda
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Add ice to a 2-cup glass if using.
- Pour in the lemon-lime soda and add grenadine.
- Stir, top with a cherry, and enjoy!
Notes
- Make this Shirley Temple recipe with club soda rather than lemon-lime soda to keep the sugar down.
- Add a lemon slice along with the maraschino cherry, for a fun garnish.
- For a layered look, tilt the glass slightly and pour the grenadine down the side. Stir before drinking.
- For a dirty Shirley, replace an ounce of soda with an ounce of vodka.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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