Only a couple ingredients, a few minutes, and a big grin on your face when you drink a Shirley Temple is all that’s required! This fizzy non-alcoholic childhood favorite never goes out of style. Make one drink, several, or turn it into a holiday party punch!
When I was a little girl, everyone compared me to Shirley Temple, due to the big smile, freckles, and bouncy curls. I didn’t know much about the actress other than her famous song “On the Good Ship Lollipop” from the 1934 film Bright Eyes, and that I was allowed to order a Shirley Temple drink when we dined out, which always felt so special.
Shirley Temple Recipe
When the famous actress Shirley Temple was young, she often attended parties with adult celebrities. Because of her age, she couldn’t have the drinks that were offered, so they made her a mocktail from common things found behind the bar that were appropriate for a kid – grenadine, ginger ale, and maraschino cherries. The Shirley Temple drink was born and remains popular today.
It’s a simple, delicious, cold pink bubbly drink that is enjoyed by youngsters and adults, and a great way to take a plain can of soda and dress it up to make it look and taste fancy. It’s the perfect holiday drink, since everyone can enjoy it.
What’s in a Shirley Temple?
Just three simple ingredients, plus ice – sweet grenadine, ginger ale, and maraschino cherries. People who don’t like ginger ale, swap it out for lemon-lime soda, and some people (like me!) add both. You should try it all three ways and determine which way is your favorite.
What is Grenadine?
Grenadine is pomegranate juice that’s sweetened with sugar – so basically, pomegranate syrup. It is purely non-alcoholic and totally safe for kids.
Where to buy grenadine: Even though it’s non-alcoholic, grenadine is usually located in the liquor aisle in most grocery stores or near the club soda. It typically comes in a 12 ounce bottle.
How long does grenadine last? An opened grenadine bottle will stay fresh for about 4 months in the fridge before going bad.
Can I substitute the grenadine with something else? Yep! Torani syrup has a pomegranate flavor that can be used or you can also substitute maraschino cherry juice for the grenadine.
How to Make a Shirley Temple
A Shirley Temple is one of the easiest and most refreshing mocktails around. Here’s how you make one:
- Pour 1 ounce grenadine over ice in a glass.
- Top with 4 ounces lemon-lime soda and 4 ounces ginger ale. Stir gently to combine. (I like a combination of the two sodas, but you can also just use 8 ounces of one or the other.)
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and enjoy!
This drink is ideally served in tall, narrow collins or highball glasses if you have them, but SOLO cups are great for a huge party, especially if it’s outdoors in the summertime.
Depending on the age of your kids and size of the glasses you’re using, easily adjust the amount of grenadine as you make the drinks. A ratio of 1 ounce grenadine-to-8 ounces of soda is the standard ratio, but feel free to use more or less if you prefer.
Dirty Shirley Temple
The childhood star grew up and so can the drink! A Dirty Shirley is the basic Shirley Temple drink with vodka (or even light rum.)
- Pour in 1 ounce of vodka over the ice in a glass.
- Top the glass off with the lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or a combination of the two.
- Drizzle the grenadine to taste over the cocktail. Give everything a good stir.
- Garnish with a cherry or two!
Roy Rogers Drink
Why should Shirley Temple have all the fun? A Roy Rogers is another non-alcoholic soda drink loved by kids and adults. Coca Cola replaces the ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, but it keeps the grenadine and the maraschino cherries. It’s similar to Cherry Coke, but better!
Shirley Temple Party Punch
Celebrating with a crowd? Try our Shirley Temple party punch recipe! It’s made with all the traditional ingredients, plus orange juice and serves 23.
I hope you love this delicious and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Shirley Temple Drink
Ingredients
- 1 ounce grenadine
- small ice cubes
- 4 ounces lemon-lime soda (such as 7UP or Sprite), chilled
- 4 ounces ginger ale , chilled
- maraschino cherries , for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the Grenadine over ice in glass.
- Top with the lemon-lime soda and ginger ale.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Other Notes
Love these! Always felt so fancy drinking these as a child. Thanks for sharing!
I love the variation of recipes! I’m going to try the Dirty Shirley Temple! I”ve also had variations of the lemon-lime soda as a substitute, and honestly never had it made with ginger ale. I will try that, too!
all around great drink
So good! What a super drink to let kids feel a bit grown up on special occasions. It’s also so good for those adults who want to avoid alcohol. Cherry and a bit of mint really top it off.
I love serving this as a non-alcoholic drink option when having people over. It has great flavors and is perfect for any time of the year. I also love the Shirley Temple Party Punch for bigger groups.
Loved this drink as as kid! I don’t remember if it had both 7up and ginger ale, but it was delicious. I’m going to make these for my kids on Christmas Eve. Thanks for the fun reminder this exists!