This Shirley Temple Drink recipe is perfect for any time of year. It’s easy to make and always a hit at grownup parties—kids love it, too. Check out my simple recipe to whip up this classic drink!
Table of Contents
This drink recipe makes one serving and costs about $1.13 to make. You can easily double, triple, or multiple this recipe as many times as needed for parties.
This Mocktail Brings Back So Many Childhood Memories!
I was about 8 years old when I first tasted a Shirley Temple. It was at a wedding with an open bar, and my sister and I couldn’t get enough of it. We must have made at least a dozen trips to the bar just for that sweet drink—and, of course, those maraschino cherries!
Even after all these years, I still order Shirley Temples at restaurants and parties. They may be mocktails made for kids, but something about that super sweet cherry flavor keeps me coming back. Maybe it’s the nostalgia—or the sugar rush. Either way, I’m hooked!
What I Love About This Shirley Temple Drink Recipe:
- Year-Round Enjoyment: I love making this mocktail any time, especially in the summer or during the holidays.
- Pretty: They’re so pretty, and everyone, kids and grownups alike, can’t get enough!
- 3-Ingredients: You need just three ingredients to whip up these delicious mocktails.
What is a Shirley Temple?
When the Shirley Temple drink was first invented in the 1930s, it was served with ginger ale, a splash of grenadine, and garnished with a maraschino cherry.
The Modern Drink:
Today, the Modern Sherry Temple, served at most restaurants, is often served with lemon-lime soda or lemonade and a splash of alcohol-free grenadine garnished with a maraschino cherry. Sometimes, a splash of orange juice is added, too.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
Per Serving Cost: $1.13
Recipe Cost: $1.13
-
- Ice – $0.00
- 3 Tablespoons non-alcoholic grenadine – $0.41
- 8 ounces lemon-lime soda, Sprite, or 7-Up – $0.72
- maraschino cherries (optional)
NOTE: Recipe prices and the amounts needed are based on grocery store websites. Actual costs may vary depending on your ingredients. The recipe was updated in August 2024.
What can I use instead of grenadine syrup in Shirley Temple?
If you don’t have alcohol-free grenadine syrup on hand or prefer an alternative for your Shirley Temple, there are a few options you can consider.
- Pomegranate Juice: Use pure pomegranate juice as a substitute for grenadine syrup. It provides a similar fruity flavor and adds a touch of sweetness to the drink. Adjust the amount to taste, as it may be less sweet than grenadine.
- Cherry Juice or Syrup: Cherry juice or syrup can be used as an alternative to grenadine. It adds a fruity and slightly tart flavor to the Shirley Temple. Again, adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness.
- Raspberry Syrup: Raspberry syrup can be a flavorful substitute for grenadine in a Shirley Temple. It provides a sweet and fruity taste similar to grenadine. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of sweetness.
- Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice can add a tart and slightly sweet flavor to your Shirley Temple. While it won’t provide the same cherry-like taste as grenadine, it can be a tasty alternative.
- Strawberry Syrup: If you have strawberry syrup available, it can work as a substitute for grenadine. It will impart a sweet and strawberry flavor to the drink, creating a unique twist on the classic Shirley Temple.
Remember, the flavor of your Shirley Temple may vary slightly depending on the substitute you choose. Adjust the amount of the substitute based on your taste preferences and desired level of sweetness.
How To Make A Shirley Temple
These drinks are super simple to make, and you can often whip them up in just 1 minute.
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- First, fill a tall glass halfway with ice.
- Then, pour the grenadine over the ice.
- Next, pour the lemon-lime soda in.
- Finally, garnish with maraschino cherries and serve.
Recipe Variations
Sometimes, I like to turn this drink into a punch for the holidays. Here’s how:
- First, add 2 pounds of ice to a punch bowl.
- Then, pour 8-10 ounces of grenadine syrup over the ice, followed by a 2-liter bottle of lemon-lime soda.
- Next, add a bunch of maraschino cherries into the punch bowl.
- Finally, float some scoops of lemon sherbet scoops in the punch bowl and serve!
How To Serve A Shirley Temple Drink
Choose a tall glass or a highball glass to serve your Shirley Temple. You can also use a Collins glass or any other glass you prefer. Make sure the glass is clean and chilled if desired.
Storage Tips
The Shirley Temple mocktail can be prepared and stored in different ways, depending on your needs and preferences.
Serve Immediately: The best way to enjoy a Shirley Temple is to prepare and serve it immediately. This ensures the drink is fresh and has its best flavor. Follow the steps outlined earlier, and serve the mocktail right away.
Make in Advance: If you need to prepare Shirley Temples in advance for a party or gathering, you can mix the grenadine syrup (or alternative), ginger ale, and lemon-lime soda and store the mixture in a pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the pitcher chilled until ready to serve. Before serving, pour the mixture into individual glasses with ice, add the garnish, and serve immediately.
Store Leftovers: If you have leftover Shirley Temple mocktails, they can be stored in the refrigerator. However, the carbonation from the soda will diminish over time, and the drink may lose some of its fizziness. Transfer the remaining drink to an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 24 hours for the best taste and quality.
Recipe FAQs
Is Shirley Temple Sprite or ginger ale?
Originally, it was made with ginger ale. The modern Shirley Temple drink is made with lemon-lime soda like Sprite and 7up and grenadine syrup.
Why do they call it a Shirley Temple?
This drink is named for the child actress of the 1930s, Shirley Temple. Rumor has it that she was out to dinner one evening with her parents and other adults. The bartender made her this non-alcoholic drink to have a fancy drink along with the other adults at the table.
Are Shirley Temples alcoholic?
No, grenadine is a non-alcoholic syrup made from pomegranate juice.
What does grenadine taste like?
Grenadine is sweet, tart, and fruity and made from pomegranate juice, which tastes like pomegranates.
Why is it called grenadine?
It is called grenadine because pomegranate in French is grenade.
My family and I enjoy other mocktails year-round: Virgin Pina Coladas, Cranberry Limeade Sparkling Mocktail, and Nonalcoholic Moscow Mule.
More Drink Recipes:
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Shirley Temple Drink
Equipment
- glass
- liquid measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- Ice
- 3 Tablespoons non-alcoholic grenadine
- 7-8 ounces lemon-lime soda Sprite or 7-Up
- Maraschino cherries for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass halfway with ice. Pour the grenadine over the ice followed by the lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with marching cherries and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Loved this classic and easy Shirley Temple recipe, it’s great for parties and celebrations, thanks for sharing!
Love the Shirley temples can you make m one they are good 100%
I have Always Loved this drink. I just bought the stuff to make my own here at home. But sometimes when I go out and have had a rough day I will order one but have them add Vodka to it…. I think it’s called a Dirty Shirley Temple but No Orange Juice.
This is just what I was looking for. I’m having a little get-together this weekend with my friends. I’m going to serve my guest this. Looks elegant and refreshing.
I love Shirley Temple’s with gingerale, the old fashioned way! So fun to make a childhood favorite every now and then!
My family loved this mocktail!
Shirley Temples are such a classic! This recipe is so easy to whip together! Love it!
What a beautiful fun and festive drink this is. Thanks for sharing.
My family loved this for our get together this weekend. Will definitely be using this again.
So glad! It’s especially fun during the holidays!
Your Shirley Temple drink recipe is perfect for festival drink. It’s looking very colorful and beautiful and super drinks. Thanks for sharing this great drink recipe.
We recently went on a cruise, and my daughters were introduced to Shirley Temple drinks. They loved them and asked for one each night. I’ve been wanting to make some at home for them as a special treat so thanks for the recipe.
Such a happy looking drink. My kids love them!
I am feeling refreshed looking at this colorful and beautiful looking drink. Cant resist to grab this just now.
A great drink to serve the kiddos during the holidays.
I 100% agree! 🙂
It’s been so long since I had a Shirley Temple! I felt so mature sipping it as a kid! haha. Such a fun drink for the holidays!
I remember drinking Shirley Temples when I was a kid and thinking I was a big deal! LOL Thanks for the memories, and thanks for the recipe!
I was just looking for a fun and festive drink for the kids on New Year, and this is just perfect!