Shirley Temple Cocktail Recipe
Shirley Temple Nutrition Facts
Calories:120
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:30g
Alcohol:0%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Shirley Temple cocktail is a non-alcoholic mixed drink named after the famous child actress Shirley Temple. It was created in the 1930s at the Chasen's restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, as a special treat for the young star. The drink quickly gained popularity and became a favorite among children and adults alike.
- The drink is often served at children's parties and family-friendly events
- It is a popular choice for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages
- The original recipe has been adapted over the years, with various versions now available
How Shirley Temple Tastes?
The Shirley Temple cocktail is sweet, refreshing, and slightly tangy. The combination of ginger ale, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda creates a delightful balance of flavors that is both satisfying and thirst-quenching.
Interesting facts about Shirley Temple
- The Shirley Temple cocktail is sometimes referred to as a 'mocktail' due to its non-alcoholic nature
- The drink is often garnished with a maraschino cherry, which adds a touch of color and sweetness
- Some variations of the Shirley Temple cocktail include the addition of orange juice or pineapple juice for a more tropical twist
Ingredients
- Ginger ale: 4 oz(120ml)
- Lemon lime soda: 4 oz(120ml)
- Grenadine: 1 oz(30ml)
- Maraschino cherry: 1
- Ice: As needed
A few good options for Shirley Temple are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Ginger Ale
Why 4 oz?: The spice of the ginger ale gives a nice kick that balances the sweetness of the rest of the drink. Too much could overwhelm, too little, and you miss the zing.
What if it's not there?: The cocktail would lose its delightful spiciness. As an alternative, you might use ginger beer for sharper ginger flavor, but this would amplify the kick.
Alex Green
Lemon-Lime Soda
Why 4 oz?: The lemon-lime adds a citrusy freshness and ensures the drink isn't too sweet. It's a balancing act—more could make it too tart; less might make it cloyingly sweet.
Alternative?: A clear carbonated water with a squeeze of fresh lemon and lime could substitute, but it would lack the sugary edge common in commercial sodas.
Emma Rose
Grenadine
Why 1 oz?: Grenadine, with its sweet and tart flavor, gives the drink its signature pink hue and cherry-like taste. More could make the drink too sweet, less and you might lose the iconic color and flavor.
No grenadine?: The drink would not be a Shirley Temple without it! But in a pinch, use a cherry syrup or pomegranate juice mixed with simple syrup.
Mary Mitkina
Maraschino Cherry
Why just 1?: The cherry is the crowning jewel; it's a garnish that offers a nibble of sweetness at the end; more and it's just overkill.
No cherry on top?: You'd miss the nostalgic classic finish. Could use a slice of orange for a citrusy garnish instead, but it's just not the same.
Alex Green
Ice
Why as needed?: Ice keeps the drink cool and refreshing without overpowering it. Too much ice could dilute the flavors; too little, and it's a lukewarm disappointment.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Shirley Temple Drink
- Fill a tall glass with ice
- Pour 4 oz of ginger ale and 4 oz of lemon-lime soda into the glass
- Add 1 oz of grenadine syrup
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry
Pro Tips
- Use fresh ice to ensure the drink stays cold and refreshing
- Stir gently to avoid losing the carbonation from the sodas
- Chill the glass before preparing the drink for an extra cool touch
Perfect Pairings
A Shirley Temple is a sweet and cheerful non-alcoholic drink, making it a favorite for all ages. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of food and occasions. Here are some suggestions:
Appetizers
- Fried Calamari: The crispiness and slight saltiness contrast nicely with the sweetness of the Shirley Temple.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances well with the fruity flavors.
Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken: The light, smoky flavors complement the sweetness of the grenadine and the fizziness of the sodas.
- Burgers: A classic American pairing—juicy burgers with a refreshing Shirley Temple on the side.
Desserts
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Simple and classic, it lets the drink shine as the star.
- Fruit Salad: Echo the cherry garnish with a bowl of fresh fruit.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Shirley Temple
- Ginger Ale: Can be replaced with club soda for a less sweet version
- Grenadine: Can be substituted with a homemade syrup of reduced pomegranate juice and sugar
- Lemon-Lime Soda: Can be replaced with sparkling water for a less sweet version
Explore all drinks starting with S here
And of course - twists🍹
Dirty Shirley
- Add a shot (1.5 oz) of vodka for those who want a little extra kick in their Shirley Temple.
- Follow the original recipe, then stir in the vodka.
- The taste will go from innocent to a bit more mature, with a subtle burn to complement the sweet.
Shirley Ginger
- Substitute ginger beer for ginger ale for an extra gingery zing.
- Use the same proportions as ginger ale in the original recipe.
- The flavor will be more pronounced and spicy, providing a sharper contrast to the sweetness of the grenadine.
Tropical Temple
- Replace ginger ale with coconut soda or tropical-flavored sparkling water.
- Follow the original recipe with the substitution.
- This will introduce a taste of the tropics and a fresh, fruity twist to the drink.
In case you forgot basics how to make Shirley Temple
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Shirley Temple
What is a mocktail?
A mocktail is a non-alcoholic beverage that mimics the flavor of a traditional cocktail. They are a popular choice for those who don't consume alcohol or prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
Who was Shirley Temple?
Shirley Temple was a famous American actress, singer, dancer, and diplomat who was Hollywood's number one box-office star from 1935 to 1938. She later served her country as United States ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.
What other mocktails can I try?
If you enjoyed the Shirley Temple, you might also like the Virgin Mary (a non-alcoholic version of the Bloody Mary), the Virgin Pina Colada, and the Arnold Palmer (a mix of iced tea and lemonade).
What are some good occasions for serving a Shirley Temple?
The Shirley Temple is a great drink for all occasions, but they are particularly popular at kid's parties, non-alcohol events, brunches, baby showers, and at meals where adults are drinking alcoholic cocktails, so the kids don't feel left out.
Is there a 'grown-up' version of the Shirley Temple?
Yes, the 'Dirty Shirley' is an alcoholic version of this cocktail, usually prepared with the addition of vodka.
More similar recipes to Shirley Temple!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Sangria Mocktail
Sangria Mocktail is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly sweet drink with a tangy citrus twist. The combination of fresh fruits, juices, and sparkling water creates a light and invigorating beverage that is perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.
Blueberry Mint Mocktail
The Blueberry Mint Mocktail offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart from the blueberry syrup, complemented by the spicy effervescence of ginger ale. The fresh mint provides a cool, refreshing undertone that balances the sweetness, making it a delightful drink to savor.
Fruit Punch Mocktail
The Fruit Punch Mocktail is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors. The orange and pineapple juices provide a sweet and fruity base, while the cranberry and lemon juices add a refreshing tartness. The ginger ale gives it a fizzy lift that tickles the palate. It's a vibrant, refreshing, and thirst-quenching drink perfect for any occasion.
Cranberry Cooler
The Cranberry Cooler has a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a refreshing and crisp taste. The combination of cranberry juice, orange juice, and lemon-lime soda creates a fruity and zesty sensation, while the vodka adds a subtle kick.
Cranberry Punch
The Cranberry Punch cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tart, and tangy flavors. The cranberry juice provides a slightly sour and fruity taste, while the orange juice adds a touch of sweetness and citrusy brightness. The overall flavor is well-balanced, light, and refreshing.
Green Demon
The Green Demon is a sweet and sour cocktail with a strong, fruity flavor. The combination of melon liqueur, lemon-lime soda, and citrus vodka creates a refreshing and tangy taste, while the addition of white rum adds a hint of warmth and depth.
Cinderella
The Cinderella cocktail offers a delightful mix of sweet and sour flavors, with a light and refreshing taste. The combination of fruit juices creates a tropical sensation, while the ginger ale adds a subtle fizziness.
Mint Julep Mocktail
This Mint Julep Mocktail is a symphony of freshness with a minty aroma that tickles the senses. It's sweet, but not cloying, with a subtle herbal undertone from the mint. The crushed ice makes it incredibly refreshing and perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Apple Mimosa Mocktail
The Apple Mimosa Mocktail is crisp and effervescent, with a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. The apple juice provides a fruity base, while the sparkling element adds a refreshing zing, making it an invigorating drink.
Lemon Squash
Lemon Squash cocktail is a delightful combination of sour, sweet, and slightly bitter flavors. The lemon juice provides a tangy and zesty taste, while the sugar syrup balances it with a touch of sweetness. The soda water adds a refreshing fizz and lightness to the drink.
Orange Julius
The Orange Julius cocktail has a sweet, tangy, and creamy taste with a hint of vanilla. It is light and refreshing, making it perfect for a warm summer day or as a dessert drink.
San Francisco
The San Francisco cocktail is sweet, fruity, and slightly fizzy. The vanilla vodka adds a creamy, smooth undertone, while the Kinky Liqueur brings a burst of tropical fruit flavors. The Sprite or 7 UP adds a refreshing fizz, and the shimmer dust gives it a magical, glittering appearance.
Pimm's Cup
The Pimm's Cup is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the Pimm's No. 1. It has a light and crisp taste, perfect for warm summer days.
Horse's Neck
The Horse's Neck cocktail is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and tangy drink with a hint of spiciness from the ginger ale. The bourbon or brandy adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying cocktail.
Gin Buck
The Gin Buck is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and tangy cocktail with a hint of spiciness from the ginger ale. The gin adds a subtle herbal and citrusy note, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink beverage.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Planter's Punch
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
Sloe Gin Fizz
The Sloe Gin Fizz has a sweet, fruity, and slightly tart taste. The sloe gin provides a rich berry flavor, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing citrus note. The addition of simple syrup balances the tartness, and the club soda gives the drink a light, effervescent texture.
Brandy Sour
The Brandy Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture. It has a pleasant sweetness, followed by a refreshing sourness from the lemon juice, and a subtle warmth from the brandy. The drink is neither too strong nor too light, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.