Shirley Temple Black Cocktail Recipe

The Shirley Temple Black is a twist on the classic Shirley Temple, a non-alcoholic mixed drink traditionally made with ginger ale, a splash of grenadine, and garnished with a maraschino cherry. The original drink was named after the famous child actress Shirley Temple. The 'Black' addition to the name is a playful nod to her married surname, as well as the addition of a splash of cola to darken the drink.

• Who Would Like It:
  • Fans of sweet, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Those who enjoy classic mocktails with a twist.
  • People looking for a festive drink without alcohol.

The Shirley Temple Black is delightfully sweet with a slight tang from the grenadine. The ginger ale provides a gentle fizz, while the cola adds a subtle caramel undertone. It's a refreshing and light beverage, perfect for sipping on a warm day or at a social gathering where alcohol is not desired.

• The original Shirley Temple drink was created in the 1930s.
• Shirley Temple herself was not a fan of the drink named after her, as she considered it too sweet.
• The addition of cola to create the Shirley Temple Black is a more recent innovation, reflecting a trend towards reinventing classic mocktails.

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour ginger ale and grenadine over the ice.
3. Top with a splash of cola for color.
4. Gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

• To ensure a layered effect, pour the grenadine slowly over the back of a spoon.
• Chill the ginger ale and cola beforehand to keep the drink colder for longer without diluting it too quickly with melting ice.
• For an extra touch of sophistication, rim the glass with sugar or use a fancy cocktail cherry.

Foods

• Light Appetizers: The crisp and refreshing nature of a Shirley Temple Black pairs wonderfully with light and simple appetizers like bruschetta, caprese skewers, or shrimp cocktails. It's a great way to begin a meal without overpowering the palate.
• Fried Snacks: The sweetness of Shirley Temple Black can contrast nicely with fried and salty snacks such as french fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders. The ginger ale's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Desserts: This non-alcoholic cocktail goes hand in hand with many desserts, especially those with a fruit component. Try it with apple pie, fruit tarts, or a chocolate fondue for a delightful combination.

Drinks

• Water: Stick to simple, especially during a meal, to keep the flavors of food and Shirley Temple Black separate and unadulterated.
• Iced Tea: A non-sweetened iced tea can provide a refreshing and contrasting beverage pairing for those who prefer a less sugary combination.

• Ginger Ale: Can be substituted with any clear carbonated beverage like club soda for a less sweet version.
• Grenadine: Pomegranate syrup can be used as an alternative.
• Cola: A diet version can be used to reduce sugar content.

Classic With A Fizzy Twist

• Replace ginger ale with sparkling lime water for a tangier edge.
• Ingredients: 4 oz sparkling lime water, 0.5 oz grenadine, 1 oz cola, 1 maraschino cherry.
• Recipe: Same as above but with the lime fizz. It'll be less sweet and offer a zesty kick – like a soda pop wearing a little lime perfume.

Tropical Shirley

• Add pineapple juice for a fruity tropical twist.
• Ingredients: 3 oz ginger ale, 1 oz pineapple juice, 0.5 oz grenadine, 1 oz cola, 1 maraschino cherry.
• Recipe: Begin with pineapple juice over ice, then follow the original recipe. It should be a sweet getaway in a glass, giving you vacation vibes with each sip.

Berry Temple Black

• Swap grenadine for blackberry syrup for a berrylicious variation.
• Ingredients: 4 oz ginger ale, 1 oz blackberry syrup, 1 oz cola, 1 maraschino cherry.
• Recipe: Mix like the classic but with the blackberry twist. It'll taste like a bubbly blackberry pie, and you'll wonder why you haven't been putting blackberries in everything.