The Shirley Temple: A Classic Mocktail with Timeless Appeal

The Shirley Temple is one of the most recognizable mocktails ever made. Bright in color, fizzy, and unapologetically sweet, it has stayed popular for decades because it delivers instant nostalgia while remaining simple enough for anyone to build correctly.

This guide covers what the Shirley Temple is, where it likely came from, how to make a balanced version with reliable measurements, and how to adapt it without losing its signature character.

Quick Recipe Card

Serves: 1

Glassware: Highball or Collins

Method: Build in glass, gentle stir

Prep time: 2 to 3 minutes

Ice: Standard cubes

ABV: 0.0%

What Is a Shirley Temple

A Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic mixed drink traditionally made with ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda), a splash of grenadine, and a maraschino cherry garnish. The result is a sweet, sparkling drink with a soft pomegranate-cherry profile and a vivid pink-red hue.

Origins and History

The exact birthplace is not fully documented, and multiple venues have claimed credit. The most repeated account places its creation in 1930s Hollywood, made for child star Shirley Temple so she could have a special-looking drink while dining out. Restaurants commonly mentioned include Chasen’s and the Brown Derby.

Ingredients That Matter

1) Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda

Both work. Ginger ale adds light spice and warmth. Lemon-lime soda reads brighter and cleaner. If choosing between the two, start with ginger ale for a more classic “restaurant Shirley Temple” feel.

For a deeper breakdown on how ginger mixers behave in recipes, read: Ginger Ale vs Ginger Beer

2) Grenadine

Grenadine is what creates the drink’s color and most of its “signature” sweetness. High-quality grenadine should taste like pomegranate, not just red sugar.

For a bartender-grade version, use: From Pomegranate to Pour: Crafting the Perfect Homemade Grenadine

3) Maraschino cherriesThey are not optional if the goal is a true Shirley Temple experience. Beyond garnish, they add aroma, sweetness, and the visual cue that makes the drink instantly recognizable.

Optional, but recommended:

Fresh lime wedge for balance. A small squeeze helps cut sweetness without changing the identity of the drink.

Classic Shirley Temple Recipe (ml then oz)

Ingredients

• Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda: 235 ml (8.0 oz)

• Grenadine: 30 ml (1.0 oz)

• Maraschino cherries: 2 to 5 (to taste)

• Lime wedge: optional

Tools

• Jigger

• Barspoon

• Highball or Collins glass

Method

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.

2. Add 235 ml (8.0 oz) ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.

3. Add 30 ml (1.0 oz) grenadine.

   For a layered look, pour the grenadine slowly down the side of the glass and let it sink before stirring.

4. Stir gently 1 to 2 turns. The goal is to combine without knocking out carbonation.

5. Garnish with maraschino cherries. Add a small squeeze of lime if the drink tastes too sweet.

Variations and Modern Twists (Without Losing the Classic DNA)

1) Less-sweet “Fresh” style

Replace part of the soda with sparkling water and add a small squeeze of fresh lime. This keeps the look and fizz while reducing sugar intensity.

2) Citrus-forward Shirley

Add a small amount of fresh lemon or lime juice to sharpen the finish. This is the easiest way to make it taste more “grown-up” while staying non-alcoholic.

3) Cola version (often called a Roy Rogers)

If cola replaces ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, the drink shifts into a closely related classic called a Roy Rogers.

Note on “Dirty Shirley” and “Shirley Temple Black”

Some bars use these names for an alcoholic variation made by adding a spirit. Since this article is focused on the mocktail, the practical takeaway is simply that the Shirley Temple template is frequently used as a base for adult riffs.

Mixology Tips for a Better Shirley Temple

Use better ice than you think you need

This drink is mostly soda. Bad ice makes a soda drink taste flat and “off” fast. For a deeper look at why ice changes outcomes, read: What About Ice? The Main Ingredient of Every Cocktail

Control sweetness with structure, not just “less grenadine”

If the drink feels cloying, add a squeeze of lime or cut with sparkling water. Dropping grenadine too far removes the identity.

Stir less than you want to

Over-stirring kills carbonation. Two gentle turns is usually enough.

Upgrade garnish standards

Minimum: 2 cherries. Better: 3 to 5 if the drink is served as a “treat” mocktail. Optional upgrade: a thin orange slice for aroma.

FAQ

Is grenadine alcoholic?

No, grenadine is a syrup, traditionally pomegranate-based.

Can lemon-lime soda and ginger ale be swapped 1:1?

Yes. The structure stays the same, but ginger ale adds warmth and spice, while lemon-lime soda reads brighter.

How to make it less sweet without ruining it?

Add a lime squeeze and replace part of the soda with sparkling water. The drink stays recognizable, but finishes cleaner.

Explore more spirit-free builds in the Mocktails section

For deeper ingredient knowledge, browse Ingredients

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Written by: Riccardo Grechi | Head Mixologist, Bar Consultant & Trainer