I’ve made this Shirley Temple drink recipe countless times. It’s a sweet, fizzy, alcohol-free beverage that’s perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or any time you want a festive drink without the booze. It’s a nostalgic classic that always brings smiles.
“This drink is perfect for everyone! And it’s so pretty!”
-Becky
This bright, bubbly mocktail uses just a few simple ingredients: ginger ale, grenadine, and maraschino cherries. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re serving a variety of drinks, it pairs well with other non-alcoholic options like a Roy Rogers or Virgin Piña Colada. For adult guests, you can offer a few cocktail choices on the side.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You Will Need
- Variations
- How to Make a Shirley Temple Mocktail
- Expert Tips
- Shirley Temple FAQ’S
- More Drink Recipes
- Shirley Temple Drink Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
Ginger Ale: A fizzy, mildly sweet soda with a hint of ginger. Lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7UP also work well.
Grenadine Syrup: A deep red pomegranate-flavored syrup that gives the drink its signature color and a touch of sweetness.
Maraschino Cherry: Sweet, bright red cherries preserved in syrup—perfect for garnish.
Note: A full ingredient list appears in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Dirty Shirley: Add 1 ounce of vodka for a simple cocktail.
- Shirley Temple Black: Use dark rum for a richer flavor.
- Shirley Temple Float: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style float.
- Fruit Garnishes: Try orange slices, lemon wedges, or a skewer of berries for extra color and flavor.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a splash of orange or cherry juice to change the taste profile.
- Soda Swaps: Swap ginger ale for Sprite, 7UP, or cola to make different versions.
- Homemade Grenadine: Simmer pomegranate juice with sugar to make your own grenadine.
How to Make a Shirley Temple Mocktail
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Slowly pour ginger ale into the glass, filling about three-quarters full. Let the bubbles settle.
- Pour 1/2 ounce (or to taste) of grenadine over the ginger ale; it will sink to the bottom, creating a pretty layered effect.
- Gently stir to combine, then garnish with a maraschino cherry or two and an optional orange slice. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Chill ingredients: Keep ginger ale chilled and place glasses in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to prevent ice from diluting the drink.
- Add grenadine slowly: Pour it gently for a layered look before stirring.
- Use a clear glass: A transparent glass shows off the drink’s color and makes it more appealing.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more or less grenadine to match your taste.
- Finish with a fun straw or stir stick: Small touches elevate the presentation.
Shirley Temple FAQ’S
Yes. Use a sugar-free ginger ale, Sprite, or 7UP to reduce sugar content.
Yes. Mix chilled ingredients in a punch bowl or pitcher, then add ice just before serving to avoid dilution.
Substitute pomegranate, cranberry, or cherry juice, or make a simple syrup with fruit juice and sugar.
The drink was named for child actress Shirley Temple and created so she could enjoy a special, alcohol-free beverage at Hollywood events.
More Drink Recipes
Drinks
Gummy Bear Shot
Drinks
Virgin Piña Colada Recipe
Drinks
Simple Syrup Recipe
Drinks
Pumpkin Spice Creamer
If you try this recipe or others from Celebrating Simply, please leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback is appreciated!
Shirley Temple Drink
Equipment
-
Glasses
-
Drink stirrer
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ginger ale
- 1/2 ounce grenadine syrup
Garnish: Fresh maraschino cherries
Instructions
-
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
-
Slowly pour ginger ale over the ice and let the bubbles settle.
-
Pour grenadine over the ginger ale; it will sink to the bottom.
-
Gently stir to combine the flavors.
-
Garnish with cherries, add a straw, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.