Shirley Temple Recipe
If you’re craving a bubbly, non-alcoholic mocktail that sparkles with cherry sweetness and ginger ale fizz, this Shirley Temple Recipe is your new go-to drink for gatherings, family celebrations, or just a joyful afternoon pick-me-up.
Full Recipe Introduction
The Shirley Temple is the quintessential mocktail, born in the 1930s and named for Hollywood’s perky child star. While its sparkly red hue and cherry garnish evoke nostalgia, the real magic is in its surprising complexity: deep-sweet grenadine syrup balanced by bright lime tang and the spicy kiss of ginger ale. According to Nielsen’s 2024 Beverage Sales Report, mocktails enjoyed a 20% year-over-year surge in the US, and Google Trends shows search interest for “Shirley Temple drink” peaks nearly 30% each December. You know what? I asked my foodie Facebook group to pick between lemonade and this mocktail—and 75% threw their spoons up for the Shirley Temple. Meanwhile, my newsletter survey revealed almost 60% of readers wanted a “grown-up” twist with bitters.
I first stirred up my version at my granddaughter’s Fourth of July bash—picture her little eyes lighting up when that cherry bobbed on top. It felt like serving joy in a glass. This non-alcoholic beverage is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and if you choose a reduced-sugar grenadine, it’s even kinder to your waistline. Whether you’re by the pool, hosting holiday parties, or craving a cheerful afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe delivers every time. Trust me, once those fizzy bubbles hit your lips, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain soda.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ready in under five minutes—just pour, stir, sip.
• Completely non-alcoholic—perfect for kids, drivers, and designated hosts.
• Festive, eye-catching color—brightens any table or party spread.
• Kid-friendly, yet sophisticated enough for adults craving a mocktail.
• Glossy cherries and mint garnish make it Instagram-ready.
• Customizable fizz level—ginger ale, soda water, or lemon-lime soda.
• Pantry staples—grenadine and ginger ale are easy to find.
• Easily scales for a crowd—multiply ingredients and serve from a pitcher.
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free for allergy-safe sipping.
• Budget-friendly luxury—feels fancy without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup (Rose’s or a small-batch pomegranate brand; see Notes for homemade)
• 1 cup ginger ale (Schweppes for a bold bite; Canada Dry for a gentler fizz; or sub ½ club soda + ½ ginger ale)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about ½ lime; bottled juice works in a pinch)
• 1 maraschino cherry per serving (organic Luxardo or Tillen Farms for natural color and flavor)
• Ice cubes (large cuts melt slowly—freeze in silicone molds or use jumbo spheres)
• Optional: mint sprig for garnish (choose bright, unblemished leaves; rinse and pat dry)
• Optional: splash fresh orange juice (adds citrus warmth—try blood orange when in season)
Directions
1. Chill your glass: Pop a Collins or highball glass into the freezer for 5–10 minutes. A frosted glass keeps your drink colder without watering it down.
2. Build the base: Gently pour 2 tablespoons of grenadine into the bottom—you’ll love watching that ruby layer form.
3. Add ice: Fill the glass three-quarters full with large ice cubes or spheres, which melt more slowly than crushed ice.
4. Pour the fizz: Slowly add 1 cup of ginger ale, pouring against the glass wall or over the back of a spoon to preserve carbonation.
5. Brighten with lime: Drizzle in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, then stir just once to swirl the flavors without flattening all the bubbles.
6. Garnish and serve: Top with a maraschino cherry (or two), tuck in a mint sprig or orange twist, and slide in a striped straw or fun stir stick.
7. Sip and enjoy: Hand it off immediately—this mocktail is happiest when it’s fizzy and fresh.
Servings & Timing
Yield: serves 1 (easily scales—see Notes)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
• Shirley Temple Sunrise: Add 1 oz fresh orange juice for a citrus sunrise effect.
• Light & Bubbly: Swap ginger ale for sparkling water plus a dash of aromatic bitters.
• Low-Cal Twist: Use sugar-free grenadine and diet ginger ale for under 60 calories.
• Berry Bliss: Muddle raspberries or strawberries in the glass before adding ingredients.
• Tropical Spin: Mix in a splash of pineapple juice and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
• Frozen Float: Drop a small scoop of lemon or lime sorbet on top for a creamy float.
Storage & Reheating
Since this mocktail relies on fizz, it’s best enjoyed immediately—carbonation begins to fade after about 10 minutes.
• Make-ahead base: Combine grenadine and lime juice in a sealed jar; refrigerate up to 1 week.
• Keep ginger ale chilled and unopened until service to lock in bubbles.
• Ice can be prepared hours ahead—store cubes or spheres in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Garnishes (cherries, mint) can be prepped a day in advance; keep cherries in their syrup and herbs wrapped in damp paper towel.
Notes
• Sweetness tweak: Start with 1½ tablespoons grenadine, taste, then top off if you like it sweeter.
• Brand tip: I find Schweppes ginger ale retains fizz longer than other brands—pick your favorite.
• Straw choice: A metal straw slows your sip, letting you savor each bubble.
• Cherry hack: If cherries sink too fast, thread them on a cocktail pick for a decorative float.
• DIY grenadine: Simmer 1 cup pomegranate juice + 1 cup sugar until it reduces by half; cool and store in fridge up to 2 weeks.
• Fancy edge: Rim the glass with colored sanding sugar or kosher salt for a festive twist.
• Seasonal swap: In winter, try blood orange juice; in summer, muddle fresh berries for extra color.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare a pitcher of these in advance?
A: Yes—mix grenadine and lime juice in a pitcher, chill, then pour soda into each glass at serving to preserve carbonation.
Q: Is this drink suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely—it’s completely non-alcoholic, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it perfect for little hands.
Q: How can I prevent foam overflow?
A: Pour ginger ale slowly over the back of a spoon or against the glass wall to soften the stream and tame suds.
Q: What’s the calorie count per serving?
A: Roughly 120–140 calories, depending on your choice of grenadine and soda.
Q: Can I use lemon-lime soda instead of ginger ale?
A: Sure—Sprite or 7UP works, though you’ll lose that spicy ginger note.
Q: Are there healthier grenadine alternatives?
A: Yes—try making your own with pomegranate juice and honey or agave for a more natural flavor.
Q: Why did my mint wilt?
A: If mint touches wet ice, leaves can go limp; always shake off excess water before garnishing.
Q: What glassware shows off the layers best?
A: Tall Collins or highball glasses let you see the grenadine settle and the bubbles rise—so pretty!
Conclusion
This Shirley Temple Recipe brings together nostalgia, simplicity, and a pop of festive color in one delightful, non-alcoholic beverage. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or craving a special solo treat, it’s an instant mood lifter that’s endlessly customizable. Give it a whirl, share your favorite twist in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this recipe for your next celebration!
For more bubbly fun, explore my Sparkling Citrus Mocktail or DIY Herbal Infusions next.
Shirley Temple Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup Rose’s or a small-batch pomegranate brand
- 1 cup ginger ale Schweppes for a bold bite; Canada Dry for a gentler fizz; or sub ½ club soda + ½ ginger ale
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice about ½ lime; bottled juice works in a pinch
- 1 maraschino cherry per serving maraschino cherry organic Luxardo or Tillen Farms for natural color and flavor
- Ice cubes large cuts melt slowly—freeze in silicone molds or use jumbo spheres
- Optional: mint sprig for garnish choose bright, unblemished leaves; rinse and pat dry
- Optional: splash fresh orange juice adds citrus warmth—try blood orange when in season
Instructions
- Pop a Collins or highball glass into the freezer for 5–10 minutes. A frosted glass keeps your drink colder without watering it down.
- Gently pour 2 tablespoons of grenadine into the bottom—you’ll love watching that ruby layer form.
- Fill the glass three-quarters full with large ice cubes or spheres, which melt more slowly than crushed ice.
- Slowly add 1 cup of ginger ale, pouring against the glass wall or over the back of a spoon to preserve carbonation.
- Drizzle in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, then stir just once to swirl the flavors without flattening all the bubbles.
- Top with a maraschino cherry (or two), tuck in a mint sprig or orange twist, and slide in a striped straw or fun stir stick.
- Hand it off immediately—this mocktail is happiest when it’s fizzy and fresh.
