Bright, bubbly, and sweet with a pop of cherry on top—the Shirley Temple is a nostalgic favorite that’s just as fun to drink today as it was when it first made its way onto menus in the 1930s. This fizzy, alcohol-free classic is perfect for kids, adults, and anyone looking for something festive without the booze. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to bring a smile. Here’s how you can make it at home, plus a few fun twists to try out.
Shirley Temple
Ingredients
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– Ice cubes – enough to fill your glass
– Ginger ale: 8 oz (240 ml), chilled
– Grenadine: 0.5 oz (15 ml), or to taste
– Maraschino cherry: 1, for garnish
Optional:
– Orange slice: for extra color and flavor
Equipment
– Highball glass or mason jar
– Bar spoon or regular spoon for stirring
Method
- Fill your glass all the way with ice. This keeps the drink crisp and fizzy.
- Pour in the ginger ale, stopping about an inch from the top.
- Slowly add the grenadine. It’ll sink to the bottom and create that pretty red-to-clear ombré effect. No need to stir unless you want an even flavor throughout.
- Top with a maraschino cherry (and an orange slice if you’re feeling fancy).
That’s it! It’s quick, simple, and always a hit.
Tips & Tricks
– If you like it less sweet, use a splash less grenadine or swap ginger ale for club soda or lemon-lime soda.
– Chill your glass ahead of time to keep everything extra cool.
– Use fresh pomegranate juice instead of grenadine for a more natural option.
– Want to make a batch for a party? Just multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher—wait to add the ice and cherries until serving.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This drink is best made fresh, but you can mix the ginger ale and grenadine in a pitcher ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add ice and garnish just before serving to keep it fizzy and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
I always think of Shirley Temples as the perfect party drink—great for birthdays, baby showers, brunches, or just a fun Friday night at home. Here are a few tasty pairings:
- Burgers and fries: A sweet drink like this balances out the salty, savory flavors beautifully.
- Spicy snacks: Think buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers. The sweetness cools the heat.
- Fresh fruit salad: A lighter option that matches the drink’s fruity vibe.
Variations to Try
Here’s where you can get creative. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner twists, too—great for grown-ups.
Dirty Shirley
- What you need: Add 1 oz (30 ml) vodka to the classic recipe
- Tip: Stir gently so the vodka blends without losing the layered look
Shirley Ginger
- What you need: Use ginger beer instead of ginger ale, and add a splash of lime juice
- Why it works: It’s spicier and more grown-up in flavor
Shirley Temple Black
- What you need: Swap ginger ale for cola and add a splash of orange juice
- Flavor note: A deeper, richer version with a little citrus lift
Ingredient Swaps
– No grenadine? Try pomegranate juice or a mix of cherry juice and simple syrup.
– No ginger ale? Lemon-lime soda or sparkling water with a splash of apple juice works in a pinch.
– No maraschino cherries? Use a fresh cherry or a slice of orange.
Common Questions
Can I use different sodas?
Yes! Lemon-lime soda, club soda, or even flavored sparkling water all work. Just adjust the grenadine to taste.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use less grenadine or swap to club soda. A splash of lime juice can help cut the sweetness, too.
What’s the best time to serve this?
Any time! It’s great for kids’ parties, baby showers, or as a fun treat on a hot day.
Is it really named after the actress?
Yes—it was created for Shirley Temple when she was a child star in Hollywood. Fun fact: she didn’t actually like it because she thought it was too sweet!
Can I batch this for a group?
Definitely. Just mix up a pitcher using the same ratio (about 16 oz ginger ale to 1 oz grenadine per two servings), and keep it chilled until serving.
Final Thoughts
The Shirley Temple is more than just a drink—it’s a little celebration in a glass. Whether you’re making one for a child’s birthday or mixing up a Dirty Shirley for a summer BBQ, it’s a recipe that brings joy. Keep it classic or make it your own. However you serve it, don’t forget that cherry on top!
