Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

Shirley Temple Drink

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Updated: 06/09/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

The Shirley Temple drink is well-known for its refreshing and bubbly flavor. Chances are you’ve probably ordered one as a child, or when you’re feeling nostalgic and wanting a fruity drink with some fizz. We have the best Shirley Temple recipe with the perfect ratio of ingredients for the classic mocktail.

close up of two glasses of Shirley Temple drink with ice and garnished with maraschino cherries

With its red hue and cherry on top, this popular nonalcoholic mixed drink is made with simple ingredients and comes together in a flash for the enjoyment of all ages. Named after Shirley Temple, the child actress and singer who starred in many movies in the 1903s and 1940s, a Shirley Temple virgin is the true Shirley temple as there is no alcohol in the classic recipe.

What is a Shirley Temple

A Shirley Temple is a classic mocktail made with grenadine and lemon lime soda or ginger ale, and garnished with a cherry on top. The name of the very popular nonalcoholic mixed drink is sure to be recognized by bartenders and at restaurants anywhere you go and is super easy to make at home.

Is a Shirley Temple virgin?

The Shirley Temple drink does not contain any alcohol, making it a virgin drink. One of the reasons the Shirley Temple is so popular is because the mocktail can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

close up of stirring a glass of shirley temple recipe with ice surrounded by a maraschino cherry

Ingredients in a Shirley Temple

There are only three ingredients in a Shirley Temple recipe: lemon lime soda (such as Sprite or 7up), grenadine, and maraschino cherries to garnish.

Sprite vs. Ginger Ale

For this recipe, you can use either lemon lime soda or ginger ale, depending on your flavor preference or the ingredients you have on hand. Sprite or a lemon lime soda adds a refreshing citrus flavor while ginger ale will add a sweetened spice.

Man's hand pouring bottle of grenadine into a glass of ice to make a Shirley Temple drink with maraschino cherries in front of glass

How to Make a Shirley Temple

  1. Fill a glass with ice
  2. Pour in the grenadine
  3. Top with lemon lime soda and gentley stir
  4. Garnish with a cherry and enjoy!

Alcoholic Shirley Temple

The classic Shirley Temple drink does not contain any alcohol however, there is a common cocktail that takes a boozy twist on the pink drink. To make an alcoholic Shirley Temple, known as a Dirty Shirley, simply add two ounces of vodka to the recipe below.

man's hand pouring bottle of Sprite into a glass of Shirley Temple ingredients and ice surrounded by maraschino cherries

Shirley Temple Black

Another variation of the Shirley Temple virgin is the Shirley Temple Black. This mixed drink variation adds dark rum to the classic Shirley Temple virgin, yielding a cocktail with a spicy finish.

How to Serve

Serve your Shirley Temple drink with lots of ice and don’t forget the cherry (or two) on top!

close up of two glasses of Shirley Temple drink with ice and garnished with maraschino cherries

Other Mocktails

close up of two glasses of Shirley Temple drink with ice and garnished with maraschino cherries
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Shirley Temple Drink

Serves: 1 drink
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 3 minutes
Total: 3 minutes
The Shirley Temple drink is a popular mocktail known and loved for its refreshing and bubbly flavor. With its red hue and cherry on top, this nonalcoholic mixed drink is made with simple ingredients and comes together in a flash for the enjoyment of all ages.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce Grenadine
  • 4 ounces lemon lime soda or ginger ale ex 7up/sprite
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Fill a glass with ice.
  • Pour in the grenadine.
  • Top with the lemon lime soda.
  • Gently stir.
  • Garnish and enjoy!
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Drinks
close up of two glasses of Shirley Temple drink with ice and garnished with maraschino cherries

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Shirley Temple Drink

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @shakedrinkrpt and hashtag it #shakedrinkrepeat!

Lisa Longley has been creating great recipes for more than a decade. While it is too hard for her to pick her favorite cocktail, she is known to love our dirty martini.

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