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Shirley Temple is a classic, non-alcoholic drink that’s as fun as it is refreshing! It’s made with just a few simple ingredients. Its sweet cherry flavor and signature bubbly drink with a cherry on top make it a favorite for both kids and adults!

Side shot of Shirley Temple in a glass with maraschino cherry inside.

Reasons You’ll Love This Drink

  • Kid-Friendly: A bright, sparkling drink everyone can enjoy. Shirley Temples make a great alternative to cocktails at parties!
  • Easy to Make: All you need are four simple ingredients. After that, it takes just 5 minutes to have this fun and festive drink ready to serve!
  • Fun and Festive: These are Perfect for any celebration or as a special treat! I love making these for my kids’ birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any holiday! Serve them with strawberry mousse, a Valentine’s charcuterie, and mini cheesecakes.

What’s in a Shirley Temple?

I remember, as a child, getting to enjoy Shirley Temples for special occasions! Now, I love treating my own kids to this fancy-looking drink. Plus, it’s so easy to make that they can actually pour it themselves! For exact measurements of the ingredients, scroll to the bottom of the post.

  • Grenadine Syrup: Adds a sweet cherry flavor along with a vibrant red color.
  • Lemon Lime Soda: It tastes refreshing and fizzy and balances the sweetness of the grenadine.
  • Ice: Keeps the drink nice and chilled.
  • Maraschino Cherries: For a pop of color and a fun, sweet bite.
Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.

Shirley Temple Drink Recipe Instructions

This Shirley Temple mocktail recipe is so simple and perfect for any occasion! It reminds me of my childhood! I make it for myself with sprite zero and it makes me so happy! Just pour, stir, and garnish!

  1. Pour in Grenadine: Add the grenadine to the bottom of a tall glass.
  2. Ice: Add as much ice as desired.
  3. Finish and Serve: Top with the soda, then stir. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, and enjoy.

Tips for Making Shirley Temples

Here are some simple variations and substitutions to change up this drink and make it your own!

  • What Soda to Use: There is some debate on whether or not you should use ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for Shirley Temples and this will largely depend on where you live. The East Coast uses ginger ale more often, where as the midwest and west coast use Sprite specifically. You can use whichever you prefer!
  • Fresh Lime: If you want to add a splash of fresh lime juice, go for it!
  • Make it Boozy: If you want a dirty Shirley Temple, add 1 ounce of vodka, rum, or gin.
Side shot of someone stirring the Shirley Temple.

Enjoy Immediately!

Shirley temples are best made right when you are ready to enjoy them!

More Fun Drinks to Try

If you’re like me, then you like to make themed drinks to enhance any party or get-together.

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Shirley Temple

By: Alyssa Rivers
The Shirley Temple is a classic, non-alcoholic drink that's as fun as it is refreshing! Made with just a few simple ingredients, its sweet, bubbly flavor and signature cherry garnish make it a favorite for both kids and adults!
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients 

  • 2 tablespoons grenadine
  • 8 ounces lemon lime soda
  • ice, if desired
  • maraschino cherries, for garnish

Instructions 

  • Add the grenadine to the bottom of a tall glass. Add as much ice as desired.
  • Top with the soda and stir. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 0.2gSodium: 33mgPotassium: 13mgSugar: 42gCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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