There are few drinks as universally beloved as the Shirley Temple. For generations, it has been the official "fancy drink" for kids, a sweet and fizzy concoction that makes any dinner out feel like a special occasion. With its beautiful ruby-red hue and signature cherry garnish, it's a nostalgic sip of pure joy.
Legend has it the drink was invented in the 1930s for the famous child actress of the same name, who wanted a sophisticated, non-alcoholic drink to enjoy alongside the adults and their cocktails.[1] Whether the story is true or not, the drink has become an iconic mocktail, beloved by kids and adults alike for its simple, sweet, and refreshing flavor.
This guide will show you how to make the perfect classic Shirley Temple, how to elevate it with a simple homemade ingredient, and introduce you to its famous variations.
The Great Soda Debate: Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime?
Ask ten different people how to make a Shirley Temple, and you'll likely get ten different answers about the base. The original recipe was almost certainly made with ginger ale, which gives the drink a milder, slightly spicy background.[1] However, the modern version you'll find in most restaurants today is typically made with lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP, which results in a sweeter, more citrus-forward drink.[2]
So, which one is correct? Both! The best version is simply the one you prefer. We recommend trying it both ways to see which one becomes your house favorite.
The Classic Shirley Temple Recipe
This is the quick, easy, and iconic recipe you know and love. It comes together in about a minute and is guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face.
The Classic Shirley Temple
Ingredients
- ✓6-8 oz. Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda, chilled
- ✓1 oz. Grenadine
- ✓Garnish: Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- 1Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass (like a Collins or highball glass) with ice.
- 2Add Grenadine: Pour the grenadine over the ice.
- 3Top with Soda: Slowly pour the chilled ginger ale or lemon-lime soda into the glass. The grenadine will create a beautiful sunrise effect as it settles.
- 4Garnish and Serve: Give the drink a gentle stir to combine the flavors. Garnish with one or two maraschino cherries and serve immediately.[2]
Elevate Your Shirley Temple: Homemade Grenadine
Want to take your Shirley Temple to the next level? Make your own grenadine. It sounds fancy, but it's incredibly simple and tastes infinitely better than the store-bought kind, which is often just artificially flavored corn syrup. Real grenadine is made from pomegranate juice and has a much richer, more authentic fruit flavor.
To make it, simply combine one part 100% pomegranate juice with one part sugar in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool, and that's it! You have a superior grenadine that will make your mocktails taste truly special.
Famous Variations to Try
The Shirley Temple is the foundation of a few other classic non-alcoholic drinks.
The Roy Rogers
The most famous variation is the Roy Rogers. It follows the exact same principle as a Shirley Temple but swaps the soda. Instead of ginger ale or lemon-lime, a Roy Rogers is made by mixing Coca-Cola with grenadine and garnishing with a maraschino cherry. It's a simple switch that creates a completely different, yet equally delicious, drink.
The Dirty Shirley
For the adults, there's the popular Dirty Shirley. This is simply a classic Shirley Temple with an ounce or two of vodka added to turn the mocktail into a simple and sweet cocktail.
