With this shirley temple recipe, you will learn how to create the unique mocktail of ginger ale/ lemon-lime soda with grenadine and a maraschino cherry on top. You will also learn how to make this drink fizzy and bright as opposed to overly sweet or flat. This drink is ideal for holidays, parties, or any occasion for a fun drink culture without the alcohol.
Shirley Temple Mocktail
Traditionally this mocktail consists of soda, grenadine and cherries for garnish and an orange slice. The ‘right’ version is all about balance. This would include a good amount of grenadine, for the sweetness and coloring, but not enough for it to taste overly sweet. A great shirley temple recipe incorporates this balance which along with the carbonation, results in a refreshing and enjoyable drink.
Essential Equipment
- Tall glass (12–16 oz. recommended)
- Measuring spoon or small jigger
- Spoon or straw (for stirring)
- Ice
If you enjoy easy, homemade drinks like this Virgin piña colada recipe, then you will really enjoy this recipe as well
Key Ingredients
Here are some key ingredients to the shirley temple recipe that you want to stay classic and clean to:
- A lemon-lime soda or some ginger ale: some would say ginger ale is more of the traditional drink, but lemon-lime soda is sweeter and less heavy.
- Grenadine: which is the sweet and tart syrup as well as the color.
Be cautious with some grenadine. For the best taste, start off with a small amount!
- Maraschino cherries: the original garnish.
- Orange slice (optional): adds aroma and enhances the “restaurant” vibe.
- Lime or lemon juice (optional): adds balance to the drink if it’s too sweet.
Shirley Temple Recipe (1 Serving)
Yield
1 drink (about 12–16 oz / 355–475 ml)
Ingredients
- Ice (enough to fill the glass)
- 1 cup (240 ml) ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda)
- 1 to 2 tbsp grenadine (start with 1 tbsp, then adjust)
- 2 to 3 maraschino cherries, and a bit of cherry juice (optional)
- 1 orange slice (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon or lime juice (optional, for balance)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Fill the glass with ice
For best results, fill a tall glass with ice before you start making the drink. This helps the soda stay fizzy longer and makes it taste fresh.
Step 2: Add grenadine
Pour a generous portion of grenadine over the ice. You can add it first for a pokeball vibe or for a layered look.
Step 3: Top with soda
Catch the ginger-ale right at the edge of the glass so the soda catches the bubbles.
Step 4: Stir lightly and garnish
To finish, stir the drink once or twice, then add in the cherries (also the orange slice if you’re using an orange slice). Now you can serve your shirley temple recipe. It looks so good, it’s so refreshing, and it’s a classic.
Ratios (So It Doesn’t Taste Too Sweet)
A simple starting ratio is as follows:
- 1 cup soda : 1 tbsp grenadine
If you find these drinks not sweet enough, add 1.5-2 tablespoons of grenadine. Alternatively, if your grenadine syrup is very sweet, you should add a lighter splash of grenadine plus a squeeze of a lemon or lime.
Drink Size (Party Scaling)
12 oz glass (small)
- 3/4 cup soda
- 1 tbsp grenadine
16 oz glass (tall)
- 1 cup soda
- 1 to 2 tbsp grenadine
Pitcher (6 servings)
- 6 cups soda
- 6 to 10 tbsp grenadine (start with 6 tbsp, then taste)
Also, add soda last to the pitcher and then stir gently to avoid losing bubbles. Remembering the ratio will allow you to spruce up a party with the same shirley temple recipe every time.
Fun Alternatives
1) “Dirty Shirley”
Without a doubt, the easiest way to make this a ‘Dirty Shirley’ is to add 1 to 1 1/2 oz of vodka to the glass and pour in the soda.
If you’re making these drinks for kids too, consider making these mocktails in a separate glass or drink at a separate location.
2) Shirley Temple with Sprite and Citrus
For this drink, you will use a lemon-lime soda and add 1 tsp of lemon juice. This allows the drink to be slightly more tart, while still maintaining the flavor of the drink.
3) Healthier Version
This will involve a club soda, along with a splash of ginger ale for flavor, and a smaller splash of grenadine. This will allow you to retain the aesthetic of the drink of the original mixed drink with less sugar.
4) Extra Cherry Template Version
Add a teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice, and in this version, keep the grenadine a bit less than the cherry juice to avoid adding too much sweetness.
Optional: Homemade Grenadine, the Quick Version
Want to try Natural a bit and want to skip the unnatural sweetness? Take a look at this:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Steps
Warm up the pomegranate juice and roughly 1/2 water and 1/2 sugar in a pan and let it dissolve. Then store it in the fridge. If you need to store it for a while, you can always throw it in the freezer (shirley temple recipes).
Maintain Fizz
Here are some quick tips that can be done ahead of time and maintain the fizz:
- Keep soda and grenadine in the fridge before adding to the mix. This will ensure the ice from the drink doesn’t melt too quickly.
- Have the cherries and ice prepared in the mason jars.
Mix the grenadine and soda right before serving your Shirley Temple mash up. For a party, try adding ice to the mason jars instead of the pitcher. This preserves the soda and prevents it from diluting.
FAQ
My drink tastes too flat.
Try using chilled soda and only mix the ingredients a little bit. Serve it immediately once you are done with the shirley temple recipe.
My drink is too sweet.
Use about 1 tsp lime juice and modify the grenadine to make it a little less sweet. You can always top it with a splash of club soda for some carbonation and to evened out the sweetness.
It’s the wrong shade/borderline dessert.
Try using 1 tablespoon of grenadine instead of 2. Taste again; you’ll still get that classic aesthetic, but at least now it won’t be a dessert drink.
It’s flavorless.
Try ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda, or add an orange slice. Really, too, a squeeze of citrus will provide that flavor boost you may be looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Shirley Temple usually made with ginger ale?
Generally, yes; but some people just use lemon-lime soda since it’s more commonly found. In either case, the shirley temple recipe still holds; just adjust your grenadine use.
Is it possible to make one without grenadine?
Of course. One can use both some cherry syrup or a small splash of slightly diluted pomegranate juice. Although the color will be a bit different, this will still be a fun, fruity drink.
How can I make sure the layers will last?
To make sure they won’t mix, always add your grenadine first, then just pour the soda directly over the ice. Finally, don’t stir. And serve with a straw to mix as you sip.
Is sparkling water an option?
Yes. If a lighter drink is preferred, soda is still an option, but also keep the second splash as ginger ale.
Conclusion
This shirley temple recipe is a classic drink that is sure to please any occasion: ice, grenadine, soda, and cherries—the essentials. However, learn the 1-cup-to-1-tablespoon ratio and you will be able to trade this classic for a party staple, adjust your levels of sweetness, and keep every cup bright, fizzy, and perfectly balanced.
