Mom's Best Recipes

Recipe

Classic Shirley Temple

A fizzy, sweet-tart mocktail with ginger ale, grenadine, and cherries that feels like a party in a glass.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A tall glass of a classic Shirley Temple with ice, a red gradient from grenadine, bubbles rising through ginger ale, and two maraschino cherries on top on a bright kitchen counter

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If there is one drink that instantly makes a regular Tuesday feel like a birthday party, it is the Shirley Temple. It is fizzy, candy-bright, and dead simple, but there is a little technique that keeps it from turning into a flat cup of syrup.

My version leans classic: ginger ale for that cozy bite, grenadine for the cherry-pomegranate sweetness, and a generous pile of ice because warm soda is not the vibe. Add a cherry or three, and you have a mocktail that makes kids feel fancy and adults feel weirdly nostalgic.

Ginger ale, a bottle of grenadine, maraschino cherries, fresh limes, and a tray of ice arranged on a clean kitchen counter

Why It Works

Bright, not cloying: Grenadine goes in first, then soda, so you get that pretty gradient and a balanced sip.
Fast and flexible: Make one glass in 2 minutes, or scale it into a pitcher for parties.
Good bubbles: Gentle stirring keeps the carbonation lively instead of sad and flat.
Easy upgrades: A squeeze of lime or a splash of orange juice makes it taste more “mocktail” and less “straight soda.”

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Shirley Temples are best made fresh because carbonation fades fast. That said, you can prep the parts:

Grenadine base: In a clean jar, mix grenadine with a little lime juice (if using). Seal tightly and refrigerate for about 1 to 2 weeks. If it smells off, looks cloudy, or you notice any odd changes, toss it and make a fresh batch.
Party pitcher tip: Build the pitcher with ice and grenadine, then add cold ginger ale right before serving. If it sits more than 20 to 30 minutes, expect fewer bubbles.
Leftover poured drink: If you must save it, cap it tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours. It will be flatter, but still tasty over fresh ice.

Common Questions

Is a Shirley Temple just Sprite and grenadine?

It can be, and it will still be fun. Shirley Temples are often made with ginger ale (and sometimes lemon-lime soda). Some popular versions also add a small splash of orange juice. Ginger ale gives a little bite that keeps the sweetness in check.

What is grenadine, exactly?

Grenadine is a sweet, ruby-red syrup traditionally made from pomegranate. Some grocery store bottles are more “candy-sweet” than tart-pomegranate, but they still work great here. If you love a brighter flavor, look for pomegranate-forward grenadine.

How do I make it less sweet for older kids or adults?

Use less grenadine (start with 1 tablespoon), add a squeeze of lime, or swap half the ginger ale for club soda.

What is the difference between a Shirley Temple and a Dirty Shirley?

A Dirty Shirley is the grown-up version with alcohol, typically vodka. This recipe is the classic non-alcoholic Shirley Temple.

How do I keep the drink fizzy?

Use very cold soda, add it last (pouring it down the side of the glass helps), and stir gently once. Also, the longer it sits around, the more bubbles it loses, especially if it gets warm or gets stirred a lot while everyone debates what movie to watch.

Are maraschino cherries okay for little kids?

For very young kids, cherries can be a choking hazard. You can slice them in half or serve them on a pick for older kids.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Tall glass (12 to 16 ounces)
Measuring spoon or small jigger
Long spoon for a gentle stir
Citrus juicer (optional, if using lime)

The first time I ever felt like a “real” restaurant person as a kid was ordering a Shirley Temple. It showed up with that bright red swirl, the ice clinking, and a cherry on top like it was wearing a tiny crown. These days, I make them at home when friends bring their kids over, and honestly, I still make one for myself too. Not because I need the sugar, but because sometimes you just want your drink to feel like a celebration.