The Shirley Temple is one of the world’s most famous mocktails, named after the iconic Hollywood child star of the 1930s. Created to give kids and non-drinkers something glamorous to sip at cocktail parties, it quickly became a staple in restaurants and home kitchens alike. With its rosy hue and signature maraschino cherry, it feels festive yet simple.

As Hollywood culture spread globally in the mid-20th century, so did its food and drink trends. The Shirley Temple made its way to India through luxury hotels and clubs during the post-independence years, where mocktails became fashionable for families dining out. Its sweet, fizzy taste resonated with Indian palates, and soon it was adapted with local touches sometimes made with Thums Up or Limca instead of ginger ale. Today, it’s still a go-to non-alcoholic party drink in India, loved across generations.

Over the years, this drink has taken on a nostalgic charm, often remembered as the “first mocktail” many people ever tried. Its mix of ginger ale, grenadine, and citrus makes it refreshing, bubbly, and just sweet enough to please kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love My Recipe

Fun, kid-friendly, and non-alcoholic
Refreshing balance of sweet and fizzy
Just 3 ingredients, ready in minutes
Festive look with cherry garnish
Perfect for parties, brunches, and celebrations

Print Recipe

Shirley Temple Drink

The Shirley Temple is a classic mocktail made with ginger ale, grenadine, and a splash of citrus. Sweet, fizzy, and festive, it’s a favorite for all ages.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: Shirley Temple Drink

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

1 cup 240 ml ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda)
1 tablespoon 15 ml grenadine syrup
Ice cubes
Maraschino cherry for garnish
Optional: splash of orange juice for extra flavor

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Fill the glass: Add ice cubes to a tall glass.
Pour the soda: Add ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda) over the ice.
Add grenadine: Slowly pour in grenadine so it sinks and swirls through the soda.
Garnish: Top with a maraschino cherry — and an orange slice if you like.
Serve: Stir gently before drinking.

Notes

Ingredient Swaps:

Use Sprite or 7Up instead of ginger ale.

For a lighter version, use club soda with a splash of grenadine.

Technique Tips:

Pour grenadine slowly to get the signature “sunset” effect.

Add extra cherry syrup for kids who like it sweeter.

Make-Ahead & Storage:

Best made fresh; soda loses fizz if stored.

Prep garnishes (lime wedges, cherries) ahead of time.

Serving Ideas:

Serve in a tall glass with a straw for a retro vibe.

Great addition to brunch or kid-friendly party menus.

Twist Ideas:

Add orange juice for a Sunrise Shirley Temple.

Use sparkling water for a less sweet adult-friendly version.

Nutrition

FAQs

Why is it called a Shirley Temple?
It was named after the child actress Shirley Temple in the 1930s, created as her special non-alcoholic drink.

What does a Shirley Temple taste like?
It’s sweet, fizzy, and fruity with a hint of citrus.

Can adults enjoy it too?
Absolutely it’s refreshing for all ages, especially as a nostalgic treat.

Is grenadine alcoholic?
No grenadine is a pomegranate-based syrup, completely alcohol-free.

So that’s the Shirley Temple — simple, cheerful, and full of old-school charm. Whether you’re making it for a party or just for yourself, it always brings a bit of sparkle to the moment. With its bubbly sweetness and signature cherry, it remains timeless, bridging generations and making non-drinkers feel part of the party.

If you try this Shirley Temple Drink, let me know how it went in the comments. And if you enjoy classic mocktails, follow Beyond Chutney for more:

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Shirley Temple Drink (Refreshing Party Mocktail Recipe)

Why You’ll Love My Recipe