Shirley Temple
A beloved and iconic non-alcoholic drink, the Shirley Temple is a sweet and fizzy concoction made with ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda), a splash of grenadine, and traditionally garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Prep Time
2 min
ABV
0% ABV
Servings
Flavor Profile
The Quick Answer
A Shirley Temple loses its fizz and signature layered look when the soda warms up and the grenadine is stirred in too soon. Pour cold ginger ale over plenty of ice, add the dense grenadine slowly so it settles to the bottom, and serve right away before the carbonation fades.
Why does the grenadine sink to the bottom of a Shirley Temple?
Grenadine is a thick syrup loaded with sugar, which makes it considerably denser than the carbonated ginger ale above it. When you pour it in slowly it drops through the lighter soda and pools at the base, creating the red-to-clear gradient the drink is known for, before any stirring blends the two. The same density is why a quick single stir is enough to distribute it evenly. Pour grenadine fast or stir hard from the start and you both lose the layered visual and knock CO2 out of the ginger ale, trading the drink's signature look and fizz for a uniform, flatter pink.
Why does my Shirley Temple go flat so fast?
The entire body of this drink is carbonated ginger ale, so once the CO2 escapes there is nothing left but sweet syrup and melted ice. Carbonation holds best in cold liquid, so using well-chilled ginger ale and a glass packed with ice keeps the gas in solution longer. Pour the soda gently rather than splashing it, and stir only once when adding grenadine. Warm soda, a half-empty pour, or repeated stirring all accelerate the fizz loss. Because there is no spirit to carry flavor, that lively carbonation is doing most of the work, which is why serving immediately matters so much.
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Random Recipe GeneratorWhat is this drink?
The Shirley Temple is America's most iconic non-alcoholic drink, named for the beloved 1930s child star. It combines ginger ale or lemon-lime soda with a splash of grenadine and is finished with the signature maraschino cherry garnish — a drink designed to make everyone feel special.
Why you'll love it
It's nostalgic, cheerful, and endlessly charming — the sweet, fizzy grenadine-tinted soda and the bright red cherry make it as fun to look at as it is to drink, and it never fails to bring a smile.
When to serve
Perfect for family restaurants, children's parties, non-alcoholic celebrations, or any occasion where guests of all ages deserve a special, festive drink in hand.
Pro tip
Add the grenadine after pouring the soda and let it sink to the bottom before a light stir — this creates a beautiful ombre effect from red at the bottom to golden at the top.
Ginger Ale
The classic base — its gentle ginger spice and sweet effervescence provide the perfect backdrop for the grenadine's sweetness.
Grenadine
The signature ingredient — pomegranate-flavored syrup that tints the drink a beautiful rosy red and adds fruity sweetness. Use a quality grenadine for best results.
Maraschino Cherry
The essential garnish — no Shirley Temple is complete without at least one bright red cherry; it's the visual signature of the drink.
Swap Options
Lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7-Up) can replace ginger ale for a citrusier base. Real pomegranate juice can substitute for grenadine for a less sweet, more natural version. For a 'Dirty Shirley,' add a shot of vodka for an adult version.
Directions
Step 1
Prepare glass with ice
Fill a highball glass or a tumbler generously with 1 serving of ice.
Pro Tip
- →A well-chilled glass and plenty of ice keep the drink refreshing.
Step 2
Add ginger ale
Pour 6 ounces (180 ml) of chilled ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda) over the ice.
Pro Tip
- →Ensure the soda is very cold to maintain fizziness.
Step 3
Add grenadine
Slowly pour 0.5 ounce (15 ml) of grenadine into the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating a lovely layered effect before stirring.
Pro Tip
- →Pouring slowly helps create the distinct red layer at the bottom.
Step 4
Garnish and serve
Stir gently once or twice if you want to mix the grenadine. Garnish with 1-2 maraschino cherries and optionally a lemon or lime wedge on the rim. Serve immediately.
Pro Tip
- →The maraschino cherry is a signature garnish for this drink.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Dirty Shirley
Add a shot (25–50ml) of vodka to the classic recipe for an adult version that retains the drink's sweet, nostalgic character with a spirit kick. A favourite at cocktail bars for guests who want something familiar but more grown-up.
Pomegranate Shirley Temple
Replace the grenadine with fresh pomegranate juice for a less sweet, more complex version with a deeper red colour and a pleasantly tart edge. Particularly popular with adults who find the traditional grenadine version too sweet.
Lemon-Lime Shirley Temple
Swap the ginger ale for Sprite or 7-Up for a citrus-forward Shirley Temple that's slightly sharper and less sweet than the ginger ale version. The lemon-lime notes complement the grenadine and orange juice beautifully.
Tools that make this drink come together
Highball Glass
A tall highball glass shows off the drink's vivid pink-red colour and holds the ice, ginger ale, and orange juice with room for a generous garnish. The height and clarity of the glass are part of the Shirley Temple's visual appeal.
Jigger or Measure
Measuring the grenadine precisely ensures consistent colour and sweetness. Too much grenadine makes the drink cloying and overly sweet; too little gives a pale, insipid result. Start with 15ml and adjust to taste.
Bar Spoon
A gentle stir after building the drink distributes the grenadine and orange juice evenly through the ginger ale without knocking out the carbonation. Stir from the bottom of the glass once or twice — no more.
Can't Find These?
Any tall glass works perfectly. Estimate grenadine with a tablespoon (approximately 15ml). A chopstick or long spoon stirs gently. The Shirley Temple is a delightfully simple drink that requires no specialist bar equipment whatsoever.
The right glass makes a real difference
Highball Glass
A Shirley Temple is served in a tall highball glass packed with ice — the transparency of the glass shows off the drink's gradient from the grenadine settling at the bottom through to the paler ginger ale on top. The generous portion suits the drink's celebratory, occasion-drink character. A maraschino cherry on a cocktail stick resting on the rim is the finishing touch.
Alternatives
A tall tumbler or Collins glass works identically. A wide wine glass gives a more relaxed, generous presentation. For children's parties, a clear plastic cup maintains the visual appeal without the risk of glass. Avoid small glasses — the Shirley Temple's impact comes partly from its impressive size.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Party Sandwiches
Small, crustless sandwiches with simple fillings like egg mayonnaise, cheese, or ham are classic party food companions for the Shirley Temple — especially appropriate at children's celebrations where the drink takes centre stage.
Fruit Skewers with Strawberries
Colourful skewers of fresh strawberries, melon, and grapes complement the Shirley Temple's fruity sweetness and bright colours. An attractive, healthy party snack that children and adults alike will enjoy.
Mini Cheese Pizzas
Simple, crowd-pleasing mini pizzas are an ideal companion for a Shirley Temple at informal gatherings. The savoury, cheesy flavour provides a satisfying contrast to the drink's sweetness.
Lemonade Cupcakes
Light, citrusy lemon cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting echo the fruity character of the Shirley Temple and create a cohesive, celebratory treat spread for birthday parties and special occasions.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Chill the Ginger Ale
Refrigerate all ginger ale at least two hours before serving — cold ginger ale poured over ice stays carbonated considerably longer than room-temperature ginger ale added to a chilled glass. Always use freshly opened bottles or cans for maximum fizz.
Set Up a Garnish Tray
Arrange maraschino cherries, orange slices, and cocktail sticks on a small tray before the party begins. Having garnishes pre-prepared means each drink can be finished quickly and attractively without slowing down service.
Make a Grenadine Batch
Measure grenadine into a small pouring jug before service for quick, accurate pours without wrestling with a large bottle. Keep covered to prevent sticky drips and store within easy reach of the ice and ginger ale.
Pre-Fill Glasses with Ice
Pack the highball glasses with ice 10 minutes before service and let them chill thoroughly. Cold glasses with cold ice keep Shirley Temples fizzier for longer and make the drink look much more appealing and professional.
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