The Shirley Temple drink is definitely in the running for first place as the most iconic mocktail; it's bright red coloring and fizzy bubbles turn this non-alcoholic classic into a visual feast. Both the youngest and oldest tastebuds around are pleased with this bright and fun refresher.
Classic Shirley Temple Recipe
Not to be confused with the beloved actress who gave the drink its name, the classic Shirley Temple should be prepared in a collins glass, as the bartenders who invented the drink served it to the young movie star in an attempt to help her emulate her parents' own Tom Collins in a safe, age-appropriate way. Similarly, it should feature ginger ale, grenadine, and the signature Tom Collins' cherry garnish.
Ingredients
- Ice
- ½ ounce grenadine
- Ginger ale
- Cherries and a lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a collins glass filled with ice, combine the ginger ale and grenadine. Stir.
- Garnish with cherries and a lime wedge.
Modern Variations
Professional and amateur mixologists have had nearly 100 years to put a spin on this non-alcoholic, Hollywood drink, some of which add juices, a variety of fresh fruit garnishes, and new simple syrups. Either way, even these modern takes on the Shirley Temple take the tastebuds on a trip down Sunset Boulevard and back.
Shirley Temple Citrus Style
For those who like to have a little tartness in their life, this recipe adds some orange juice into the mix.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 6 ounces ginger ale
- 1 ounce orange juice
- ½ ounce grenadine
- Cherries and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a collins glass filled with ice, combine the ginger ale and orange juice. Stir.
- Top with grenadine and garnish with cherries and a lime wedge.
Persephone's Shirley Temple
Made both for those with a penchant for the Greek Goddess Persephone and her iconic pomegranates and those who want to stray away from the sugary preservatives in simple syrups, this Shirley Temple recipe trades out grenadine for pomegranate syrup.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 ounce pomegranate syrup
- Ginger ale
- Pomegranate seeds and lemon wheel for garnish
Preparation
- In a collins glass filled with ice, combine the ginger ale and pomegranate syrup. Stir.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lemon wheel.
Animal Crackers in My Soup
Named in honor of Shirley Temple's legendary song, this recipe switches out ginger ale for white grape juice in this modern variation on the classic take.
Ingredients
- Ice
- ½ ounce grenadine
- Sparkling white grape juice
- Crushed animal crackers, for garnish
Instructions
- In a collins glass filled with ice, combine the grenadine and sparkling white grape juice. Stir.
- Garnish with crushed animal crackers and serve.
Very Cherry Shirley Temple
For the cherry lovers of the world, this very cherry Shirley Temple brings the punch of the natural fruit flavor by substituting ginger ale for cherry sparkling water.
Ingredients
- Ice
- ½ ounce grenadine
- Cherry sparkling water
- Cherries for garnish
Instructions
- In a collins glass filled with ice, pour in the cherry sparkling water.
- Add the grenadine and stir.
- Garnish with cherries.
Shirley Temple Visits Maui
This is a perfectly tropical, summertime version of the classic Shirley Temple recipe and would be a great drink to sip beachside on your next visit to the Hawaiian islands.
Ingredients
- Ice
- ½ ounce grenadine
- ½ ounce coconut water
- 6 ounces pineapple juice
- Pineapple wedge and cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In a collins glass filled with ice combine the grenadine, coconut water, and pinapple juice. Stir.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
A Shirley Temple for All Occasions
Whether you're the designated driver and need a nonalcoholic beverage that every bartender can make from memory, or you're in the mood to reminisce on your childhood summertime adventures, a Shirley Temple is the perfect drink for you.
