Shirley Temple Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Shirley Temple with this easy mocktail recipe. This classic alcohol-free drink combines sweet grenadine with bubbly ginger ale and a splash of orange juice, topped with maraschino cherries for a nostalgic non-alcoholic treat that's perfect for kids and adults alike.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 mocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml grenadine syrup</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh orange juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150ml ginger ale (chilled)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50ml lemon-lime soda (chilled)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 maraschino cherries (plus extra for serving)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange slice for garnish</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail pick</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Fill a highball glass with ice cubes, ensuring they're fresh from the freezer for maximum chill and minimal dilution. The quality of your ice directly affects how long your Shirley Temple will maintain its perfect temperature. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Pour the grenadine syrup slowly over the ice, allowing it to settle at the bottom of the glass. This creates that beautiful red gradient that's signature to a proper Shirley Temple. The syrup should coat the bottom ice cubes with its rich ruby color. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the orange juice next, which helps balance the sweetness of the grenadine with a touch of natural citrus acidity. The juice also acts as a flavor bridge between the sweet syrup and the spicy notes in the ginger ale. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Carefully pour the chilled ginger ale and lemon-lime soda along the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. The slow pour technique prevents excessive fizzing and allows the bubbles to carry the grenadine flavor upward through the drink. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Gently stir once or twice with a bar spoon to create a subtle gradient effect without fully mixing the ingredients. You want to maintain some layering while ensuring the flavors will blend as you sip. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Thread three maraschino cherries onto a cocktail pick and place across the rim of the glass. The cherries should be plump and glistening, offering a sweet treat with each sip. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Garnish with a fresh orange slice on the rim of the glass. The aroma of the citrus oils enhances the overall drinking experience by engaging your sense of smell before you even take a sip. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Serve immediately while the carbonation is at its peak and the ice is still maintaining the perfect temperature. A properly made Shirley Temple should have a beautiful gradient from ruby red at the bottom to light amber at the top. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Shirley Temple Recipe?

The classic Shirley Temple requires grenadine syrup, fresh orange juice, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, ice cubes, maraschino cherries, and an orange slice for garnish. These ingredients blend perfectly to create that signature sweet, tangy and fizzy flavour profile.

How to make Shirley Temple Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Shirley Temple at home by layering grenadine syrup and orange juice over ice in a highball glass, gently pouring in chilled ginger ale and lemon-lime soda, then garnishing with maraschino cherries and an orange slice. This simple process creates the iconic gradient effect and balanced flavour in just 5 minutes.

What's the best type of ginger ale to use in a grenadine mocktail?

For the perfect grenadine mocktail, opt for a premium ginger ale with noticeable ginger flavour rather than an overly sweet variety. Brands like Fever-Tree, Canada Dry, or Schweppes offer the ideal balance of spiciness and sweetness to complement the grenadine's rich flavour.

Can I create this classic mocktail without grenadine syrup?

While grenadine provides the signature flavour and vibrant colour, pomegranate juice reduced with sugar creates an excellent homemade substitute. Alternatively, cranberry juice with a splash of cherry or raspberry syrup can mimic the sweet-tart profile when grenadine isn't available.

How do I achieve the perfect layered effect in my bubbling mocktail?

For beautiful layers, pour grenadine slowly over ice first, then add heavier juices. Pour carbonated ingredients gently down the side of your tilted glass using the back of a spoon. Minimal stirring helps maintain distinct layers while allowing the natural effervescence to create a gradual blend.

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