Home
Recipes
Mocktails
Core Classic Mocktails
Shirley Temple Recipe

Shirley Temple Recipe

By What’s Baking

A vibrant, bubbly blend of sweet grenadine and tangy ginger ale crowned with maraschino cherries that evokes childhood nostalgia with every effervescent sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
A crystal-clear highball glass stands proudly showcasing layers of ruby-red grenadine that gently bleed upward into golden ginger ale, creating a captivating ombré effect. The surface bubbles with lively carbonation while three plump maraschino cherries nestle together on top, suspended on a decorative cocktail pick. Condensation beads the outside of the glass, capturing the bright natural daylight that highlights the drink's jewel-toned colors. A slice of orange rests on the rim, adding a pop of vibrant citrus color while suggesting the hint of fresh flavor in this classic alcohol-free sipper. The drink is set against a light-colored marble countertop with a scatter of loose maraschino cherries and orange slices artfully arranged nearby.

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>

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>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

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>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

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.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
A tall, clear Collins glass filled with a vibrant, deep red Virgin Mary mocktail captured in crisp natural daylight. The rich tomato base shows beautiful textures with tiny specks of black pepper and celery salt visible. Ice cubes glisten and condensation beads on the glass, signaling refreshing coldness. A leafy celery stalk protrudes dramatically from the top while a lemon wedge perches on the rim alongside a pickle spear. The garnish array is completed with a skewer of olives, cherry tomato and a crisp cucumber slice. Background elements include bottles of Worcestershire sauce and a small bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, enhancing the craft cocktail feel.
Mocktails
Core Classic Mocktails

Virgin Mary Recipe

A savory, spice-forward tomato mocktail that delivers the perfect balance of tangy acidity, vegetal freshness, and peppery heat to invigorate your senses.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
View recipe
A copper mug filled with a sparkling Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule, photographed in bright natural daylight against a light wooden surface. Crushed ice peeks over the rim, topped with a fresh lime wheel and vibrant mint sprig. Tiny bubbles rise visibly through the pale golden liquid, while beads of condensation form on the outside of the mug. A small plate of fresh ginger slices and lime wedges sits alongside, suggesting the freshness of ingredients. The copper catches glints of light, creating a warm contrast against the crisp greens of the garnish.
Mocktails
Core Classic Mocktails

Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule Recipe

A zesty, ginger-forward mocktail with bright lime and aromatic mint, delivering the classic Moscow Mule experience without the alcohol.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
View recipe
A crystal-clear margarita glass with a perfectly salted rim captures the Virgin Margarita in bright natural daylight. The pale green-yellow cocktail shows frosty condensation on the outside of the glass, with crushed ice visible through the transparent liquid. A thin wheel of lime is perched on the rim, while a second lime wedge rests at the bottom of the glass. The drink sits on a rustic wooden table with scattered coarse sea salt crystals and fresh lime halves artfully arranged nearby, emphasizing the drink's citrus foundation and creating a vibrant contrast against the cool-toned beverage.
Mocktails
Core Classic Mocktails

Virgin Margarita Recipe

A tangy, balanced blend of fresh lime juice, agave, and orange notes creates a refreshing alcohol-free twist on the classic Margarita that's equally sophisticated and satisfying.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
View recipe
An overhead shot of a stunning azure blue mocktail in a tall hurricane glass, illuminated by bright natural daylight that makes the blue liquid almost glow. Crushed ice fills the glass, with condensation forming on the exterior suggesting perfect chilling. A skewer of fresh pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries rests across the rim, while a slice of orange decorates the edge. The mocktail sits on a light wooden surface with scattered tropical elements – a few blue flower petals, a seashell, and a small bowl of blue curaçao syrup nearby – creating a beachy vacation atmosphere that perfectly complements this Blue Lagoon's tropical essence.
Mocktails
Core Classic Mocktails

Blue Lagoon Mocktail Recipe

A vibrant azure mocktail that balances sweet and tangy flavors with a refreshing citrus finish, transporting you to tropical shores with every sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
View recipe
An overhead shot of a frosty highball glass filled with a milky white Nojito against bright natural daylight. Crushed ice peeks through the creamy coconut liquid, layered with vibrant green muddled mint leaves. Fresh lime wedges and coconut shavings rest atop as garnish, while a biodegradable straw stands tall among scattered mint sprigs. Tiny water droplets form on the glass exterior, conveying ultimate refreshment, while a rustic wooden serving board provides textural contrast to the crisp, tropical beverage.
Mocktails
Core Classic Mocktails

Nojito (Coconut Mojito) Recipe

A tropical paradise in a glass where zesty lime, fragrant mint, and creamy coconut create a refreshing alcohol-free twist on the classic mojito.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
View recipe
A close-up of a frosted hurricane glass showcases this Virgin Daiquiri in bright natural daylight, highlighting either the vibrant red of fresh strawberries or the bright green of lime, depending on the version. The glass sits on a whitewashed wooden surface with scattered fresh fruit around the base—whole strawberries with leaves attached or sliced lime wedges. The drink itself has a perfectly smooth, slushy texture from blending with crushed ice, creating tiny ice crystals visible on the surface. A thin lime wheel or small strawberry garnishes the rim, while condensation beads form on the outside of the glass, suggesting its refreshing chill. A paper umbrella and colorful straw complete the tropical presentation, making it instantly recognizable as a vacation-worthy mocktail.
Mocktails
Core Classic Mocktails

Virgin Daiquiri (Strawberry or Lime) Recipe

A perfectly balanced symphony of vibrant fruit flavors, crushed ice, and gentle sweetness creates a refreshing tropical escape in every sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
2 mocktails
View recipe