Shirley Temple | The Recipe Critic

This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

Shirley Temple is a classic, non-alcoholic drink that’s as fun as it is refreshing! It’s made with just a few simple ingredients. Its sweet cherry flavor and signature bubbly drink with a cherry on top make it a favorite for both kids and adults!

Reasons You’ll Love This Drink

Kid-Friendly: A bright, sparkling drink everyone can enjoy. Shirley Temples make a great alternative to cocktails at parties!
Easy to Make: All you need are four simple ingredients. After that, it takes just 5 minutes to have this fun and festive drink ready to serve!
Fun and Festive: These are Perfect for any celebration or as a special treat! I love making these for my kids’ birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any holiday! Serve them with strawberry mousse, a Valentine’s charcuterie, and mini cheesecakes.

What’s in a Shirley Temple?

I remember, as a child, getting to enjoy Shirley Temples for special occasions! Now, I love treating my own kids to this fancy-looking drink. Plus, it’s so easy to make that they can actually pour it themselves! For exact measurements of the ingredients, scroll to the bottom of the post.

Grenadine Syrup: Adds a sweet cherry flavor along with a vibrant red color.
Lemon Lime Soda: It tastes refreshing and fizzy and balances the sweetness of the grenadine.
Ice: Keeps the drink nice and chilled.
Maraschino Cherries: For a pop of color and a fun, sweet bite.

Shirley Temple Drink Recipe Instructions

This Shirley Temple mocktail recipe is so simple and perfect for any occasion! It reminds me of my childhood! I make it for myself with sprite zero and it makes me so happy! Just pour, stir, and garnish!

Pour in Grenadine: Add the grenadine to the bottom of a tall glass.
Ice: Add as much ice as desired.
Finish and Serve: Top with the soda, then stir. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, and enjoy.

Side shot of someone pouring grenadine into the bottom of a glass.

Side shot of someone putting ice into the glass with grenadine.

Tips for Making Shirley Temples

Here are some simple variations and substitutions to change up this drink and make it your own!

What Soda to Use: There is some debate on whether or not you should use ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for Shirley Temples and this will largely depend on where you live. The East Coast uses ginger ale more often, where as the midwest and west coast use Sprite specifically. You can use whichever you prefer!
Fresh Lime: If you want to add a splash of fresh lime juice, go for it!
Make it Boozy: If you want a dirty Shirley Temple, add 1 ounce of vodka, rum, or gin.