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Old Fashioned Cocktails – Shirley Temple:
When was the Shirley Temple Invented?
The Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic cocktail that was first created in the 1930s, and is named after the famous child actress.
The exact origin of the drink is uncertain, but it is believed to have been created by a bartender at Chasen’s restaurant in Hollywood, who made the drink for Shirley Temple when she visited with her parents. The drink quickly became popular and was soon being served at restaurants and soda fountains across the country. The Shirley Temple is still a popular beverage today, particularly among children and teetotalers.
What You Need
- ginger ale
- lemon-lime soda or lemonade (optional)
- grenadine syrup
- Ice
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
How to Make a Shirley Temple
- Fill your highball glass with ice to chill it while you prepare the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add the ginger ale, lemon-lime soda or lemonade (if using), and grenadine syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake or stir well.
- Strain the drink mixture into your chilled glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a straw.
How To Serve it?
How to Make Grenadine Syrup:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until it has thickened and reduced by about half.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator.
Homemade grenadine syrup will keep for about 1-2 months in the refrigerator. Use it to add a sweet and fruity flavor to your cocktails and other drinks.
Tip For Making it amazing:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The key to a great Shirley Temple is using quality grenadine syrup, which provides the sweet, fruity flavor that is characteristic of this cocktail. Grenadine syrup is made from pomegranate juice and sugar, and the quality of the syrup can vary greatly depending on the brand. Look for a high-quality grenadine syrup that is made with real pomegranate juice and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or colors.
- The ginger ale and lemon-lime soda or lemonade you use should also be of good quality to ensure that the cocktail tastes fresh and delicious.
- For a fun twist, you can also add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice to the cocktail to create a unique flavor profile.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of glass should I use for it?
A tall, slender highball glass is the traditional choice for serving a Shirley Temple. The shape of the glass helps to showcase the bright color of the drink, and the tall size leaves plenty of room for ice and garnishes.
Can I use different kinds of soda in it?
While ginger ale is the traditional soda used in this cocktail, you can experiment with other types of soda to create a unique variation on the drink. Lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange soda can all be used in place of the ginger ale. Keep in mind that using a different soda may affect the overall flavor of the cocktail and require some adjustment to the amount of grenadine syrup used.
Can I make this cocktail without grenadine syrup?
Grenadine syrup is a key ingredient in a classic Shirley Temple and provides the bright red color and sweet flavor of the drink. If you don’t have grenadine syrup on hand, you can try using another sweet syrup, such as raspberry or cherry, but the flavor and color of the drink may be different.
How can I make it more adult-friendly?
If you want to make a more sophisticated version of the Shirley Temple, you can add a splash of vodka or rum to the drink to create a Shirley Temple cocktail. This will add a little kick to the drink and make it more appropriate for adult tastes.
Can I make a Shirley Temple without ginger ale?
While ginger ale is a key ingredient in the classic Shirley Temple mocktail, you can experiment with other carbonated beverages to create a variation on the drink. Lemon-lime soda or lemonade can be used in place of the ginger ale to create a sweeter, less spicy version of the drink. You can also use a combination of ginger ale and lemon-lime soda to create a more complex flavor.
Can I use a different garnish for the Shirley Temple?
While a maraschino cherry is the traditional garnish for a Shirley Temple, you can experiment with other fruits or herbs to create a unique twist on the drink. A slice of orange or lemon can add a bright burst of citrus flavor, while a sprig of fresh mint can add a refreshing herbal note. Have fun and get creative with your garnishes!

Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic cocktail named after the famous child actress Shirley Temple. The drink is often used in place of wine for children eating with adults and has a sweet and sour taste with a strong ginger flavor.
Ingredients
- ½ oz red grenadine syrup
- ½ oz lemon juice
- dried ginger water
- 1 cup of ice
Instructions
Add ice to the Colin glass, stir the ice cubes to cool the glass and strain off the water for use.Add the red grenadine syrup and lemon juice in a shaker , shake well with ice and pour into the glass, then add the dry ginger water and stir gently to mix, the lemon peel to enhance the flavour and garnish.
Did you make this recipe?
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