The Classic Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe

Craving a tasty, non-alcoholic drink that’s both nostalgic and refreshing? You need to try the famous Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe!

This mocktail has been delighting kids and adults alike for decades, bringing a burst of sweet, fizzy fun to any occasion. So, the next time you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option that’s both fun and sophisticated, reach for a Shirley Temple mocktail.

Every great drink tells a story, and the Shirley Temple is a legend in its own right.

About Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe

The Shirley Temple is more than a drink. It’s a piece of culinary history. 

Named after the iconic child star of the 1930s, this mocktail emerged as a sophisticated non-alcoholic alternative during an era when children wanted to feel grown-up at social gatherings. 

Legend has it that restaurants began creating this special drink so young Shirley could have a fancy beverage that mimicked the cocktails of adults around her.

The classic recipe combines the sharp taste of ginger ale, the deep crimson sweetness of grenadine, and some maraschino cherries to create a drink that’s as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.

Ingredients for Shirley Temple

You only need three ingredients to make a Shirley Temple mocktail. 

• ½ cup of ginger ale
• 1 tablespoon of grenadine (store bought or homemade)
• Maraschino cherries—the classic garnish

Recipe Variations & Enhancements

• Swap ginger ale with ginger beer for more spice or diet ginger ale for reduced sugar.
• Add orange juice, pineapple juice, or mixed berry juice for more complexity.
• You can replace ginger ale with any lemon-lime soda (like 7Up, Schweppes, or Sprite).
• Don’t have grenadine? You can use pomegranate juice instead.
• For some herbal notes, muddle fresh mint leaves before adding ingredients.

How to Make Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe

1. Fill 2/3 with ice cubes of a clear, tall glass with ice cubes
2. Add 1 tablespoon of grenadine directly over ice
3. Pour your sparkling water into the cup.
4. Add ginger ale to the mix.
5. Add 1-2 maraschino cherries and enjoy!

Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe: FAQs

What is a Shirley Temple mocktail made of?

Only three ingredients: ginger ale, grenadine, and maraschino cherries.

Can I make Shirley Temple with Sprite or 7Up?

Yes. You can use any lemon-lime soda (like 7up, Schweppes, or Sprite) instead of ginger ale.

What is in a dirty Shirley Temple?

To make a regular Shirley Temple dirty, you’ll need to add some booze—either vodka or rum.