I remember ordering one of these at every restaurant as a kid, just so I could feel like I was drinking something fancy.
Turns out, the appeal hasn’t worn off at all as an adult. 🍒
A Shirley Temple is a simple, non-alcoholic drink made with ginger ale, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry on top.
It’s sweet, bubbly, and genuinely tastes like celebration in a glass, even though it takes about 30 seconds to make.
No special equipment, no complicated steps. Just a few ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.
Here’s something fun to know: this drink has been a staple on kids’ menus since the 1930s, named after child actress Shirley Temple, even though there’s some debate over whether she actually liked the drink that bears her name. 🍒
It’s stuck around for nearly a century, which says a lot about how good a simple combination of ginger ale and grenadine really is.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of ginger ale and grenadine is what gives this drink its signature sweet, slightly fruity flavor.
Grenadine itself is a pomegranate-based syrup, which adds both sweetness and that classic deep red color the drink is known for.
The ginger ale provides the bubbles and a little bit of spice underneath the sweetness, keeping the drink from feeling one-dimensional.
And the cherry on top isn’t just decoration, it adds a little burst of extra flavor in that last sip.
Even the visual presentation matters here. Watching the deep red grenadine swirl through the bubbly ginger ale before you stir it is honestly part of the fun.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup ginger ale
- 1-2 tbsp grenadine syrup
- Ice
- 1-2 maraschino cherries
- Orange slice for garnish (optional)
Five ingredients, and most kitchens already have at least a few of them on hand.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tall glass
- Spoon or stirrer
- Cherry pitter (only if removing pits from fresh cherries)
How to Make a Shirley Temple
Step 1: Fill your glass with ice
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
Using a full glass of ice helps keep the drink cold longer without watering it down too quickly.
Step 2: Add the grenadine
Pour the grenadine syrup over the ice.
You’ll notice it pools at the bottom of the glass at first, which actually looks great if you’re going for that classic layered look before stirring.
Step 3: Top with ginger ale
Slowly pour the ginger ale over the grenadine, filling the rest of the glass.
Pouring slowly helps preserve some of the carbonation, since a fast pour can knock a lot of the bubbles out before you even get to drink it.
Step 4: Stir gently
Give the drink a gentle stir to combine the grenadine and ginger ale, since the grenadine tends to sink to the bottom at first.
A light stir is all you need here. Stirring too vigorously can flatten the carbonation faster than you’d like.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Drop in a maraschino cherry or two, and add an orange slice on the rim if you want to dress it up further.
Serve immediately while it’s still fizzy and cold.
Pro Tips
A few small details that make a real difference here.
- Pour the grenadine in slowly. Letting it settle at the bottom first creates a nice color gradient before you stir it in.
- Use real ginger ale, not a flavored soda substitute. It gives the drink its proper balance of sweetness and spice.
- Adjust the grenadine to your taste. Some people like it sweeter and more red, others prefer a lighter touch.
- Use fresh ice. Old, partially melted ice can water down the drink faster than you’d want.
- Add the cherry juice along with the cherries themselves. A small splash from the cherry jar adds extra flavor and an even deeper color.
- Use a clear glass if you can. Part of the appeal of this drink is watching the grenadine settle and swirl before you stir it together.
Substitutions and Variations
- No ginger ale on hand? Lemon-lime soda or club soda both work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a little different.
- Want it less sweet? Use less grenadine, or dilute it slightly with a splash of water before adding it to the glass.
- Want a fruitier version? Add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice alongside the grenadine.
- Want an adult version? Add a splash of rum, vodka, or bourbon to turn this into a classic, grown-up variation often called a “Dirty Shirley.”
- No grenadine available? A mix of cranberry juice and a touch of sugar can work as a rough substitute in a pinch.
- Want a tropical twist? Add a splash of pineapple juice along with the grenadine for a slightly different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
This drink really is meant to be made fresh, since the bubbles from the ginger ale are part of the appeal.
That said, you can keep grenadine, maraschino cherries, and ginger ale all stocked ahead of time so it’s ready to mix together whenever the mood strikes.
Nutritional Info & Diet Swaps
One serving comes out to roughly 120-150 calories, depending on how much grenadine and ginger ale you use.
For a lower sugar version: Use a diet or sugar-free ginger ale, and go lighter on the grenadine.
For a lower sugar grenadine option: Some brands offer reduced sugar versions, which work well without changing the flavor too much.
This drink is naturally caffeine-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free as written.
Meal Pairing Suggestions
- Burgers and fries: A classic, casual pairing that fits the drink’s fun, nostalgic vibe.
- Pizza night: Works well as a fun, kid-friendly drink alongside dinner.
- A birthday party spread: Pairs naturally with cake and other celebratory snacks.
- Movie night snacks: A fun, fizzy drink to go alongside popcorn and candy.
Time-Saving Tips
- Keep grenadine and ginger ale stocked in your fridge and pantry so this drink takes seconds to put together anytime.
- Pre-fill glasses with ice ahead of a party so you can assemble several drinks quickly when guests arrive.
- Make a big batch in a pitcher for parties, mixing the ratio of grenadine to ginger ale ahead of time and adding ice to individual glasses as needed.
- Set out a small garnish station at parties with cherries and orange slices so guests can customize their own glass.
Leftovers and Storage
This drink doesn’t really have leftovers, since it’s best enjoyed immediately while it’s cold and fizzy.
If you have extra grenadine or ginger ale, both store well on their own, grenadine in the fridge once opened, and ginger ale wherever you’d normally store soda.
FAQ
Is a Shirley Temple the same as a Roy Rogers? They’re very similar, but a Roy Rogers typically uses cola instead of ginger ale, while everything else stays mostly the same.
Where does the name “Shirley Temple” come from? It’s named after the famous child actress, and the drink has been associated with her since the 1930s, even though the exact origin story varies depending on who tells it.
Can I make this drink ahead of time for a party? Not fully mixed, since it loses its fizz over time, but you can have all the components ready to assemble quickly when needed.
Is grenadine alcoholic? No, grenadine is a non-alcoholic syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar, making this drink completely kid-friendly as written.
Can I make a large batch in a punch bowl? Yes, just mix the grenadine and ginger ale in the correct ratio directly in the bowl, then add ice and cherries right before serving.
What’s the ideal ratio of grenadine to ginger ale? A common starting point is about 1-2 tablespoons of grenadine per cup of ginger ale, though it really comes down to personal preference from there.
Wrapping Up
This drink proves that something this simple can still feel special, no matter how old you are when you order one.
Ginger ale, grenadine, and a cherry on top. That’s genuinely the entire recipe.
Make one the next time you want something fun and fizzy, whether it’s for a kid’s birthday party or just a random Tuesday that needs a little nostalgia.
If you try this one, leave a comment below and let me know how you like your ratio of grenadine to ginger ale. I’d love to hear about it.
