How to Make the Perfect Classic Shirley Temple
American · Easy · 5 min · 2 servings
A beloved sweet and bubbly non alcoholic drink made with ginger ale, grenadine, and a bright cherry on top. This iconic mocktail has delighted guests of all ages for decades.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Shirley Temple recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 5 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 150 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups ginger ale
- 3 tablespoons grenadine syrup
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 4 whole maraschino cherries
- 2 slices orange
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange juice
- 2 slices lemon
- 2 whole decorative paper straws
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Chill the Glasses
Place two tall glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes or fill them with ice water and let sit while you prepare the other ingredients. A cold glass keeps the drink fizzy longer.
Step 2: Add Ice
Discard the ice water if used to chill the glasses then fill each glass generously with fresh ice cubes. Pack the ice tightly so the drink stays cold throughout.
Step 3: Pour the Grenadine
Add 1.5 tablespoons of grenadine syrup to each glass. The grenadine will sink to the bottom and create a beautiful layered look before stirring.
Step 4: Top with Ginger Ale
Slowly pour one cup of cold ginger ale into each glass over the back of a spoon to protect the bubbles. Add a splash of fresh orange juice if desired for extra citrus flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Thread two maraschino cherries onto a cocktail pick and rest it across the top of each glass. Add an orange slice and lemon slice to the rim and insert a decorative straw. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ginger ale → lemon lime soda for a slightly different flavor profile
- grenadine syrup → pomegranate juice for a less sweet and more natural option
- maraschino cherries → fresh cherries for a less sweet and more natural garnish
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Pouring ginger ale too fast which destroys the carbonation and makes the drink flat
- Using warm ginger ale straight from the pantry instead of a chilled bottle
- Adding too much grenadine which makes the drink cloyingly sweet and overpowers the ginger ale
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 150 calories, 0g protein, 38g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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