How to Make the Perfect Shirley Temple
American · Easy · 3 min · 1 servings
The ultimate classic non-alcoholic drink loved by kids and adults alike for decades. Ginger ale and grenadine combine for a sweet rosy drink topped with a maraschino cherry.
Why this recipe works
This Shirley Temple recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 3 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:
- 1 cup ginger ale chilled
- 2 tbsp grenadine syrup
- 0.25 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 0.5 cup ice cubes
- 2 whole maraschino cherries for garnish
- 1 slice orange for garnish
- 1 whole cocktail umbrella for garnish
- 1 sprig fresh mint optional garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Chill the Glass
Place your serving glass in the freezer for 2 to 3 minutes before assembling the drink. A cold glass helps keep the drink colder for longer and makes the presentation look more polished. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Step 2: Add Ice
Remove the glass from the freezer and fill it generously with ice cubes. Use plenty of ice so the drink stays cold and refreshing until the very last sip. Clear ice cubes look best in this presentation-forward drink.
Step 3: Add Grenadine
Pour the grenadine syrup directly over the ice. The grenadine will sink to the bottom of the glass creating a beautiful gradient effect that looks stunning before stirring. Do not stir yet if you want that layered look for photos.
Step 4: Add Orange Juice and Ginger Ale
Pour the fresh orange juice over the grenadine followed slowly by the chilled ginger ale. Pour the ginger ale gently against the side of the glass to preserve the carbonation. The drink will naturally turn a gorgeous pink and orange color.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Give the drink one gentle stir if you prefer an even color throughout. Garnish with maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick, an orange slice on the rim, and a cocktail umbrella for a festive look. Serve immediately with a straw.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ginger ale → lemon lime soda or sprite for a less spicy base
- grenadine syrup → pomegranate juice mixed with a little sugar
- orange juice → pineapple juice for a tropical variation
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding too much grenadine which makes the drink overly sweet and overpowers the other flavors
- Using warm ginger ale which results in a flat and unrefreshing drink
- Stirring too aggressively which destroys all the carbonation in the ginger ale
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 150 calories, 0g protein, 38g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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