A Shirley Temple mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink made with ginger ale, grenadine syrup, and maraschino cherries, served over ice. It is known for its sweet, fizzy, and fruity flavor.
Dear drinks' enthusiast, are you looking for a playful non-alcoholic classic for your upcoming dinner party? On days when you crave something sparkling with nostalgia, simple sweetness, and a subtle charm, while staying sober, Shirley Temple is a mocktail you should try.
Being a timeless and tantalizing mixture that it is, the Shirley Temple drink recipe has been beloved since day one. So, we don't see why you wouldn't want to try making a glass yourself! Ready to charm your guests with some fizzy bubbles without the fuss? Let's dive right in!
What’s A Shirley Temple Mocktail?
A Shirley Temple mocktail is a classic non-alcoholic drink made with ginger ale, grenadine syrup, and ice, typically finished with maraschino cherries as a garnish. It’s known for its bright color, fizzy texture, and slightly sweet flavor.
Often served as a refreshing party drink, it’s a popular choice for those looking for a simple beverage without alcohol. Some variations also include a splash of lemon or lime juice, or a mix of different sodas, to slightly adjust the flavor while keeping the base ingredients the same.

Ingredients For Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe
Here are the ingredients for the classic Shirley Temple mocktail recipe:
- 1 cup of Ginger Ale is the base to add a refreshing note to your drink. While ginger ale is a traditional choice, you can always switch it with a Kava Lemonade for an alternative that might chill you out.
- 2 tablespoons of Grenadine syrup, another key ingredient, is a pomegranate-flavored syrup that adds a pretty pinkish-red hue and a unique depth to the drink.
- Then we would need 2-3 maraschino cherries for the garnish, which might as well add a touch of sweetness to the drink.
- Ice cubes to keep the glass chilled
Shirley Temple Ingredients That Can Add A Twist!
- A Tangerine Seltzer for a splash of orange for added flavor in the Shirley mocktail recipe
- 1 Lemon or Lime wedges to uplift your garnish game with a slight citrus to the drink
- 2-3 tablespoons of Sparkling water to dilute the drink if it's too sweet for your preference
- A Black Cherry Gopak alongside cherries to add a slightly more tart taste to the drink
- 1 black cherry garnish for a slightly deeper fruity touch
Ready For The Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe?
With all the potential ingredients listed above, this classic Shirley Temple mocktail recipe sounds pretty good, right? So let's get mixing!
- Start by taking your serving glass, preferably a tall one.
- Add ice and fill the glass about halfway.
- Add a cup of ginger ale or lemon lime soda into the glass.
- Pour about two tablespoons of grenadine syrup over your soda and let it sink to the bottom of the glass to create a beautiful gradient effect.
- Use a spoon to let both soda and grenadine merge slowly.
- Recipe yield: 1 serving
- Prep time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Breakdown Of Shirley Temple Mocktail (Per Serving)
Here’s an approximate nutritional overview for 1 glass of a classic Shirley Temple mocktail:
- Calories: 120–150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30–35g
- Sugar: 28–32g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 15–25mg
Note: Values may vary depending on the type of soda and syrup used.
Tip: Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep your drink refreshing and not lose its fizziness.
- Drop some maraschino cherries into the glass for the garnish to complete the Shirley Temple mocktail recipe.
- Serve it while it's cold and fizzy. And you are done, as all you gotta do is sip, smile, and repeat.
Wish to try more exciting mocktail recipes? Check out our blog for 30 amazing mocktail recipes!
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Pro Tip: People prepare Shirley Temple in slightly different ways depending on their preferences. Some versions include half ginger ale and half 7UP, while others add fresh lime juice or orange juice for a twist. You can explore more combinations in this Perfect Shirley Temple recipe discussion on Reddit. |

Mix The Shirley Temple Mocktail Better With Mitra9!
And there you have it! The best Shirley Temple mocktail recipe. Finding a glass that never fails to bring a splash of joy or maybe some sparkles to your occasions? Get this one! And on days when you wish to take this simple non alcoholic Shirley Temple mocktail recipe to the next level, enhance it with Mitra9 seltzers to elevate your beverage and make it more bright, bubbly, and guess what? All so without the booze!
People Also Ask
What is a Shirley Temple mocktail made of?
Shirley Temple is a classic non-alcoholic beverage made with grenadine syrup, ginger ale, and topped with maraschino cherries. Some modern variations of this drink also include club soda, lemon-lime soda, and fresh lime or orange juice served over ice.
What are the 3 primary ingredients in Shirley Temple?
The 3 ingredients in a Shirley Temple are ginger ale, grenadine syrup, and cherries.
What does a Shirley Temple mocktail taste like?
A Shirley Temple mocktail has a lightly fizzy, sweet, and slightly fruity taste. The ginger ale adds a mild spice and bubbles, while the grenadine brings a rich sweetness with a hint of pomegranate flavor. The cherries enhance the overall profile with a subtle fruity finish.
Some variations may taste slightly more citrusy when lemon or lime is added, while others feel lighter if sparkling water is used.
Can You Make Shirley Temple In Advance?
You can prepare the base mixture ahead of time by combining ginger ale and grenadine, but it’s best to add ice and garnish just before serving. This helps maintain the fizz and prevents dilution.
What’s in a non-virgin Shirley Temple?
When you make it “non-virgin” (sometimes called a Dirty Shirley), you add vodka or another clear spirit to the classic recipe. Everything else stays the same—the grenadine gives the sweetness, the soda adds fizz, and the cherry finishes it off.
How to make the original Shirley Temple?
To make the original Shirley Temple, fill a glass with ice, pour in ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, and grenadine. Stir all of it gently and then garnish with a maraschino cherry.
What is the 3-ingredient Shirley Temple?
The traditional Shirley Temple is a delightful non-alcoholic mocktail consisting of just three ingredients: lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up) or ginger ale, grenadine syrup, and a garnish of maraschino cherries. To prepare it, fill a glass with ice, pour in 4–6 ounces of soda, add 1/2–1 ounce of grenadine, and finish with cherries on top.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of a Shirley Temple?
Yes, a Shirley Temple is actually a non-alcoholic mocktail. It is a classic, kid-friendly mix of ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda), grenadine, and maraschino cherries that looks fancy just like a cocktail.
Why is it called a Shirley Temple?
The Shirley Temple is named after the famous child actress from the 1930s, as it was created for her to enjoy a non-alcoholic "mocktail" while dining with her parents at upscale Hollywood restaurants. It is believed to have been developed either by The Brown Derby or Chasen’s restaurant in California, allowing her to partake in the cocktail culture through this sweet concoction.
What can I use instead of grenadine for an easy Shirley Temple recipe?
The top alternatives for grenadine in a Shirley Temple are maraschino cherry juice from the jar (the simplest option), strawberry syrup (which is sweeter), or a combination of pomegranate juice and simple syrup.
Is there a non-sweet version of the Shirley Temple mocktail?
Yes, a less sugary Shirley Temple can be made by swapping the ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for club soda or sparkling water, while also reducing or substituting the sugary grenadine.
Can you make this Shirley Temple for a crowd, and how?
Yes, preparing a Shirley Temple for a crowd is simple and works well for parties or gatherings. Instead of making individual glasses, you can mix everything in a large pitcher or drink dispenser.
For 8–10 servings, you’ll need:
- 8 cups ginger ale (about 2 liters)
- 1 cup grenadine syrup
- 3 to 4 cups ice cubes (add just before serving)
- 15–20 maraschino cherries for garnish