I used to think Shirley Temples were just the sad consolation prize for anyone too young to order a real cocktail.
Then I made one at home. With good ginger ale. And real grenadine.
Yeah. I was wrong.
This little pink drink is bubbly, sweet, a tiny bit tart, and honestly kind of nostalgic in the best way. It takes about 90 seconds to make and doesn’t require a single fancy tool.
Let’s get into it. 🍒
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make one classic Shirley Temple:
- Ginger ale – 1 cup, chilled
- Grenadine – 1 to 2 tablespoons (start with 1, add more to taste)
- Maraschino cherries – 2 to 3, plus a splash of the cherry juice from the jar
- Ice – a full glass worth
- Orange slice – optional, for garnish
- Lime juice – a small squeeze, optional (this is my personal add and it’s so good)
That’s it. Six ingredients, and half of them are optional.
Tools You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here, promise:
- A tall glass (highball glass works perfectly)
- A jigger or measuring spoon
- A long spoon or straw for stirring
- Ice cube tray (if you don’t already have ice on hand)
Pro Tips From Someone Who’s Made Way Too Many of These
I’ve made this drink more times than I can count at this point, so here’s what actually makes a difference:
- Pour the grenadine last, not first. This is the secret to that gorgeous sunset gradient effect. Grenadine is heavier than ginger ale, so it sinks and creates layers instead of mixing in immediately.
- Use real grenadine, not the neon stuff. Some grenadine brands are basically red dye and corn syrup. Look for one made with actual pomegranate juice. It changes the whole flavor.
- Don’t skip the cherry juice. A small splash from the jar adds sweetness and a deeper cherry flavor that plain maraschino cherries alone won’t give you.
- Chill your ginger ale ahead of time. Room temperature ginger ale plus ice equals a watered down drink fast. Keep it in the fridge, not just on ice.
- Add a tiny squeeze of lime. This isn’t traditional, but it cuts the sweetness just enough. I add this every single time now.
How to Make a Shirley Temple
Ready? Here’s the full process:
- Fill your glass with ice, all the way to the top.
- Pour in the ginger ale, leaving about an inch of room at the top.
- Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom.
- Add your splash of cherry juice and lime juice, if using.
- Give it one gentle stir (not too much, or you’ll lose that layered look).
- Drop in your maraschino cherries.
- Garnish with an orange slice on the rim if you’re feeling fancy.
And that’s genuinely it. No cooking, no waiting, no special skills required.
Substitutions and Variations
This drink is basically a blank canvas, so here are some ways to switch it up:
For the ginger ale:
- Sprite or lemon-lime soda for a less spicy version
- Club soda if you want it drier and less sweet
For the grenadine:
- Cranberry juice concentrate in a pinch
- Cherry syrup for an even stronger cherry flavor
Want to make it a Roy Rogers instead? Swap the ginger ale for cola. Same idea, totally different vibe.
Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of coconut cream and pineapple juice for a tropical twist. It’s not traditional, but it’s really good.
Make Ahead Tips
You genuinely don’t need to prep much for this one, but if you’re making a big batch for a party:
- Pre-mix the ginger ale and grenadine in a pitcher (skip the layering effect, but it saves time)
- Freeze cherry-shaped ice cubes ahead of time so your drink doesn’t water down as fast
- Keep everything chilled in the fridge until right before serving
Nutrition and Diet Notes
This drink is naturally alcohol free and pretty low effort on the diet-restriction front.
| Consideration | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gluten free | Yes, naturally |
| Dairy free | Yes, naturally |
| Vegan | Yes, as long as your grenadine doesn’t contain honey |
| Sugar free option | Use a sugar-free ginger ale and sugar-free grenadine |
| Calories | Roughly 150-180 per glass, depending on grenadine amount |
If you’re cutting sugar, sugar-free ginger ale plus a small amount of pomegranate juice gets you very close to the original flavor.
What to Pair It With
This drink genuinely goes with almost everything, but here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Popcorn and a movie night
- Brunch spreads with pastries or waffles
- BBQ and grilled food
- Birthday parties (obviously)
It’s also a great mocktail option for anyone who’s the designated driver but still wants something that feels a little special.
Leftovers and Storage
Here’s the thing: this drink doesn’t really “store” well once it’s made. The ice melts, the bubbles go flat, and it just isn’t the same.
But the good news is you can prep the components ahead:
- Grenadine keeps in the fridge for months, unopened or opened
- Ginger ale should be kept sealed until you’re ready to use it, so it stays fizzy
- Cherries last a long time in the fridge once opened, as long as they’re kept in their juice
If you have leftover mixed drink, honestly just drink it. It won’t be quite as fizzy the next day, but it won’t go bad within 24 hours in the fridge either.
FAQ
Is a Shirley Temple just for kids? Not even a little. Plenty of adults order these, especially as a mocktail option or a lighter alternative at parties.
What’s the difference between a Shirley Temple and a Roy Rogers? A Roy Rogers uses cola instead of ginger ale. Everything else stays basically the same.
Can I make this with alcohol? Yes, this is sometimes called a “Dirty Shirley” when you add vodka. Just add 1 to 1.5 ounces to the recipe above.
Why did my drink turn out too sweet? You probably used too much grenadine relative to ginger ale. Start with less and add more to taste.
Can I make a big batch for a party? Yes. Multiply the ratios and mix in a large pitcher, then serve over ice. You’ll lose the layered look, but the flavor stays the same.
Does it matter what kind of cherries I use? Maraschino cherries are traditional, but you can use any sweet cherry you have on hand. Just know the flavor and color will shift a little.
Wrapping Up
This drink is proof that some of the best things don’t need to be complicated.
Six ingredients, no special skills, and a drink that somehow makes any regular afternoon feel a little more festive.
If you make one, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you try the lime juice trick? Did you go the Dirty Shirley route? Drop a comment below and let me know.
And if you’re already dreaming up your own variation, I want to hear about that too. 🍹
