🇺🇸 USA · Drinks
Classic Shirley Temple
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
A beloved non-alcoholic American classic, the Shirley Temple is a delightful blend of zesty ginger ale and sweet grenadine, crowned with a vibrant maraschino cherry. Its striking appearance and refreshing taste make it a favorite for all ages, perfect for celebrations or a simple treat.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Fill a 12-ounce (approximately 350 ml) highball glass completely with ice cubes, ensuring the glass is well-chilled. This will keep your drink refreshing for longer without excessive dilution.
- 2
Pour 6 ounces (approximately 180 ml) of chilled ginger ale into the glass over the ice. Make sure the ginger ale is cold to enhance the drink's crispness.
- 3
Slowly drizzle 1/2 ounce (approximately 15 ml) of grenadine syrup into the glass. The grenadine should sink to the bottom and create a beautiful gradient effect as it disperses, adding to its visual appeal.
- 4
Garnish the drink with one or two bright red maraschino cherries, letting them float or settle at the bottom. These add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- 5
For an extra touch, you can add a slice of fresh orange or lime to the rim of the glass. This introduces a subtle citrus aroma that complements the drink beautifully.
- 6
Serve immediately with a straw, allowing the drinker to stir and mix the grenadine to their preferred sweetness. Don't stir it for them initially, as the layered look is part of the appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is grenadine and can I substitute it?+
Grenadine is a non-alcoholic syrup traditionally made from pomegranate juice, giving the Shirley Temple its signature red color and sweet-tart flavor; while you can use other red fruit syrups like cherry or raspberry, it won't be an authentic Shirley Temple.
Why does my grenadine not sink to the bottom?+
Grenadine is denser than ginger ale, so it should sink; if it doesn't, ensure your ginger ale is very cold and pour the grenadine slowly and directly into the drink, not down the side of the glass.
Can I use lemon-lime soda instead of ginger ale?+
While you can, ginger ale provides a unique spicy-sweet fizz that is characteristic of an authentic Shirley Temple; lemon-lime soda will make it sweeter and change the flavor profile significantly.
How do I get the perfect gradient effect with the grenadine?+
To achieve the beautiful layered effect, pour the grenadine very slowly over the ice, allowing it to gently settle through the ginger ale to the bottom of the glass.
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