This Shirley Temple recipe is always a hit with kids and anyone who enjoys a bright, fizzy mocktail. You can use homemade sour cherry syrup for a more complex, seasonal flavor or a bottled grenadine for convenience. Below you’ll find tips, variations, and a simple recipe to make a perfect Shirley Temple every time.
Why we love this recipe
A Shirley Temple has a way of turning an ordinary moment into something special. Its sweetness, lively color, and fizzy texture make it exciting for children and a nostalgic favorite for adults. Using sour cherry syrup adds a bright, tangy layer that balances the sweetness and gives the drink a fresher, more nuanced flavor than plain grenadine.
This recipe was first shared in 2018 and has been refined for clarity and ease. If you’re curious about the drink’s background and variations through history, you can find more information on Wikipedia or in cocktail history resources.
What you’ll need
Below is a quick overview of ingredients and the options you can choose from to suit taste, season, and availability.
- For the soda: traditional ginger ale is classic, while lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7UP are common modern choices. Choose a good-quality or natural soda if you prefer cleaner flavors.
- For the syrup: if you have access to sour cherries, make a small batch of homemade sour cherry syrup to elevate the drink’s flavor. If not, grenadine (traditionally pomegranate-based) is an easy and familiar substitute.
- For the garnish: fresh sour cherries are ideal when in season. Jarred cherries or homemade maraschino cherries also work well and add a nostalgic touch.
How to make it
Making a Shirley Temple is quick and simple. The essential idea is ice, soda, a splash of syrup, and a cheerful garnish. Below are the basic steps and a few tips to get a balanced, pretty drink.
- Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice to keep the drink chilled and fizzy longer.
- Pour the soda almost to the top, leaving room for the syrup and a gentle stir.
- Add the syrup—about 2 fl. ounces (1/4 cup / 60 ml) for a standard serving—and stir gently to combine without losing too much carbonation.
- Top with cherries for garnish, add a fun straw or a decorative pick, and serve immediately.
Expert tips and FAQs
A Sour Shirley is our variation that uses sour cherry syrup to introduce tartness and complexity beyond simple sweetness. If you only have grenadine, add a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice to bring a similar bright edge.
A Dirty Shirley is an adult version made with vodka. A common ratio is about two ounces of vodka per drink. Adjust to taste and serve responsibly.
The Shirley Temple Black is a spirited variation named in honor of the actress. Many versions include rum (light or dark depending on the recipe), and recipes vary by bartender. Try a small test batch to see which profile you prefer.
Yes. For a crowd, combine soda and syrup in a pitcher and store chilled. For eight drinks, use approximately two liters (64 fl. ounces) of soda and 2 cups (16 fl. ounces) of syrup. Pour over ice into individual glasses just before serving to preserve carbonation.
More favorite sour cherry recipes
- Crisp
- Cake
- French 75
- Frozen yogurt
- Muffins
Sour Cherry Shirley Temple
Ingredients
- 2 fl. ounces (1/4 cup / 60 ml) sour cherry syrup or grenadine
- 8 fl. ounces (1 cup / 240 ml) ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- Fresh sour cherries or maraschinos, to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall, kid-friendly glass with plenty of ice.
- Pour in the soda.
- Stir in the syrup until evenly combined.
- Garnish with cherries, add a straw if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Sour Shirley: Use sour cherry syrup for tartness. If using grenadine, add 1–2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to brighten the profile.
- Dirty Shirley: Add 2 ounces of vodka per drink for an adult cocktail.
- Batching: To serve a group, combine 2 liters (64 fl. ounces) of soda with 2 cups (16 fl. ounces) of syrup in a chilled pitcher. Pour over ice into individual glasses just before serving to preserve carbonation.
- Storage: Store any leftover sour cherry syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Grenadine has a longer shelf life unopened, but follow the bottle’s guidance once opened.
- Substitutions: For a less sweet version, choose a diet or lower-sugar soda and reduce the syrup slightly. For more depth, try a ginger-forward ginger beer in place of ginger ale, but note that ginger beer is spicier and may change the character of the drink.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation and will vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.
Additional Info
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