Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Mocktailnon_alcoholic4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
About this drink
The Shirley Temple is one of the best-known named mocktails, but its exact origin is disputed. The safest framing is that it emerged from hotel and restaurant service culture as a child-friendly, celebratory soft drink named after the child star, rather than as one verified bartender invention.
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 4 ingredients, stirred drink, uses syrup, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Low / No Alcohol, Summer
Ingredients & Tools
SweetenerMixerGarnish
- 1.0 ozGrenadineSweetener
- TopGinger AleMixer
- 1Maraschino CherryGarnish
- 1 sliceOrange SliceGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirTop
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour grenadine, then add ginger ale.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
- Stir and garnish with a cherry and orange slice.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
Best For
Diet & Lifestyle
VeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Make it more grown-upAdd complexity with citrus peel, herbs, tea, spice, ginger, tonic-style bitterness or a sharper garnish.
Balance sweetnessIf it tastes too sweet, add acidity. If it tastes too sharp, add fruit, syrup or a softer mixer.
Make it party-readyUse a chilled glass, garnish, bubbles and plenty of ice so the drink feels deliberate.Keep it alcohol-freeExplore more zero-ABV drink ideas.Swap notes
CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean — it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable — pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Shirley Temple?
- The Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It is a non-alcoholic drink. A standard serving contains approximately 224 calories.
- What does a Shirley Temple taste like?
- Shirley Temple has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Ginger, Aromatic, Spicy. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Shirley Temple?
- Shirley Temple is versatile — it pairs well with light snacks, seafood and mild cheeses. The best match depends on the dominant flavour in the specific recipe.
- How strong is a Shirley Temple?
- The Shirley Temple is alcohol-free. A standard serving contains approximately 224 calories. Calorie content varies based on the juices, syrups and mixers used.
- When is a Shirley Temple typically served?
- Shirley Temple is a popular choice for Low / No Alcohol, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Shirley Temple?
- If you enjoy Shirley Temple, explore other mocktails with a similar flavour profile using the filters on the mocktails page. Many classic cocktails also have non-alcoholic adaptations that share the same flavour balance.
- Can I make a Shirley Temple at home?
- Yes. The Shirley Temple uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Highball Glass. Use fresh juices and quality syrups for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare mocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find mocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Shirley Temple with other mocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.