Shirley Temple Drink is made using ginger ale and grenadine syrup (sometimes topped off with orange juice) garnished along the side of a hurricane glass from which cherries are allowed to dangle on sugar-cane stirrers as well.
This favorite beverage drunk by many children and adults offers a cool, sweet treat to the taste buds. This drink refers to the case of young child star Shirley Temple as it was created for her when she could not yet have cocktails.
These days, a glass of the Shirley Temple represents not only nostalgia but also memories from Sunday dinners or even fancy restaurants as kids.
Classic Shirley Temple Drink Recipe
Ingredients
For the classic Shirley Temple, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda for a twist)
- 1 tablespoon of grenadine syrup
- 1-2 maraschino cherries for garnish
- Ice cubes
Steps to make Shirley Temple Drink
Step 1: Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes.
step 2: Fill a glass with ice, after that gather 1 cup of ginger ale or lemon-lime soft drink the top.
Step 3: Add in the drink and pour slowly on top of grenadine syrup with approximately 1 tablespoon. The lime will fall to the bottom and create a pretty layered effect.
Step 4: Stir the dink briefly and very smoothly to combine with soda.
Step 5: Drop in a maraschino cherry and (if you’re feeling fancy) an orange slice or lemon twist. Enjoy!
The History of the Shirley Temple Drink
The Shirley Temple drink originated in Hollywood as a novelty to honor their little movie star at some restaurant she frequented. There is some dispute as to in which restaurant the dish was first served Chasen’s or Brown Derby but popularity spread faster than a match with gasoline.
No matter where it started, the beverage has since become a product of pop culture and a favorite with respective generations. It is the quintessential case of how Hollywood glamour trickled down to practical use.
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Is Shirley Temple’s Drink Good for Kids?
The Shirley Temple, in addition to tasting fantastic is a great non-alcoholic option for kids. Since it’s made with soda and grenadine, it contains alcohol.
It is the kind of food parents love to put in front of children at birthday parties, family dinners, or special occasions where they want to make kids feel grown-up. It is also bright in color and tastes sweet which makes it fun for kids.
Shirley Temple Drink Variations
Below are a few fun variations of Shirley Drink:
- Dirty Shirley: Add a shot of vodka to turn it into a cocktail.
- Frozen Shirley Temple: Blend the ingredients with ice for a cool treat.
- Citrus Twist: Use orange soda instead of ginger ale for a fruity spin.
These variations keep the drink interesting and suitable for different occasions, from casual summer barbecues to more formal events.
Calories in a Shirley Temple Drink: Is It Healthy?
A Shirley Temple (fizz) consists of about 150-180 calories, depending on the grenadine, soda ratio. While it might not be your lowest-calorie option, because there is no alcohol in kombucha at all makes it a gentler choice for health-minded people.
You can also use a sugar-free soda or less grenadine to lower the calorie content. Of course, it should be had in moderation.
Can Adults Enjoy the Shirley Temple Drink?
The flavor of a Shirley Temple is so sweet and refreshing that maybe you love it, too. Grown adults frequently order it as a reminder of days gone by, and I always grab the smallest size.
A great choice for those who like it a tiny bit more grown-up is the “Dirty Shirley” (with vodka). It’s a fun, yet still classic-tasting twist on your mixed drink.
Shirley Temple Drink vs Roy Rogers: What’s the Difference?
The Shirley Temple and Roy Rogers are non-alcoholic beverages that contain different substances. So, while the Shirley Temple uses ginger ale or lemon-lime soda with grenadine, Roy Rogers is usually cola drinks and grenadine.
The variations in flavor are much subtler, the Shirley Temple is a more effervescent citrus than cherry, while Roy Rogers can be distinguished by its deeper cola-sweetness.
Shirley Temple Drink Recipe for Parties
That is why serving Shirley Temples at parties can be a great response to the request for non-alcoholic alternatives. Just prepare a large amount of ginger ale with grenadine in a punch bowl and let guests help themselves.
Slap some maraschino cherries and orange slices on a garnish station for bonus DIY points. Take that, add some color and you have a quick fun little drink to brighten up your party menu.
The Best Shirley Temple Drink Glasses
A Shirley Temple is served in the tall glass that shows off its color. Highball (a type of glass that holds between eight and 15 ounces), which allows for ice, soda, cherry, or orange slice garnish.
If you intend to serve it at a fancy party or during some more formal occasion, opt for a champagne flute to give it an elegant appeal and make the drink look refined.
The Health Benefits of Drinking Shirley Temple Mocktails
While there is not too much nutrition that will be packed in by Shirley Temples, add some hidden perks. Ginger Ale helps an upset stomach and has hydration.
Go organic with grenadine, adding a low-sugar soda to reduce the calories slightly and maintain some of its healthiness.
Kid-Friendly Mocktail Ideas
Even better, for the kiddos just get some candy stirrers to make it even more fun, or use pretty straws. They are even more delicious as you can also freeze the maraschino cherries in ice cubes. And have the children stir in their grenadine for a built-in activity.
Top 5 Occasions to Serve Shirley Temple Drinks
The Shirley Temple is perfect for:
- Birthday parties
- Weddings
- Baby showers
- Family gatherings
- Graduation parties
Its versatility makes it suitable for any event where both kids and adults will be in attendance. Its sweet taste appeals to everyone.
Why Shirley Temple Drink Is Popular at Restaurants
It is still a common drink in restaurants due to its ease of making and appeal across all ages. Though it may be a staple of the kids’ menu at many an establishment, adults have been known to order this mocktail for its nostalgia.
It never requires any fancy ingredients or tools; after all, those would not be cost-effective for the restaurant nor affordable to customers.
Shirley Temple Drink Garnish Ideas for the Perfect Finish
To give your Shirley Temple a creative edge, try these garnish ideas:
- Classic maraschino cherry
- Orange slices
- Lemon twist
- Sugar rim
These garnishes not only add to the drink’s aesthetic but also enhance its flavor, making each sip feel more refreshing.
FAQ’s
What is a dirty Shirley drink made of?
A Dirty Shirley is made with ginger ale, grenadine, and a shot of vodka.
Why is Shirley Temple so famous?
Shirley Temple is famous for being a child actress and Hollywood icon in the 1930s.
How to make a restaurant-style Shirley Temple?
Mix ginger ale with grenadine, garnish with a maraschino cherry, and serve in a tall glass with ice.
What does Shirley Temple’s soda taste like?
It tastes sweet and fruity, with a combination of light citrus and cherry flavors.
Conclusion
This mocktail has brought all ages together, it is none other than the timeless classic Shirley Temple drink. Easily versatile, with a clean duo of soda and grenadine accented by that cherry on top, every time is an appropriate occasion to bring one out.
No matter if you do it for nostalgia or at a party, the Shirley Temple works well with everyone. In addition to its versatility, a steak comes in different cuts and can be seasoned in any number of ways, making it nearly fail-proof for the American palate.
