Shirley Temple

A Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic mixed drink, or mocktail, traditionally made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry.

A Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic mixed drink, or mocktail, traditionally made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry. It is named after child actress Shirley Temple and is widely associated with restaurants and family dining in North America.

Origin

The drink is generally said to have emerged in the 1930s in Hollywood, with stories linking it to restaurants such as the Brown Derby or Chasen’s. Accounts differ on the exact origin, and the historical claim is not fully settled.

Ingredients and preparation

Classic recipes combine ginger ale or lemon-lime soda with grenadine over ice, then top the drink with a maraschino cherry. Some versions also add lime juice or use pomegranate-based syrup.

Cultural significance

The Shirley Temple is one of the best-known mocktails and is commonly served to children or non-drinkers in restaurants. It is often described as a standard non-alcoholic alternative to a cocktail. In Canada, Shirley Temples are commonly available in restaurants and family dining establishments as a standard non-alcoholic option for children and adults who do not drink alcohol.

Variations

Modern adaptations may use lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or additional citrus. Alcoholic spin-offs, especially the Dirty Shirley, add spirits to the basic formula.