Move over, kids. This zhuzhed up Shirley Temple mocktail is one for the adults. Three simple ingredient swaps transform this throwback soda drink recipe into one with SO much extra flavor and charm that's just as easy to make - pinky promise.
Like a lot of 90s kids, I could put a hurting on a Shirley Temple.
My drink of choice at a now-defunct Charlie Brown's Steakhouse in NJ, I just felt so fancy with my ~vibrant~ beverage that had enough maraschino cherries to count as an appetizer.
I don't want to call this a better Shirley Temple because I would never put down the magic in that neon-red nostalgia, so zhuzhed up, made extra special, feels right. Would you believe this sophisticated-looking beverage above is a pretty true-to-form version of the classic? Intentionally choosing your ingredients makes all the difference with this one.
Like a raspberry lime rickey, this is a non-alcoholic drink to get excited about as an adult.
(I mention some brands here but nothing is sponsored. Just stuff I've purchased and use.)
What You'll Need
Real deal grenadine - This is the big swap. A nicer-quality grenadine will be made from real pomegranate (not artificial alternatives), with a deeper color and more sophisticated flavor that has a real impact in drinks. I bought Liber & Co grenadine at my local liquor store and used it in basic drinks like a pomegranate Italian soda, where bad grenadine can't hide, and it was so thoroughly enjoyable just mixed with club soda. It similarly shines here.
Ginger ale - I'm 99% sure the Shirley Temples of my youth were made with Sprite or 7Up, though research told me ginger ale was the original choice. The ginger ale flavor adds a lot of depth to a fancy Shirley Temple over a lemon-lime soda, which in comparison tastes thin here, though follow your heart.
Fun cherries - Not that there's anything wrong with supermarket maraschino cherries, but switching them out for a less vibrant/more flavorful type is an easy way to upscale a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple for adults. Amarena and Luxardo maraschino cherries are a delicious substitution, but other labeled "cocktail cherries" are a good bet. Just make sure they're non-alcoholic as some contain spirits.
Garnish - Using two citrus fruits, orange and lime, adds a nice touch of flavor and the combo just makes a Shirley Temple seem fancier!
Fancy Cherries on the Cheap
The price tag on fancy drink cherries can make their neon supermarket brethren look pretty appealing. 🤑 If you happen to notice Amarena cherries on the shelves at Trader Joe's, grab a jar...maybe two. They're a holiday-seasonal item (usually), absolutely delicious, and wildly affordable - less than $5 per jar.
Making a Shirley Temple
- Add ice to a tall glass. One with a 16-ounce capacity works great.
- Pour in the ginger ale, then the grenadine. Stir to combine. No shaking as it's carbonated.
- Garnish. Tuck thinly-sliced orange rounds (halved) and lime rounds into the side of each glass, then pop in a cherry. Serve with straws.
Quick Tips and Tricks
- Making a pitcher - While I'm not a huge fan of making pitchers with carbonated ingredients as they can turn flat, you can for convenience. Use 30 ounces (3 ¾ cups) of ginger ale and 4 ounces (½-cup) of grenadine to yield four servings. Stir well just prior to pouring, and add ice to glasses and not the pitcher to prevent flavor dilution.
- Making a cocktail - A Dirty Shirley adds 1.5 ounces of vodka to make an alcoholic Shirley Temple. Or use tequila or light or dark rum if that's more your style.
- Keep the 90s vibes going - Look for more blasts from the past? Check out my homemade kudos bars and mini pizza bagels in the air fryer. I'm working on a fancified mocktail version of a kid's juice classic at the moment!
More Fun Mocktail Recipes
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A Zhuzhed Up Shirley Temple
Ingredients
- Ice
- 7.5 ounces ginger ale
- 1 ounce good-quality grenadine
- Fancy drink cherry Amarena, Luxardo maraschino, etc.
- Half of a thinly-sliced orange round for garnish
- Lime round for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass two-thirds with ice. Pour in the ginger ale, then the grenadine. Stir to combine.
- Nestle a lime round and half of an orange round into each drink, then top each with a cherry. Serve with straws.
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
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