Shirley temple mocktail recipe with ginger ale, grenadine, lime juice & cherries. Perfect for Valentine's Day.
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If you're after a sweet, fizzy, brilliantly red colour drink that feels a bit special (but is still a non-alcoholic drink), this shirley temple mocktail recipe is it. It's a childhood favorite for a reason: super easy, super pretty, and always a fun mocktail for special occasions like Valentine's Day, baby showers, and summer parties.
This is the classic shirley temple mocktail with ginger ale and a splash of grenadine, finished with maraschino cherry garnish and plenty of ice cubes. It's the best way to get that fruity flavor and "fancy drink" vibe in minutes.
What you'll need (and why these ingredients work)
This shirley temple mocktail recipe uses simple grocery store ingredients you can grab any time:
- Ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda / lemon lime soda): ginger ale is the classic base and gives a lightly spicy sparkle, while lemon-lime soda makes a sweeter version.
- Grenadine syrup: that signature splash of grenadine gives the original mocktail its colour and sweetness. Grenadine is often a pomegranate syrup, so you'll sometimes see it linked to pomegranate juice on labels.
- Lime juice (optional): adds a fresh pop that balances the sweet drink.
- Maraschino cherries: the classic finish. If you've got a jar of maraschino cherries, go for extra cherries (because why not?).
- Garnishes: lime wedges, an orange slice, and mint make it feel like a special drink.
For exact quantities see the recipe card below...
Instructions
Prepare the glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda) over the ice.
Add grenadine: Drizzle grenadine syrup gently over the drink. It will sink to the bottom, creating a lovely gradient effect.
Add lime juice (optional): If you like a hint of tartness, squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
Garnish: Top with a maraschino cherry, plus a lime wedge or an orange slice. Add fresh mint if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the best Shirley Temple (without changing the recipe)
- For the prettiest "brilliant red color": add the grenadine last and don't stir straight away-let it sink, then gently swirl.
- Want it less sweet? Choose ginger ale over lemon-lime soda and definitely add the lime juice.
- Love cherries? Add extra cherries and a tiny spoonful of the cherry juice from the jar for more colour (it's especially good for Valentine's).
📖 Recipe
Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe - Valentine's Drink
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 glasses 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Shirley temple mocktail recipe with ginger ale, grenadine, lime juice & cherries. Perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
2 cups ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda for a sweeter version)
1-2 tablespoons grenadine syrup (adjust to taste)
Juice of half a lime (optional)
Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Ice cubes
Lime wedges or orange slices (for garnish)
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
Mix the drink: Pour the ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda) over the ice.
Add grenadine: Drizzle grenadine syrup gently over the drink. It will sink to the bottom, creating a lovely gradient effect.
Add lime juice (optional): If you like a hint of tartness, squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
Garnish: Top with a maraschino cherry, plus a lime wedge or an orange slice. Add fresh mint if you like.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
-
For the prettiest "brilliant red color": add the grenadine last and don't stir straight away-let it sink, then gently swirl.
-
Want it less sweet? Choose ginger ale over lemon-lime soda and definitely add the lime juice.
-
Love cherries? Add extra cherries and a tiny spoonful of the cherry juice from the jar for more colour (it's especially good for Valentine's).
Variations and substitutions (easy options)
These keep the original mocktail vibe, but let you adapt for dietary needs and different tastes:
- Lemon-lime soda version: Swap the ginger ale for lemon-lime soda / lemon lime soda for a sweeter, more "soda-shop" style.
- Club soda twist: Use half ginger ale and half club soda for a lighter, more refreshing drink (still fizzy, less sweet).
- Ginger beer option: Prefer more bite? Ginger beer gives a stronger ginger kick (great for grown-up tastes while still alcohol-free).
- Orange version: Add a splash of orange juice and garnish with an orange slice (this shows up in a lot of "original Shirley Temple recipe" variations).
- Pomegranate swap: If you can't find grenadine syrup, look for a pomegranate syrup (or check labels-many grenadines are pomegranate-based).
- Dirty Shirley Temple (for adults): This is the boozy version-often vodka plus lemon-lime soda and grenadine. (Perfect to mention for a party menu where some guests want alcohol and others don't.)
Serving suggestions (Valentine's + parties)
- Serve in a tall glass or highball glass with a skewer of maraschino cherry for an instant fancy drink look.
- Make a "mocktail bar" for baby showers and special occasions: bowls of lime wedges, orange slice rounds, mint, and extra cherries.
- This is a great pick for backyard barbecues and summer parties-keep grenadine and cherries on the table so everyone can customise.
Shirley Temple vs Roy Rogers (quick and helpful)
A Shirley Temple drink is usually ginger ale or lemon-lime soda plus grenadine. A Roy Rogers is typically cola plus grenadine (and it's just as nostalgic). Many people confuse the two, so it's handy to mention on a mocktail menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grenadine the same as cherry syrup?
Not exactly. Grenadine syrup is commonly a pomegranate syrup (though brands vary), while cherry syrup is cherry-flavoured. Both can work, but grenadine is the classic choice.
Can I make this in a jug for a party?
Yes-scale up everything, add lots of ice right before serving, and pour grenadine in last for that gradient look.
What's the best soda to use?
Ginger ale is the classic Shirley Temple mocktail base, but lemon-lime soda makes it sweeter and more like the versions many of us had as kids.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use ginger ale (not lemon-lime soda), add the lime juice, and use closer to 1 tablespoon of grenadine.
Can kids have it?
Yes-this is an original mocktail, made to be alcohol-free and family-friendly.
What does "oz grenadine" mean in other recipes?
Some recipes measure grenadine in ounces instead of tablespoons. As a rough guide: 1 tablespoon is about 0.5 oz, so 1-2 tablespoons is around 0.5-1 oz (depending on how sweet you like it).
This shirley temple mocktail recipe is quick, nostalgic, and perfect when you want a special drink that feels festive without any alcohol. Keep it classic with ginger ale and grenadine, or lean into Valentine's vibes with extra cherries, an orange slice, and that gorgeous red-to-pink gradient. If you try it, save it with your other mocktail recipes-you'll end up making it for everything from baby showers to summer parties.
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