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.

The Shirley Temple is a classic non-alcoholic mocktail made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry. Named after the famous child actress, it remains a popular drink for children and non-drinkers in North America.

What it is

A Shirley Temple is a sweet, fizzy mocktail traditionally combining ginger ale or lemon-lime soda with grenadine syrup, served over ice and garnished with a maraschino cherry. It contains no alcohol in its classic form, making it a common non-alcoholic alternative in restaurants.

Origin and cultural significance

The drink is generally linked to Hollywood restaurants in the 1930s, such as the Brown Derby or Chasen's, though the exact creator is disputed. It is one of the best-known mocktails and is widely served to children or adults who do not drink alcohol, including in Canadian family dining establishments.

Key details

The classic recipe uses ginger ale, but modern versions often substitute lemon-lime soda. Alcoholic variations exist, most notably the Dirty Shirley, which adds spirits. The drink is typically served in a highball or Collins glass.