Written by EMMA & EMILY
The Shirley Temple Drink is a beloved non-alcoholic drink that has been a favorite for many generations. Named after the iconic child star of the 1930s, this sweet, fruity mocktail is both delicious and fun to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something refreshing, the Shirley Temple is the perfect drink to enjoy. In this article, we will dive into the easy Shirley Temple drink recipe, answer some common questions about this popular beverage, and explore its variations.
Table of Contents

Easy Shirley Temple Drink: A Classic Mocktail for All Ages
The Shirley Temple Drink is a beloved non-alcoholic drink that has been a favorite for many generations. Named after the iconic child star of the 1930s, this sweet, fruity mocktail is both delicious and fun to make.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
All the ingredients needed to make a Shirley Temple drink: ginger ale, grenadine syrup, maraschino cherry, and fresh lime. Ginger Ale (or Lemon-Lime Soda)
- Grenadine Syrup
- Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour ginger ale or lemon-lime soda into the glass, about three-quarters full.
- Add a splash of grenadine syrup for sweetness and color.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Notes
The 3-ingredient Shirley Temple is a quick and easy option for a fun, non-alcoholic beverage without much fuss.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stir
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
What is the 3-Ingredient Shirley Temple?
The 3-ingredient Shirley Temple is a simplified version of the classic Shirley Temple mocktail, made with just three ingredients that come together to create a sweet, refreshing drink. It’s an easy and quick option for anyone who wants to whip up a fun, non-alcoholic beverage without much fuss.
Ingredients:
- Ginger Ale (or Lemon-Lime Soda)
- Grenadine Syrup
- Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour ginger ale or lemon-lime soda into the glass, about three-quarters full.
- Add a splash of grenadine syrup for sweetness and color.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
This version is the easiest way to make a Shirley Temple with minimal ingredients. The grenadine gives the drink its signature red color, while the ginger ale provides the perfect balance of fizz.
If you’re looking for other fun drink ideas, you might enjoy the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte or the Lemon Balm Tea Recipe for Weight Loss.
What Are the Ingredients in a Shirley Temple Drink?
The Shirley Temple drink traditionally contains a combination of sweet, bubbly, and fruity flavors. It’s typically made with ginger ale, grenadine syrup, and garnished with a maraschino cherry, but there are several ways to customize the drink.
Traditional Shirley Temple Ingredients:
- Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda: The fizzy base of the drink.
- Grenadine Syrup: A sweet pomegranate-flavored syrup that adds color and sweetness.
- Maraschino Cherry: A bright red cherry used as a garnish.
Some variations may include a splash of orange juice, pineapple juice, or even a squeeze of lime for an added twist. These extra ingredients give the drink more complexity while maintaining its signature sweetness and refreshing taste.
For a healthier take on the drink, you can swap ginger ale for sparkling water and use a homemade grenadine or natural fruit juices instead of sugary syrups.
You can also try other refreshing drinks like the Iced Matcha Latte or the Fresh Lemon Lime Fizz.
What’s a Dirty Shirley Temple Drink?
A Dirty Shirley Temple is a fun, adult twist on the classic Shirley Temple mocktail. In this variation, the non-alcoholic ginger ale and grenadine are spiked with vodka, making it a popular choice at parties and social gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Vodka (1 oz, or more depending on your preference)
- Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda
- Grenadine Syrup
- Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add 1 oz of vodka (or more if you prefer a stronger drink).
- Pour ginger ale or lemon-lime soda to fill the glass.
- Add a splash of grenadine syrup.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
The Dirty Shirley Temple takes the sweetness and bubbly refreshment of the classic mocktail and adds a kick from the vodka. This drink has become a favorite for those who want to enjoy a nostalgic, fun drink with a little extra buzz.

What Is the Main Ingredient in a Shirley Temple Mocktail?
The main ingredient in a Shirley Temple mocktail is ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, which provides the fizz and base for the drink. The sweetness and vibrant color come from the grenadine syrup, which gives the Shirley Temple its signature red hue.
While ginger ale or lemon-lime soda makes up the bulk of the drink, the grenadine syrup is the key to its signature flavor, adding sweetness and depth. A maraschino cherry on top serves as both a garnish and a symbol of the classic Shirley Temple.
Fun Variations of the Shirley Temple Drink
While the traditional Shirley Temple is already a delicious and fun mocktail, there are several fun variations that you can try. These twists are great for different tastes and occasions.
Tropical Shirley Temple:
For a tropical take on the Shirley Temple, you can add a splash of pineapple juice and a few drops of coconut syrup or coconut water. This variation brings a sunny, beachy flavor to the classic drink.
Ingredients:
- Ginger ale
- Grenadine syrup
- Pineapple juice
- Coconut syrup (optional)
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Citrus Shirley Temple:
For a zesty, citrusy twist, try adding orange juice and a squeeze of lime juice. This variation makes the drink tangier and even more refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Ginger ale
- Grenadine syrup
- Orange juice
- Lime juice
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
These variations take the classic Shirley Temple drink to a new level of deliciousness, and they’re still simple enough to make at home.
Conclusion
The Shirley Temple drink is a timeless, refreshing mocktail that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re making the classic 3-ingredient version with ginger ale, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry, or mixing it up with fun variations like the Dirty Shirley Temple or Tropical Shirley Temple, this drink is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for celebrations, parties, or simply enjoying a sweet, non-alcoholic beverage.
With so many variations and the option to make it with or without alcohol, the Shirley Temple remains a go-to drink for fun occasions. So, next time you’re looking for a refreshing, colorful drink, you’ll know exactly how to make a delicious Shirley Temple at home.

FAQs
What is the 3-ingredient Shirley Temple?
The 3-ingredient Shirley Temple consists of ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda), grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry garnish.
What are the ingredients in a Shirley Temple drink?
A Shirley Temple drink traditionally includes ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry. Some variations may also include additional fruit juices like orange or pineapple juice.
What’s a dirty Shirley Temple drink?
A Dirty Shirley Temple is the alcoholic version of the classic mocktail. It includes vodka, ginger ale, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry garnish.
What is the main ingredient in a Shirley Temple mocktail?
The main ingredient in a Shirley Temple mocktail is ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, combined with grenadine syrup and a maraschino cherry for garnish.
Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page and save this recipe to Pinterest for more delicious dishes and culinary inspiration!