
The Shirley Temple is a well-known mocktail that is believed to be the first of its kind. Named after the child actress, singer, and dancer Shirley Temple, the drink is traditionally non-alcoholic and combines grenadine with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, and is garnished with maraschino cherries. However, there are alcoholic variations of the drink, often dubbed the Dirty Shirley, which can be made by adding vodka, whiskey, or any spirit of choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Mocktail/Cocktail |
| Ingredients | Grenadine, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, maraschino cherries |
| Alcoholic Variations | Vodka, whiskey, tequila, raspberry vodka |
| Non-alcoholic | Yes |
| Ideal For | Kids, special occasions, New Year's Eve |
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What You'll Learn

Shirley Temple is traditionally non-alcoholic
The Shirley Temple drink is traditionally a non-alcoholic beverage, believed to be the world's first mocktail. It is named after the child actress, singer, and dancer Shirley Temple, who starred in many movies and television shows during the 1930s and '40s and later became a US diplomat and ambassador. It is said that the drink was created to serve to Temple herself when she was a child, although she claimed not to have liked it and had nothing to do with its creation.
The classic Shirley Temple is typically made with ginger ale and grenadine, a non-alcoholic flavoured simple syrup, with a squeeze of lemon or lime, and topped with maraschino cherries. Grenadine was originally made with pomegranate juice, but modern iterations often do not have this flavour and are used in cherry drinks. The drink is often garnished with a fun straw, adding to its appeal as a children's drink.
Over time, bartenders have found creative ways to tweak the traditional Shirley Temple recipe. Some variations include replacing the ginger ale with ginger syrup and club soda, while others omit the ginger entirely and opt for lemon-lime soda or lemonade. These adaptations offer a range of flavour profiles while retaining the essence of the original mocktail.
While the Shirley Temple is traditionally non-alcoholic, there are adult versions of this drink that introduce alcoholic elements. These variations are often dubbed "Dirty Shirley" or "Shirley Temple Black". To create an alcoholic twist, vodka, whiskey, or another spirit of choice can be added to the traditional mix. These adaptations cater to adult palates while retaining the nostalgic charm of the original mocktail.
The Shirley Temple, whether in its traditional non-alcoholic form or its adult variations, has endured as a popular beverage. Its longevity can be attributed to its familiarity and ease of order, making it a fixture at bars and a beloved option for those seeking a tasty non-alcoholic choice or an inventive cocktail.
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Ginger ale is the prototypical lengthener
The Shirley Temple is a famous mocktail, believed to be the world's first. It is named after the child actress, singer, dancer, and diplomat Shirley Temple, and it is said that the drink was first created for her when she was a child. While Temple claimed that the drink was first served to her at the Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, other establishments have also laid claim to its creation. Interestingly, Temple herself was not a fan of the drink, finding it too sweet, but it has endured as a popular choice for those seeking a tasty non-alcoholic beverage.
The classic Shirley Temple is made with grenadine syrup, ginger ale, and maraschino cherries. Ginger ale is the prototypical lengthener for this drink. The perfect ratio is 1 ounce of grenadine to 4 ounces of ginger ale, topped with maraschino cherries. The drink can be garnished with a fun straw to make it feel extra fancy.
Over time, bartenders have experimented with different variations of the Shirley Temple recipe. Some have replaced the ginger ale with ginger syrup and club soda, while others have skipped the ginger altogether and used lemon-lime soda or lemonade. These alternatives to ginger ale can provide a stronger ginger flavour or a complementary hit of citrus.
For those who wish to add alcohol to their Shirley Temple, vodka or another spirit of choice can be added, creating a cocktail often called the Dirty Shirley. One recipe for an alcoholic version of the drink includes grenadine, whiskey sour mix, ginger ale, 7 Up, and as much vodka or tequila as desired. Another recipe uses raspberry vodka.
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Lemon-lime soda is a common substitute
The Shirley Temple drink is believed to be named after the child actress, singer, and dancer Shirley Temple, who gained fame in the 1930s and 1940s. While the exact origin of the drink is debated, it is often associated with the Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, a claim supported by Ms. Temple herself. Interestingly, despite the drink bearing her name, Shirley Temple was not a fan of the original recipe, finding it too sweet.
The classic Shirley Temple recipe calls for grenadine syrup, which gives the drink its distinctive red colour and sweet flavour. While traditionally made with pomegranate juice, modern grenadine may not have this flavour profile and is often used in cherry-based drinks. The grenadine is then topped with lemon-lime soda, creating a balanced and refreshing beverage.
Some variations of the drink exist, offering a range of flavour profiles to suit different tastes. For instance, instead of using ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, some recipes suggest substituting it with ginger syrup and club soda, adding a subtle ginger flavour. Alternatively, for those who prefer a stronger citrus note, lemonade can be used as the primary mixer.
While the Shirley Temple is traditionally non-alcoholic, it can be transformed into a cocktail with the addition of spirits. This adult version is often dubbed the "Dirty Shirley" and can be customised with vodka, whiskey, or even tequila to personal preference. The versatility of the Shirley Temple recipe allows it to cater to a wide range of audiences, from children enjoying a fancy drink to adults seeking a unique cocktail experience.
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The Dirty Shirley is an alcoholic variation
The Shirley Temple drink is a well-known mocktail, believed to be the first of its kind. It is named after the child actress, singer, and dancer Shirley Temple, who starred in many movies and television shows during the 1930s and '40s. The drink typically includes grenadine, a splash of lemon or lime, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, and maraschino cherries. It is often served with a fun straw.
One source suggests that the Dirty Shirley can be made by first pouring in the grenadine and then adding a little bit of whiskey sour mix. Then, add ginger ale and 7 Up, and finally, top it off with your desired amount of vodka or tequila. This recipe provides a strong kick while retaining the sweetness of the original Shirley Temple.
Another recipe suggests replacing the ginger ale with ginger syrup and club soda, or skipping the ginger altogether and opting for lemon-lime soda or lemonade. This variation provides a different flavour profile while still maintaining the spirit of the original drink.
The Dirty Shirley is a fun and playful twist on the classic Shirley Temple, offering a more adult take on a drink that is usually associated with childhood. It is a great option for those who want to enjoy a tasty cocktail with a touch of nostalgia.
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Raspberry vodka is a popular addition
The Shirley Temple is a well-known mocktail typically made with grenadine, ginger ale, and maraschino cherries. However, the drink can be transformed into a cocktail with the addition of alcohol. While various spirits can be used, raspberry vodka is a popular choice.
The addition of raspberry vodka to a Shirley Temple creates a delightful cocktail that retains the playful essence of the original mocktail while adding a subtle kick. The fruity notes of the raspberry enhance the drink's overall sweetness, making it a tasty and refreshing choice for those seeking a fun and flirty cocktail.
When crafting this adult version of the Shirley Temple, the key is to find the perfect balance between the sweetness of the grenadine and the tartness of the vodka. One popular recipe suggests using one ounce of grenadine, combined with four ounces of lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, and topped with maraschino cherries. The vodka is then added according to taste, with some preferring a lighter touch to avoid overwhelming the other flavours.
For those who enjoy a stronger cocktail, increasing the amount of raspberry vodka can elevate the drink's intensity. Additionally, a splash of whiskey sour mix or tequila can be included for an extra punch. This flexibility in the recipe allows bartenders and home mixologists to customise the cocktail to suit their preferences.
The Shirley Temple mocktail has been a beloved fixture in the drinking world for decades, and its alcoholic counterpart is gaining popularity. The addition of raspberry vodka offers a delightful twist, appealing to those seeking a fun and fruity cocktail with a subtle edge. Whether enjoyed on a night out or crafted at home, this cocktail is sure to bring a smile to those seeking a playful yet sophisticated drinking experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic drink, often considered to be the world's first mocktail. It is believed to be named after the child actress, singer and dancer Shirley Temple.
The Shirley Temple is traditionally a non-alcoholic drink. However, it can be made into a cocktail by adding a spirit such as vodka, whiskey or tequila.
The classic Shirley Temple is made with grenadine syrup, ginger ale, and maraschino cherries. Some recipes also include lemon or lime juice.
Grenadine is a non-alcoholic flavoured syrup. It is often red in colour and can be bought or made at home.
Yes, there are many variations of the Shirley Temple cocktail. Some recipes replace the ginger ale with ginger beer, lemonade or lemon-lime soda. Others add additional ingredients such as whiskey sour mix or raspberry vodka.







































