• Home
  • Articles
  • Shirley Temple Drink: How The Mocktail Gets Its Name; Recipe Inside

Shirley Temple Drink: How The Mocktail Gets Its Name; Recipe Inside

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple is one of those non-alcoholic drinks that has been passed on generations to pay tribute to Shirley Temple who was a much-loved child actress, and a celebrity actress. Later on, she went on to become a singer, dancer as well as a diplomat. However, the iconic actress died on February 10, 2014, but has left an incredible legacy not only in movies she starred in and the restaurants, but also because she later served as a U.S. ambassador.   

Inspired by her and the fact that she was a child, the Shirley Temple mocktail was crafted as a tribute and holds an important place in the American pop culture. It is a drink that is thoroughly enjoyed by children and adults alike and it is served at countless parties and events over the years. The drink is a testament to the enduring popularity of Shirley Temple, who remains a beloved figure in American history. 

History Of Shirley Temple   

However, how did this famous non-alcoholic mocktail ever come to be associated with the actress? The exact source of the name of the drink is a mystery. The story started when the young Temple was in a restaurant and needed some non-alcoholic drink for herself. Reports say that Temple was ‘winning’ over her parents enjoying their old-fashioned which comes with their offshoot’s signature maraschino cherry. The waitstaff thereafter mixed a total teetotal version for her.   

According to some reports it was first mixed at the Hollywood eatery Chasen’s, while other reports say that it was Brown Derby restaurant also in Hollywood. Moreover, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel also notified that their bartender came up with this drink.   

The actress was sure of one thing, she didn’t want anyone making money off her signature drink by using her name. In 1988, there were attempts to sell a bottled soda bearing the name ‘Shirley Temple,’ she brought lawsuits claiming that her name was not a generic term and using it in this manner invaded her privacy.   

Recipe Of Traditional Shirley Temple Mocktail   

Although the ingredients of this mocktail are in dispute, we have the recipe for you:   

Ingredients:   

1/2 cup ginger ale (chilled)   

1/2 cup orange juice (chilled)   

1 tablespoon grenadine syrup   

Ice cubes   

Maraschino cherry for garnish   

Orange slice for garnish (optional)   

Method:   

Fill a glass with ice cubes.   

Pour the ginger ale over the ice.   

Add the orange juice to the glass.   

Slowly pour the grenadine syrup over the back of a spoon or by drizzling it down the side of the glass. This will allow the grenadine to sink to the bottom, creating a layered effect.   

Do not stir the drink; let the layers settle naturally.   

Garnish with a maraschino cherry on top.   

If desired, add an orange slice for extra decoration. 

Variations Of Shirley Temple Mocktails 

There are quite a few variations of the classic Shirley Temple mocktail. Here are some of them. Take a look: 

1. Shirley Temple Black: It is a variation of the classic mocktail, replacing the ginger ale or lemon-lime soda with cola or black cherry soda. This version offers a deeper and richer flavor profile, maintaining the signature sweetness with grenadine syrup and adorned with a maraschino cherry. 

2. Shirley Temple Blue: By incorporating blue raspberry syrup along with the traditional lemon-lime soda and grenadine, this version delights the taste buds while offering a captivating blue hue, making it a colorful and refreshing beverage. 

3. Shirley Temple Sunrise: The Shirley Temple Sunrise is a vibrant and fruity mocktail that elevates the classic Shirley Temple with a burst of citrus. Featuring a predominant orange juice base, the drink is artfully layered with grenadine, creating a visually stunning sunrise effect in the glass. 

4. Sparkling Shirley: By replacing traditional ginger ale with sparkling water, this refreshing drink maintains its fruity charm with orange juice and grenadine syrup, creating a bubbly and delightful beverage for any occasion. 

5. Tropical Temple: This variation features a delightful blend of pineapple juice and coconut water. With the addition of grenadine syrup, this mocktail delivers a tropical oasis of flavors, perfect for a sunny day or a festive occasion.

This content is not available in your location