3-ingredient Shirley Temple Drink: The Best Fizzy Mocktail for All Ages

Looking for a fun, refreshing, and nostalgic drink that everyone can enjoy? The Shirley Temple Drink is the perfect choice! This sweet and bubbly mocktail, named after the famous child actress, is a delightful mix of citrus flavors and grenadine. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying brunch, or just craving a fizzy treat, this drink will brighten your day. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in just minutes!

A close-up of a tall glass filled with ice, layered orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and grenadine syrup, garnished with a maraschino cherry and striped straw, in bright natural light.

Ingredients and Preparation Steps

This easy Shirley Temple mocktail requires just a few ingredients and comes together in minutes. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect fizzy, fruity drink.

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale)
  • 1 tbsp grenadine syrup
  • 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
  • Ice cubes

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

First, fill a tall glass with ice cubes to keep your drink chilled and refreshing.

Close-up view of ice cubes being dropped into a clear glass, with condensation on the sides, in a bright kitchen setting.

Step 2: Pour the Juice and Soda

Next, pour in the orange juice and lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale). The combination of citrus and bubbles creates a refreshing base.

 Close-up view of orange juice and soda being poured into the glass, with fizzy bubbles rising to the surface, in a cheerful kitchen environment.

Step 3: Add the Grenadine

After, slowly pour in the grenadine syrup. It will sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful layered effect.

Close-up view of grenadine syrup being poured into the drink, forming a red layer at the bottom, in warm ambient lighting.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finally, place a maraschino cherry on top and serve with a straw. Enjoy your delicious, bubbly Shirley Temple!

Close-up view of the finished drink with a cherry on top and a striped straw, placed on a colorful napkin, in natural daylight.

Why You’ll Love This Shirley Temple Drink

One sip of this classic Shirley Temple recipe, and you’ll be hooked! The combination of citrusy orange juice, fizzy soda, and sweet grenadine creates a perfectly balanced drink that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The delightful cherry garnish adds a fun touch, making it a hit for all ages.

This drink is perfect for:

  • Brunch gatherings – A delightful, non-alcoholic option that pairs beautifully with Classic Waffles.
  • Birthday parties – Kids and adults alike love the fizzy, fruity flavor.
  • Holiday celebrations – Serve it as a festive drink alongside Pumpkin Bars.
  • Summer refreshment – A perfect cool-down drink on a hot day.

Shirley Temple Drink FAQs

What is a Shirley Temple Drink made of?

A Shirley Temple Drink is made with orange juice, lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale), grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry for garnish. It’s a non-alcoholic mocktail perfect for all ages.

Can I make a Shirley Temple without grenadine?

Yes! If you don’t have grenadine, you can substitute it with cherry syrup or pomegranate juice for a similar sweet and fruity flavor.

What is the best soda to use in a Shirley Temple?

Lemon-lime soda is the most common choice, but you can also use ginger ale for a slightly spicier kick.

Is a Shirley Temple Drink healthy?

While this drink is a fun treat, it does contain sugar from the grenadine and soda. To make a healthier version, use fresh-squeezed orange juice and a sugar-free soda.

Can I make a large batch of Shirley Temple Drinks?

Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients to match the number of servings you need. Serve it in a punch bowl with plenty of ice and cherries for garnish.

Shirley Temple Drink

Shirley Temple Drink

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
5 minutes

Servings
1

Category
Snacks and small bites

A classic, kid-friendly drink that’s perfect for parties, brunch, or just because! With orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and a splash of grenadine, it’s sweet, fizzy, and oh-so-fun.

Ingredient

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale)
  • 1 tbsp grenadine syrup
  • 1 maraschino cherry

Instructions

  1. First, fill a tall glass with ice.
  2. Next, pour in the orange juice and lemon-lime soda.
  3. After, slowly add the grenadine syrup—it’ll sink to the bottom for a beautiful layered effect.
  4. Finally, garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve with a straw!

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 170
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Protein: 1g

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, swap the lemon-lime soda for ginger ale or add a splash of pineapple juice.

Pro Tips for the Best Shirley Temple Drink

  1. Use crushed ice: Crushed ice chills the drink faster and enhances the presentation.
  2. Chill your ingredients: For extra refreshment, refrigerate the orange juice and soda before mixing.
  3. Drizzle grenadine slowly: Pouring it gently helps create the signature layered effect.
  4. Experiment with flavors: Swap orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
  5. Make it extra bubbly: Use club soda instead of regular soda for a lighter, fizzier mocktail.
  6. Adjust sweetness: Add more or less grenadine based on your preference.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Best enjoyed fresh: The Shirley Temple Drink is best served immediately for the perfect fizz and flavor.
  • Short-term storage: If needed, you can store the mixed orange juice and soda in the fridge for a few hours. Add grenadine and ice just before serving.
  • Avoid freezing: Freezing the drink will alter its texture and carbonation.
  • Pre-mixing for parties: If serving a crowd, mix the juice and soda in a large pitcher, but wait to add the grenadine and garnish until serving.

Perfect Pairings

This fizzy, fruity mocktail pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory treats. Here are some great pairing ideas:

Enjoy Your Shirley Temple Drink Anytime!

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a fun, refreshing drink, the Shirley Temple Drink is a perfect choice. With its bright colors, fizzy bubbles, and sweet cherry garnish, it’s a timeless favorite for all ages.

Want to mix things up? Try adding a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist or experiment with different citrus sodas for a unique flavor.

If you loved this mocktail, you might also enjoy our Golden Milk for a cozy, spiced drink or a Pumpkin Spice Latte for a seasonal treat.

Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Share your Shirley Temple creations with us on social media and tag your friends who love fun drinks. Cheers!

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