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Shirley Temple Mocktail

Shirley Temple Mocktail

iamwinfred
The Shirley Temple Mocktail is a timeless classic that's bright, bubbly, and perfectly sweet with just the right amount of cherry flavor. Ready in just five minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, this festive non-alcoholic drink is beloved by kids and adults alike — perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, holiday gatherings, or any time you want something fun and fizzy to sip on.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 mocktail
Calories 110 kcal

Equipment

  • Tall glass (highball or Collins glass)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cup
  • Bar spoon or regular spoon for stirring
  • Straw (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup lemon-lime soda 240ml; such as Sprite or 7UP, freshly opened for best carbonation
  • 1 tbsp grenadine syrup 15ml; adjust to taste — use less for a less sweet drink
  • ice cubes fill glass about three-quarters full; larger ice cubes melt slower

For Garnish

  • 2 maraschino cherries 2-3 cherries; Luxardo cherries recommended for a more sophisticated flavor
  • 1 slice orange (optional) for garnish on the rim of the glass

Instructions
 

  • Fill a tall glass about three-quarters full with ice cubes, leaving room at the top for the liquid ingredients.
  • Pour 1 tablespoon of grenadine syrup over the ice — it will naturally sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful layered effect.
  • Slowly pour 1 cup of lemon-lime soda into the glass to preserve carbonation; you will see the grenadine swirl up to create a pink gradient.
  • Give the drink one or two gentle stirs to distribute the grenadine evenly without losing carbonation — or leave it unstirred for a layered look.
  • Drop in the maraschino cherries, slide an orange slice onto the rim if using, add a straw, and serve immediately while cold and fizzy.

Notes

  • Use freshly opened soda for maximum fizz — flat soda results in a less bubbly drink.
  • Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling for an extra-cold drink.
  • Start with 1 tablespoon of grenadine and add more to taste if you prefer a sweeter, deeper pink color.
  • Use quality grenadine (like Torani) for the best flavor — cheap brands can taste artificial.
  • Upgrade to Luxardo maraschino cherries for a more complex, less sweet garnish that adults especially love.
  • For a sugar-rimmed glass, run a lemon wedge around the rim and dip in granulated sugar before filling.
  • No grenadine? Substitute cherry syrup, raspberry syrup, or a mix of cranberry juice and simple syrup.
  • To serve a crowd, set up a self-serve station with soda, grenadine, ice, glasses, and garnishes so guests can customize their own.
  • For an adult version ("Dirty Shirley"), add 1 to 2 oz of vodka or rum to the finished drink.
  • This drink cannot be made ahead — it loses carbonation within 30 minutes, so assemble just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1MocktailCalories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 28gSodium: 25mgPotassium: 10mgSugar: 27gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 1mg
Keyword grenadine soda drink, kids party drinks, mocktail recipe, non alcoholic drinks, shirley temple mocktail
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