What is a Shirley Temple Drink? A Classic Non-Alcoholic Delight

What is a Shirley Temple drink? If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you couldn’t or didn’t want to consume alcoholic beverages but still wanted to enjoy a delightful and refreshing drink, the Shirley Temple might just be the perfect answer.

This iconic non-alcoholic cocktail has been a favorite among both kids and adults for decades, offering a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that make it a popular choice for parties, special occasions, or simply as a refreshing treat on a sunny day.

In this article, we’ll delve into the origins, ingredients, and variations of the beloved Shirley Temple drink, uncovering the delightful history behind this classic concoction.

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What is a Shirley Temple drink?

A Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic mixed drink traditionally made with ginger ale and a splash of grenadine, and garnished with a maraschino cherry. Modern Shirley Temple recipes may substitute lemon-lime soda or lemonade and sometimes orange juice, in part or in whole.

Shirley Temples are often served as an alternative to alcoholic cocktails, as are the similar Roy Rogers and Arnold Palmer. In some regions of the Midwestern United States, the cocktail is referred to as a Kiddie Cocktail, owing to it often being served to children.

The drink was named after the American child actress Shirley Temple, who was known for her performances in films such as “The Little Colonel” and “Bright Eyes”. The drink was first created in the 1930s by a bartender at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, California, who was inspired by Temple’s popularity.

The traditional recipe for a Shirley Temple is as follows:

4 ounces ginger ale

1 ounce grenadine
1 maraschino cherry

To make the drink, simply combine the ginger ale and grenadine in a glass filled with ice. Garnish with the maraschino cherry and enjoy.

What are the main ingredients in a Shirley Temple?

A Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic cocktail that’s typically enjoyed by people of all ages. The main ingredients in a Shirley Temple are:

Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda: The base of a Shirley Temple is usually ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. You can use either of these carbonated beverages as a foundation for the drink.
Grenadine Syrup: Grenadine syrup is the key ingredient that gives the Shirley Temple its signature sweet and fruity flavor. It’s a non-alcoholic syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar.

Maraschino Cherry: A maraschino cherry is often used as a garnish for the Shirley Temple. It adds a pop of color and a sweet, fruity accent to the drink.
Orange Slice (optional): Some variations of the Shirley Temple include an orange slice as a garnish, which adds a citrusy twist to the flavor.

To make a Shirley Temple, you typically fill a glass with ice, add a generous splash of grenadine syrup, and then top it off with the ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.

Give it a gentle stir, garnish with a maraschino cherry (and optionally, an orange slice), and it’s ready to enjoy. The result is a refreshing, sweet, and fizzy beverage that’s popular among kids and adults who prefer non-alcoholic options.

Is a Shirley Temple an alcoholic beverage?

No, a Shirley Temple is not an alcoholic beverage. It is a non-alcoholic mocktail or soft drink that is safe for people of all ages, including children, and it does not contain any alcoholic ingredients.

The Shirley Temple is named after the famous child actress Shirley Temple, and it was originally created for her when she dined at a restaurant with her parents. To make the drink, it typically combines ginger ale or lemon-lime soda with grenadine syrup and is garnished with a maraschino cherry and sometimes an orange slice. The grenadine syrup provides the sweet and fruity flavor that is characteristic of a Shirley Temple.

While the Shirley Temple has a similar appearance to some alcoholic cocktails, it contains no alcohol whatsoever, making it a popular choice for individuals who do not drink alcohol or for special occasions where non-alcoholic options are preferred. It’s a refreshing and enjoyable drink suitable for people of all ages.

What glassware is typically used for serving a Shirley Temple?

A Shirley Temple is typically served in a specific type of glassware to enhance its presentation and appeal. The most common glassware used for serving a Shirley Temple is a tall, slender, and straight-sided glass known as a Collins glass or a highball glass.

These glasses are well-suited for tall and refreshing drinks like the Shirley Temple, allowing for plenty of ice and carbonated soda while also showcasing the drink’s vibrant colors.

The use of a Collins or highball glass not only provides a visually appealing presentation but also offers enough space for the grenadine syrup and soda to mix evenly, creating a balanced and tasty beverage. The garnish of a maraschino cherry and, optionally, an orange slice adds to the drink’s visual appeal when served in this type of glass.

What flavors are commonly associated with a Shirley Temple?

A Shirley Temple is commonly associated with sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy flavors. The primary flavors that are typically present in a Shirley Temple include:

Sweetness: The drink is sweet due to the use of grenadine syrup, which is made from pomegranate juice and sugar. The syrup adds a rich, sweet undertone to the beverage.
Fruitiness: The grenadine syrup contributes fruity notes to the drink, reminiscent of pomegranate and red berries. This fruity aspect is one of the defining characteristics of a Shirley Temple.
Carbonation: Since Shirley Temples are typically made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda as the base, they have a bubbly, effervescent quality, adding a refreshing aspect to the flavor profile.

Citrus: In some variations, an orange slice may be included as a garnish. This can introduce a subtle citrusy note to the drink, complementing the sweet and fruity elements.

Overall, a Shirley Temple is known for its delightful combination of sweet, fruity, and fizzy flavors, making it a popular choice for those who prefer non-alcoholic and refreshing beverages with a touch of sophistication.

Is a Shirley Temple a suitable drink for children?

Yes, a Shirley Temple is a suitable drink for children. In fact, it’s a popular choice for children and is often served to them in restaurants and at special events. The Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic mocktail, which means it contains no alcohol, making it entirely safe and appropriate for kids to enjoy.

Children typically appreciate the sweet and fruity flavors of a Shirley Temple, and the addition of a maraschino cherry and, sometimes, an orange slice can make it visually appealing to them as well. Parents and guardians often order Shirley Temples for their children as a special treat or to let them feel included when adults are enjoying more grown-up beverages.

However, as with any sugary drink, it’s essential to consume Shirley Temples in moderation to ensure that children do not consume excessive amounts of sugar. It’s also a good opportunity to teach kids about responsible beverage choices and the importance of a balanced diet.

Can you make a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple for adults?

You can make a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple for adults, sometimes referred to as a “Virgin Shirley Temple.” It’s the same refreshing and sweet mocktail as the classic Shirley Temple, but with a more grown-up twist. Here’s how to make a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple for adults:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
1/4 cup club soda (for extra fizz, optional)

1/4 cup orange juice
1 to 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes

Maraschino cherry for garnish
Orange slice for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes. The use of a tall glass enhances the presentation.
Pour in the ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. If you’d like to add extra fizz, you can also pour in club soda at this stage.
Add the orange juice to the glass. This adds a citrusy note to the drink.

Slowly pour the grenadine syrup over the back of a spoon or by drizzling it down the inside of the glass. This creates a layered effect with the syrup sinking to the bottom.
Gently stir the drink to combine the flavors and colors. Use a long stirrer or swizzle stick to avoid disturbing the layers too much.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry on top and, if desired, an orange slice.

Serve the adult non-alcoholic Shirley Temple with a straw.

This version of the Shirley Temple retains the sweet and fruity flavors of the original but adds a touch of sophistication with the addition of orange juice and club soda. It’s a delightful mocktail suitable for adults who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.

What garnishes are commonly used to decorate a Shirley Temple?

Garnishes are an essential part of a Shirley Temple’s presentation, and they add both visual appeal and a burst of flavor to the drink. The most common garnishes used to decorate a Shirley Temple include:

Maraschino Cherry: A maraschino cherry is the most traditional and iconic garnish for a Shirley Temple. It sits atop the drink and adds a sweet and fruity accent when eaten.
Orange Slice: An orange slice is sometimes used as an optional garnish. It not only adds a pop of color but also contributes a subtle citrusy note to the drink, enhancing its flavor.

Lemon or Lime Twist: Some variations of the Shirley Temple may include a twist of lemon or lime peel as a garnish. This adds a fresh citrus aroma and a touch of zest to the beverage.
Umbrella or Cocktail Pick: For a more playful presentation, you can include a small cocktail umbrella or a decorative cocktail pick with a fun shape or design.

These garnishes not only make the Shirley Temple look more appealing but also add extra flavor and flair to the mocktail, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. Feel free to choose the garnishes that suit your preferences and presentation style.

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Conclusion

This page answers what is a Shirley temple drink. A Shirley Temple drink is a non-alcoholic mocktail that combines sweet and fruity flavors. It typically includes ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, grenadine syrup, and is garnished with a maraschino cherry.

It’s a popular choice for all ages and can be served with optional garnishes like an orange slice. Shirley Temples are known for their refreshing and fizzy taste, making them a delightful beverage for any occasion, especially for those who prefer non-alcoholic options or for children.