The Shirley Temple Drink: Canada’s Favorite Mocktail
If you grew up in Canada—or anywhere, really—chances are you’ve heard of the Shirley Temple drink. It’s that fizzy, sweet, cherry-topped mocktail that made you feel fancy at family gatherings or dinners out as a kid. Named after the iconic child star Shirley Temple, this non-alcoholic beverage has been a staple for generations, offering a burst of nostalgia and a fun alternative to grown-up cocktails. But where did it come from, and why do Canadians love it so much? Let’s explore its history, its Canadian twist, and, most importantly, 10 delicious recipe options you can whip up at home.
The Origins of the Shirley Temple Drink
The Shirley Temple drink first bubbled up in the 1930s, during the height of Shirley Temple’s fame as Hollywood’s pint-sized darling. Legend has it that bartenders at places like Chasen’s or the Brown Derby in California concocted the drink for the young actress so she could sip something special while the adults enjoyed their cocktails. The classic recipe called for ginger ale, a splash of grenadine, and a maraschino cherry garnish—simple, sweet, and kid-friendly.
Interestingly, Shirley Temple Black (her married name) wasn’t a fan herself. In a 1986 NPR interview, she called it “saccharine sweet” and “icky,” insisting she had no hand in its creation (source: NPR). Despite her disapproval, the drink took off, becoming a symbol of innocence and fun during tough times like the Great Depression. By the time it reached Canada, it had evolved a bit, often featuring a splash of orange juice—a twist many attribute to Canadian tastes.
Why Canadians Love It
In Canada, the Shirley Temple has a special place at the table. Maybe it’s the vibrant red color that pops against our snowy winters, or maybe it’s the way it lets kids feel grown-up without the alcohol. Posts on X and recipes from Canadian bloggers often highlight that orange juice addition, setting our version apart from the American classic. It’s a staple at birthday parties, holiday dinners, and even casual restaurant outings. Plus, with brands like Canada Dry ginger ale being a household name here, it’s no surprise this mocktail feels right at home.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—recipes! Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a taste of childhood, here are 10 verifiable Shirley Temple recipes, tailored with a Canadian flair where possible. Each one is rooted in real sources, so you know they’re legit.
10 Shirley Temple Recipes to Try
- Classic Shirley Temple
- Ingredients: 4 oz ginger ale, 1 oz grenadine, maraschino cherry
- Instructions: Fill a glass with ice, pour in ginger ale, add grenadine, stir gently, and top with a cherry.
- Source: Wikipedia
- Notes: This is the OG recipe—perfectly simple and a great starting point.
- Canadian Shirley Temple
- Ingredients: 3 oz ginger ale, 1 oz grenadine, 1 oz orange juice, maraschino cherry
- Instructions: Over ice, mix ginger ale and orange juice, then add grenadine. Garnish with a cherry.
- Source: Taste and Tell
- Notes: That orange juice kick is a nod to Canadian preferences—bright and refreshing.
- 7UP Shirley Temple
- Ingredients: 4 oz 7UP, 1 oz grenadine, maraschino cherry
- Instructions: Pour 7UP over ice, add grenadine, stir, and top with a cherry.
- Source: 7UP
- Notes: 7UP’s lemon-lime fizz makes this a lighter take—bonus points if you grab the limited-edition Shirley Temple flavor (available in 2024!).
- Dirty Shirley (Adult Twist)
- Ingredients: 4 oz ginger ale, 1 oz grenadine, 1.5 oz vodka, maraschino cherry
- Instructions: Combine ginger ale and vodka over ice, add grenadine, stir, and garnish.
- Source: New York Times Cooking
- Notes: For the grown-ups who are of legal drinking age who still love that Shirley vibe.
- Shirley Temple Black
- Ingredients: 4 oz ginger ale, 1 oz grenadine, 2 oz black rum, maraschino cherry
- Instructions: Mix ginger ale and rum over ice, add grenadine, stir, and top with a cherry.
- Source: Simple Joy
- Notes: Named after Shirley’s married name, this one’s bold and boozy.
- Orange Creamsicle Shirley
- Ingredients: 3 oz lemon-lime soda, 1 oz grenadine, 1 oz orange juice, 1 oz heavy cream, cherry
- Instructions: Layer soda, orange juice, and grenadine over ice, top with cream, and garnish.
- Source: Belly Full
- Notes: A creamy, dreamy Canadian-inspired treat.
- Pomegranate Shirley Temple
- Ingredients: 4 oz ginger ale, 1 oz pomegranate juice (instead of grenadine), lime slice
- Instructions: Pour ginger ale over ice, add pomegranate juice, stir, and garnish with lime.
- Source: Serious Eats
- Notes: A tart twist if you’re out of grenadine.
- Sprite and Cherry Shirley
- Ingredients: 4 oz Sprite, 1 oz maraschino cherry juice, 2 cherries
- Instructions: Mix Sprite and cherry juice over ice, stir, and top with cherries.
- Source: Immaculate Bites
- Notes: No grenadine? Cherry juice works in a pinch.
- Shirley Temple Punch (Party Size)
- Ingredients: 2 L ginger ale, 1 cup grenadine, 1 cup orange juice, cherries for garnish
- Instructions: In a punch bowl, combine all liquids, stir, add ice, and float cherries on top.
- Source: A Pretty Life
- Notes: Perfect for a Canadian holiday gathering—serves a crowd!
- Frozen Shirley Temple
- Ingredients: 2 cups lemon-lime soda, 1/2 cup grenadine, 1 cup ice, cherry
- Instructions: Blend soda, grenadine, and ice until slushy, pour into a glass, and top with a cherry.
- Source: The Baker Upstairs
- Notes: A fun summer twist for those warm Canadian days.
Fun Facts and Variations
Did you know Shirley Temple once sued to stop a bottled version of her namesake drink? In 1988, she won that battle, but fast forward to 2024, and 7UP released a Shirley Temple-flavored soda with her estate’s blessing (source: Taste of Home). It’s a limited-time treat, so grab it if you see it in Canadian stores. And if you’re feeling adventurous, swap ginger ale for club soda or add a squeeze of lime for a less sweet sip—options are endless.
Where to Find Ingredients in Canada
Grenadine is easy to snag at any Canadian grocery store—look in the mixer aisle near the club soda or liquor section. Brands like Rose’s or Torani are solid bets. For ginger ale, Canada Dry is a classic, but you can’t go wrong with Schweppes or a local craft option. Maraschino cherries? They’re in the baking aisle or with the ice cream toppings. If you’re in a small town, even a corner store might have the basics.
A Drink for All Ages
What I love about the Shirley Temple drink is how it bridges generations. Kids adore the sweetness and that iconic cherry, while adults can tweak it with a splash of vodka or rum for a nostalgic kick. In Canada, it’s more than a drink—it’s a memory, a party staple, and a little piece of fun in a glass. So, next time you’re hosting, why not mix up a batch? You’ll be the hero of the night, no matter the age group.
Beyond the Glass: Shirley Temple Culture
Here’s something to ponder: the Shirley Temple has inspired more than just recipes. There’s a six-year-old Instagram star, Leo Kelly (@theshirleytempleking), who’s been rating Shirley Temples across the U.S. since 2020 (source: Taste of Home). No word yet on if he’s made it to Canada, but I’d bet he’d approve of our orange juice twist. It’s a reminder of how this drink keeps sparking joy, one sip at a time.