Easy Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe – Classic Kid-Friendly Drink

Bring a touch of nostalgia to your glass with the classic Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe—a beloved non-alcoholic cocktail that’s as fun as it is refreshing. This mocktail is a timeless favorite for all ages, made with fizzy ginger ale, grenadine, and a bright maraschino cherry. Whether hosting a party or craving a sweet sip, this Shirley Temple Drink always adds a cheerful sparkle.

This easy Shirley Temple mocktail recipe brings fizzy ginger ale and grenadine together for a fun, kid-friendly drink. Named after the famous child actress of the 1930s, the Shirley Temple Cocktail Recipe was created so kids could enjoy a special drink alongside adults at fancy gatherings.

Its pink hue and playful fizz quickly made it a go-to “mocktail” for children and those skipping alcohol. Decades later, it’s still a crowd-pleaser—classic, charming, and perfect for celebrations big or small. I remember my Dad ordering me a Shirley Temple as a child!

Why You’ll Love This Shirley Temple Drink

• Kid-friendly and fun – With its sweet flavor, bright color, and signature cherry garnish, the Shirley Temple is a mocktail kids love and adults enjoy too.
• Timeless and nostalgic, this classic mocktail has a retro charm that instantly elevates any celebration or cozy night in.
• Quick and easy to make—just a few simple ingredients and no fancy tools required—it’s perfect for parties, playdates, or a cheerful treat anytime.

What Readers Say:

“A Holiday Hit!”
“I made a big batch of this Shirley Temple Mocktail for our Christmas Eve open house and it was the star of the evening! The pretty pink color looked gorgeous with our holiday décor, and both kids and adults kept coming back for refills. It’s so easy, festive, and absolutely delicious—this recipe is now a family tradition!” – Emily R., San Francisco

Ingredients for this Kid-friendly Mocktail

• ginger ale
• grenadine (pomegranate syrup)
• fresh lime juice
• Maraschino cherries to garnish, optional
• mint sprig, optional

How To Make a Classic Shirley Temple Drink

1. Fill a highball glass with ice, then add the ginger ale.
2. Add the grenadine (pomegranate syrup) and fresh lime juice, then stir the mixture.
3. Garnish with a lime slice, the cherries, and mint leaves to give it a beautiful and delicious
   finish. Enjoy!

Pretty in Pink Holiday Serving Tips

The Shirley Temple Mocktail’s rosy hue and sparkling fizz make it a natural centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Here are a few glow-worthy ways to serve it:

• Festive Glassware – Pour into coupe or stemless wine glasses to highlight the vibrant pink color. Rim each glass with a touch of sugar or edible glitter for a frosty, winter-wonderland effect.
• Seasonal Garnish – Add fresh cranberries, a rosemary sprig, or a slice of lime to complement the drink’s cheerful tones and create a red-green holiday contrast.
• Party Pitcher or Punch Bowl – Multiply the recipe and serve from a clear pitcher or punch bowl so the drink’s bright pink hue becomes part of the décor. Float extra cherries and thin orange slices for a glowing presentation.
• Kid-Friendly Celebration – Its sparkling color and sweet flavor delight children while giving adults an elegant alcohol-free option, making it ideal for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, or family brunches.
• This classic mocktail’s blush-pink sparkle feels perfectly at home amid twinkling lights and festive tablescapes, ensuring every toast is merry, bright, and alcohol-free.

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Bring a touch of nostalgia to your glass with the classic Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe—a beloved non-alcoholic cocktail that’s as fun as it is refreshing. This mocktail is a timeless favorite for all ages, made with fizzy ginger ale, grenadine, and a bright maraschino cherry. Whether hosting a party or craving a sweet sip, this Shirley Temple Drink always adds a cheerful sparkle.

• Author: Sherie Friedlander
• Prep Time: one minute
• Cook Time: one minute
• Total Time: 2 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Mocktails
• Method: Stir
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup ginger ale
• 1 teaspoon grenadine syrup (pomegranate syrup)
• 1 squeeze of fresh lime juice
• Maraschino cherries to garnish, optional

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Instructions

1. PREPARE THE GLASS: Fill a highball glass with ice, then add the ginger ale.

2. ADD GRENADINE (POMEGRANATE SYRUP): Add in the pomegranate syrup and fresh lime juice, then stir the mixture.

3. GARNISH AND SERVE: Garnish with a lime slice, the cherries, and mint leaves to give it a beautiful and delicious finish. Enjoy!

Notes

 

Holiday & Kid-Friendly Serving Tips

The Shirley Temple’s cheerful pink sparkle makes it a show-stopping drink for festive gatherings and family celebrations. Try these ideas to delight every guest:

• Festive Glassware – Serve in clear highball or stemless wine glasses so the blush hue shines. Rim glasses with sparkling sugar or crushed candy cane for a winter wonderland look.

• Holiday Garnish – Add a sprig of rosemary, a few floating cranberries, or a lime wheel to create a red-green contrast that feels perfectly seasonal.

• Party Pitcher or Punch Bowl – Scale up the recipe and present it in a clear punch bowl so the vibrant pink color becomes part of your décor. Float extra cherries and orange slices for eye-catching appeal.

• Kid-Friendly Fun – Offer colorful paper straws or mini umbrella picks. Let kids add their own cherries or a splash of extra syrup for a playful, interactive touch.

• Make-Ahead Ease – Pre-slice fruit and prep garnishes earlier in the day so you can enjoy the party with your guests.

This mocktail’s rosy hue and fizzy sweetness bring a touch of magic to Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any winter celebration—keeping every toast merry, bright, and alcohol-free.