About the Shirley Temple
History
The Shirley Temple is often credited to a bartender at Chasen's or the Brown Derby in Beverly Hills during the 1930s, created for the child actress Shirley Temple when she attended events with her parents. However, Temple herself later stated she had no involvement in its creation and did not particularly enjoy the drink. The combination of ginger ale and grenadine became a standard non-alcoholic option at restaurants and bars throughout the mid-twentieth century, serving as a celebratory alternative for children and non-drinkers at social gatherings. Its association with the famous actress ensured its place in American beverage culture.
Technique
The Shirley Temple requires minimal technique but benefits from proper assembly. Build the drink directly in a highball glass filled with ice, pouring the ginger ale first, followed by grenadine and orange juice. A gentle stir integrates the ingredients without aggressively releasing carbonation from the ginger ale. Cubed ice is standard, providing adequate dilution as the drink is consumed. Some bartenders prefer to pour grenadine last for visual effect, allowing it to sink and create a gradient before stirring. The goal is a balanced, lightly fizzy drink with even flavor distribution.
Ingredient notes
Grenadine quality significantly impacts the final drink. Commercial brands like Rose's contain artificial flavoring and high-fructose corn syrup, while pomegranate-based grenadines such as Small Hand Foods or Liber & Co offer more authentic flavor with natural sweetness. Any standard ginger ale works, though Fever-Tree or Q Mixers provide cleaner ginger flavor with less cloying sweetness. Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferable to bottled for brightness and acidity. The grenadine's pomegranate character should complement rather than overpower the ginger and citrus elements, creating a balanced, fruit-forward profile.
Variations
The Dirty Shirley adds vodka, transforming it into an adult cocktail while maintaining the original flavor profile. A Roy Rogers substitutes cola for ginger ale, creating a cherry-cola effect. Some recipes omit orange juice entirely, relying solely on grenadine and ginger ale for a simpler two-ingredient build. Adjusting the grenadine ratio from half an ounce to one and a half ounces dramatically changes sweetness levels. Lemon-lime soda can replace ginger ale for a less spicy, more neutral base. Fresh lime juice instead of orange provides tartness and complexity.
When to serve & pairings
The Shirley Temple suits casual dining environments, children's celebrations, and occasions where non-alcoholic options are needed. Its sweetness pairs well with salty foods like french fries, fried chicken, or pizza, providing contrast. The drink works year-round but feels particularly appropriate at brunches, family gatherings, and poolside events. Serve in a highball or Collins glass with a maraschino cherry and orange slice garnish. The combination of ginger spice and fruit makes it compatible with both savory appetizers and desserts, functioning as a palate refresher between courses.