Skip to content
NorthFactsFacts first, Canada's reference desk
Culture

Shirley Temple Cocktail

What is shirley temple cocktail?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Type Non-alcoholic mixed drink[1]
Ingredients Ginger ale and grenadine[2]
Garnish Maraschino cherry[2]
Named after Shirley Temple[5]
Common base variation Lemon-lime soda may replace ginger ale[1]

A Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic mixed drink made with ginger ale and grenadine, usually garnished with a maraschino cherry. It is also described as a mocktail or child’s drink.

Context

The Shirley Temple is a classic non-alcoholic drink, often served to children or as a mocktail. It is named after the child actress Shirley Temple [5]. The drink typically combines ginger ale with grenadine and is garnished with a maraschino cherry [2]. Some variations use lemon-lime soda instead of ginger ale [1]. The origin of the drink is disputed; one source claims it was invented at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii [3], while another suggests the origin is not agreed upon and mentions Hollywood restaurants [4]. The recipe varies by source, with some adding lemon or lime juice or orange juice [1]. An alcoholic version, called a Dirty Shirley, adds alcohol to the mix [6].

Documented claims

  • The Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic mixed drink made with ginger ale and grenadine, usually garnished with a maraschino cherry. [2]
  • It is also described as a mocktail or child’s drink. [1]
  • The drink is named after the child actress Shirley Temple. [5]
  • An alcoholic version is known as a Dirty Shirley. [6]

Related

Hugo CocktailEn annan alkoholfri cocktail som ofta namns i sammanhanget.

Questions and answers

What is a Shirley Temple made of?

A Shirley Temple is made with ginger ale and grenadine, usually garnished with a maraschino cherry [2]. Some variations use lemon-lime soda instead of ginger ale [1].

Why is it called Dirty Shirley?

A Dirty Shirley is an alcoholic version of the Shirley Temple, typically made by adding vodka or another spirit to the non-alcoholic drink [6].

How do you make a Shirley Temple in Canada?

In Canada, a Shirley Temple is typically made with ginger ale and grenadine, garnished with a maraschino cherry [2]. Some recipes may use lemon-lime soda instead [1].

Sources

  1. SHIRLEY TEMPLE Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com — dictionary.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Shirley Temple Drink Recipe — liquor.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Shirley Temple - A Beautiful Mess — abeautifulmess.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. No One Can Agree On The Correct Way To Make A Shirley ... — delish.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  5. Dirty Shirley Drink {Shirley Temple Cocktail} — bellyfull.net (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  6. Shirley Temple (drink) — en.wikipedia.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture