Who invented the Shirley Temple?
The exact origin of this classic mocktail is a bit of a mystery, but it’s possible that it was first served at the Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, a claim that was made by Ms. Temple herself. However, other establishments also lay claim to its creation.
These days the mocktail has outgrown its reputation as a child’s drink, and the Shirley Temple is now a popular choice for anyone seeking a fun and approachable non-alcoholic beverage.
FUN FACT! Official(ish) rumors have it that Ms. Temple herself did not actually like the cocktail made in her honor all that much, finding it a little on the sweet side.
Burning question: Are Mocktails Healthy? Here’s the Skinny!
Variations of the Shirley Temple to try
Keen to play around with the standard list of Shirley Temple ingredients to make it your own? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Make your own grenadine
To make your own homemade grenadine, combine 2 cups of pomegranate juice (or cherry juice) and two cups of granulated sugar in a saucepan. Bring it to a slow boil, stirring constantly until all the sugar is dissolved then reduce the heat and cover. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the syrup from the heat, allow it to cool, and pour it into a small glass bottle or decanter with a tight-sealing lid. Add a dash or two of orange flower water (or Grand Marnier if you want a bit of kick) to the bottle, give it a few shakes, and store until you are ready to use it in a cocktail or mocktail of your choice.
Play around with your mixer
You can replace the ginger ale with ginger syrup and club soda or skip the ginger entirely and opt for lemon-lime soda or lemonade. You can also turn this mocktail into a cocktail, , by adding 2 oz of SKYY Vodka, Bulldog Gin, or another spirit of your choice. This alcoholic version is known as the Dirty Shirley.
Read next: Easy Syrup Variations for Cocktails
When to serve a Shirley Temple mocktail
Our Shirley Temple drink recipe makes a great option for everyday enjoyment. It’s especially nice to serve at:
- Baby showers (tailormade for moms-to-be)
- Bachelorettes (the sober-curious crew adore it!)
- Summer garden parties (pretty as a picture)
- Shirley Temple movie marathons (we love Curly Top, and The Little Colonel)
More mocktail inspo: 8 Easy Mocktails for Simple and Clean Sipping
