The Classic Shirley Temple

There is a slew of different drinks that are perfect to make or prep for a crowd. Like margaritas on the rocks. Or sweet tea. Or the Classic Shirley Temple.

Today, I'm sharing my recipe for the classic drink. Including the recipe for the easiest homemade grenadine. It's worth the time to make this stuff, I promise.

Now, this drink can be made with either a lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up) or ginger ale. Both sodas create a tasty drink, but if you are making this drink for a party I would lean toward using Sprite or 7-Up because it has a more neutral flavor profile. A couple of other things about the Classic Shirley Temple recipe:

This is traditionally a non-alcoholic drink. But, if you want to make this a Dirty Shirley, just add a shot of liquor. Rum and vodka are perfect choices!
The home made grenadine is 100% worth the 15 minutes it takes to make. The flavor is deeper and you get to skip the high fructose corn syrup and additives from the store bought version.
Shirley Temple’s are perfect for a party with both adults and kids. Just omit the alcohol for the kiddos!

What you need to make a Shirley Temple:

Tools

Measuring Cups - Wet and Dry
Measuring Spoons
Small Saucepan
Spatula

Techniques

measure
simmer & reduce

Ingredients

Shirley Temple Ingredients

1 can, lemon-lime or ginger ale soda or lime sparkling water
1-4 Tbs, grenadine
maraschino cherries, optional
ice

Grenadine Ingredients

1 cup, pomegranate juice, unsweetened
1/2 cup, sugar

Prep

Measure the sugar and place in the saucepan.
Measure the pomegranate juice and pour into the saucepan.
Gather supplies for serving the Shirley Temple: Glass, Straw

Process

Place the sugar and pomegranate juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the liquid is slightly thickened.
Let the liquid cool for 20 minutes or so then pour into mason jar and store in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
To make a Shirley Temple, fill a large glass with ice, 2-4 Tbs of grenadine, cover with either lemon-lime or ginger ale soda. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a straw.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought grenadine for this recipe?

Yes! The homemade stuff does have a deeper, fruitier flavor compared to the store-bought version. It's sooo yummy! And, for me, I like knowing that my syrup is made only of the pomegranate juice and cane sugar. The store-bought grenadine is typically made with corn syrup and red food dye.

Can I make this an adult drink?

Of course! Add 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce of vodka or rum to take make this for the adults at the party!