How to Make a Shirley Temple (Plus a Grown-Up Version)
A Shirley Temple is a classic nonalcoholic drink made with ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda), grenadine, and maraschino cherries. This recipe includes the traditional version plus a grown-up twist using Wims Pocket-Tonic for adults looking for an alcohol-free social drink.
What Is a Shirley Temple?
A Shirley Temple is one of the most recognizable mocktails in America. It's sweet, bubbly, and easy to make with just a few ingredients.
The traditional recipe includes:
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Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
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Grenadine
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Maraschino cherries
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Ice
Many bartenders also add a squeeze of fresh lime to balance the sweetness.
How Do You Make a Classic Shirley Temple?
Ingredients
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8 oz ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
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1 oz grenadine
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2–3 maraschino cherries
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Lime wedge (optional)
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Ice
Instructions
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Fill a tall glass with ice.
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Pour in the soda.
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Add the grenadine.
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Stir gently once.
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Garnish with cherries and a lime wedge.
A quick squeeze of lime brightens the drink without changing its classic flavor.
How Do You Make a Grown-Up Shirley Temple?
If you're looking for an alcohol-free drink with a measured cannabinoid serving, start with the classic Shirley Temple recipe and add Wims Pocket-Tonic.
Ingredients
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1 classic Shirley Temple
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1 serving Wims Pocket-Tonic (4mg THC / 4mg CBD)
Instructions
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Prepare the classic recipe.
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Add Pocket-Tonic last.
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Stir gently once.
If you're new to THC beverages, begin with half a serving (2mg THC / 2mg CBD) and wait 10–20 minutes before deciding whether you'd like more. Research suggests nanoemulsified cannabinoid formulations may be absorbed faster than traditional oil-based edible formulations.
Should You Use Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda?
Both are classic choices.
|
Ginger Ale |
Lemon-Lime Soda |
|
Traditional flavor |
Brighter, sweeter flavor |
|
Slight spice |
More citrus-forward |
|
Pairs well with savory snacks |
Great for fruit and lighter snacks |
Choose whichever matches your taste. If the drink feels too sweet, replace 2 ounces of soda with sparkling water.
What's the Best Grenadine?
Traditional grenadine is made from pomegranate, giving it both sweetness and a subtle tartness.
Many grocery-store grenadines are sweeter than traditional recipes, so if you prefer a more balanced Shirley Temple, look for one that lists pomegranate juice among the primary ingredients.
No grenadine?
You can substitute:
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Homemade pomegranate syrup
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Cherry syrup (in a pinch)
How Do You Keep a Shirley Temple From Being Too Sweet?
The easiest way is to balance—not remove—the sweetness.
Try these bartender tricks:
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Add a squeeze of fresh lime.
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Use ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda.
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Replace part of the soda with sparkling water.
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Stir gently so the grenadine mixes evenly.
These small adjustments keep the drink bright without losing its nostalgic flavor.
Can You Make Shirley Temples for a Crowd?
Yes.
For parties:
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Chill all ingredients beforehand.
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Fill glasses with ice just before serving.
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Add soda last to preserve carbonation.
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Let guests garnish with cherries and citrus.
If serving adults, offer Pocket-Tonic separately so everyone can choose whether to add 2mg or 4mg to their own drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's in a traditional Shirley Temple?
A traditional Shirley Temple contains ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda), grenadine, maraschino cherries, and ice.
Is ginger ale or Sprite better?
Both work. Ginger ale is the more traditional choice and provides a slightly less sweet finish, while lemon-lime soda creates a brighter, sweeter drink.
Why is my Shirley Temple too sweet?
Try using less grenadine, adding fresh lime juice, or replacing a portion of the soda with sparkling water.
How much Pocket-Tonic should I add?
Adults new to THC beverages should consider starting with 2mg THC / 2mg CBD (half a serving). Wait about 10–20 minutes before deciding whether to consume more.
A Grown-Up Twist on a Childhood Favorite
The Shirley Temple has always been a celebration drink—it just doesn't have to include alcohol.
Wims Pocket-Tonic lets adults recreate that same nostalgic ritual with a measured serving of 4mg THC and 4mg CBD, or an easy 2mg starting option for first-time users. Simply mix it into the finished drink and enjoy an alcohol-free social beverage with a serving size that's easy to understand and repeat.
Whether you're hosting friends, taking part in Dry January, or simply looking for a new evening ritual, it's an easy way to give a classic mocktail a grown-up update.
