The Shirley Temple Mocktail And How It Was Invented

The Shirley Temple mocktail is a sweet, non-alcoholic drink that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for generations. It is named after the famous child actress Shirley Temple, who was a beloved movie star in the 1930s and 1940s. Although the drink is simple, its origin story is fascinating, and it has a significant place in American pop culture.

The Shirley Temple was invented in the late 1930s, during the height of Shirley Temple's fame. Temple was a child prodigy who became a Hollywood star at the tender age of six. She was known for her bubbly personality, curly hair, and infectious smile. Her movies were wholesome, family-friendly affairs that captured the hearts of audiences everywhere.

Temple's popularity led to her being offered a drink at a Hollywood restaurant, Chasen's in Beverly Hills, during a meal with her parents. The drink was non-alcoholic, and it was a mix of ginger ale, grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry. Temple loved the drink and began to order it regularly. The drink became so popular that other restaurants began to add it to their menus, and it quickly became a hit with children and adults alike.

The Shirley Temple mocktail is a simple drink to make, and it requires only a few ingredients. To make it, you will need ginger ale, grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry. Simply pour the ginger ale into a glass, add a splash of grenadine syrup, and stir. Then, add a maraschino cherry to the top of the drink, and voila! You have a Shirley Temple mocktail.

The drink became so popular that it even inspired other mocktails. The Roy Rogers, for example, is a drink that is similar to the Shirley Temple, but it replaces ginger ale with cola. The drink is named after the famous cowboy actor, Roy Rogers.

The Shirley Temple mocktail has a significant place in American pop culture. It is a drink that is enjoyed by children and adults alike, and it has been served at countless parties and events over the years. The drink is a testament to the enduring popularity of Shirley Temple, who remains a beloved figure in American history.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ounce grenadine
  • 1/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 5 ounces ginger ale, chilled
  • Garnish: Maraschino cherries

Method

  • Fill a tall glass with ice.
  • Add the grenadine and lime juice.
  • Top with the ginger ale and gently stir to combine.
  • Garnish with two skewered Luxardo maraschino cherries.