LAYERED SHIRLEY TEMPLES

Layered Shirley Temples are a simple twist on a classic mocktail that everyone loves! 7-Up, Grenadine & Orange Juice combine for a fun & flavorful fancy drink perfect for the holidays!

Growing up we always had classic Shirley Temples on special occasions. I looked forward to the day when my mom pulled the grenadine and maraschino cherries out of the fridge! These fun & festive drinks are so easy to make and the addition of orange juice not only adds layers but a refreshing citrus flavor as well.

What Are Layered Shirley Temples?

Shirley Temples are a simple drink usually made with ginger ale and grenadine syrup. In this recipe, we switch it up for a fun variation on a classic! While the changes are minimal, the results are fantastic. These bubbly and fruity Shirley Temple mocktails are a fun sight to behold and even more fun to drink!

Are Shirley Temples Alcoholic?

No, generally shirley temples are considered “mocktails” which is a cocktail without any alcohol. They’re perfect for kids as well as adults who prefer to not drink alcohol.

When to Serve Shirley Temples?

We love having a “Shirley Temple Drink station” at parties and get togethers, often with simple instructions printed on a card, so that guests can quickly make their own. Holidays, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to add a special element are perfect times to whip out this easy Shirley Temple recipe.

Layered Shirley Temple Ingredients

Orange Juice: This is what will help to add lovely citrus flavor and layers to the mocktail

7-Up Soda: While you could use Gingerale, I prefer the taste of 7-up, or another brand of lemon lime soda. Use whichever you’d think you’d like. You can use diet soda as well- using Diet 7-Up reduces the calories from 208 per glass to just 138.

Grenadine Syrup: This is a pomegranate syrup found in the mixed drink mix section of a store, but it is non-alcoholic. (Many people think Grenadine is cherry syrup, but it’s not! Although cherry syrup would be a great variation!) There are 2 main brands of Grenadine- Rose’s and Torani. Both are fantastic!

Whipped Cream: You have to top a fancy drink with something special, right? An optional topping, but it looks pretty and adds a little more fun to every sip. I just use the spray kind you buy from the grocery store.

Maraschino Cherries: Another optional garnish, but Shirley Temples are almost always served with cherries. Get the variety with the stems on as they’re prettier & it’s easier to pick them up and enjoy them!

What is Grenadine Syrup and Where Do I Find It?

Grenadine is pomegranate syrup and can be found in the mixed drink section of your grocery store. It has a fruit flavor that’s mild but unique. I loved it as a child- and as a grown up I still really enjoy it! Note that it’s not overly sweet. So if you opt to mix your Shirley Temple with plain sparkling water, it will be fruity, but not very sweet. You might want to add a bit of sweetener!

How to Make Homemade Grenadine

If you can’t find grenadine syrup, you can make your own using pomegranate juice! Simple bring 2 cups of grenadine to a boil in a medium sized saucepan. Add in 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. Stir constantly, while bringing back to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring mixture every 7-8 minutes. Let cool, then chill syrup in the fridge until ready to use. You still get that great pomegranate flavor using simple ingredients!

How to Make a Layered Shirley Temple recipe

In your glass, add a few ice cubes.

Add your orange juice to the glass, followed by the lemon lime soda.

Now add in the grenadine syrup and allow it to sink to the bottom of the cup. This is what makes that layered look we want!

Add some whipped cream over the top of the drink and garnish with a maraschino cherry. Serve & enjoy! 

What Soda Can be Used in Shirley Temples?

You’ll want to use a mild flavored soda that will let the Grenadine and orange juice flavors shine through. I generally use 7-Up or Sprite, but you could also just Ginger Ale, a lemon lime ICE drink, or any other plain sparkling water! Note, if you use plain sparkling water, the drink will be much less sweet than if you use another soda.

How to Garnish a Shirley Temple

We added whipped cream, a maraschino cherry (which is a must!) and an orange slice to our layered Shirley Temples. Other options could be a different kind of cherry, a lemon or lime slice or even some pomegranate arils.

Can I Use Diet Soda?

Absolutely! Using Diet 7-Up reduces the calories from 208 per glass to just 138. Plus, when you have the Grenadine and orange juice in it, you can’t taste the difference!

Can I use Pomegranate Juice Instead?

You can use pomegranate juice instead, but I recommend adding 1 TBSP sugar as well, as pomegranate juice is much more tart than the syrup.

What Can I use Instead of Orange Juice?

If you’d rather not use orange juice for your layered Shirley Temples, you can use lemonade or limeaid instead! Both add a delicious citrus flavor and you’ll still see the subtle layers in the drinks.

Can I add alcohol to my Shirley Temple drink?

No, generally speaking, Shirley Temples are non-alcoholic. They’re a fun, fancy drink that’s perfect for kids, as well as anyone else who just loves mocktails! But, if you prefer, you’re welcome to add alcohol to your liking. Just don’t add it to the kid’s drinks!

Why is it called a Shirley Temple?

The reason behind this drink’s invention varies depending on what you read. Most claim that it was named after the child actress and that it was a drink often served to her in the 1930’s. Others claim it’s name is based on a dark rum used to make a Dirty Shirley (alcoholic version). Either way, this drink is incredible and the mysterious background just makes it more fun.

Check out these other great drink recipes!

• Raspberry Cheesecake Shakes
• Homemade Peach Slurpees
• Easy Eggless Eggnog
• Homemade Orange Julius
• 3 Ingredient Strawberry Lemonade Punch
• Cherry Party Punch
• Cherry Italian Cream Sodas
• Christmas Cream Sodas
• Halloween Cream Sodas
• Tropical Banana Sparklers
• Triple Berry “Green” Smoothie
• Sparkling Orange Slush
• Apple Pie Milkshakes
• Strawberry Lemonade Pina Colada
• Bloody Shirley Temple Halloween Drink

Layered Shirley Temple drink is one you won’t soon forget. With the easy-to-make process, the minimal ingredients, and the delicious flavor- you’ll want to make it often!