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This Shirley Temple Punch is a fabulous “mocktail” for those who don’t like the taste of alcohol, can’t have a boozy beverage, or want to serve something to the kids to make them feel “grown-up”!

shirley temple punch in glass

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Shirley Temple Drink

A Shirley Temple Punch or Shirley Temple drink is a “mocktail” – a cocktail-like drink with no alcohol. It’s a well-known kids’ drink, especially at restaurants, parties, and school dances! However, it’s yummy just in general, especially with all that cherry-citrus flavor. So, so good, and kind of pretty to look at, too!!

Of course, as with all cocktails and mocktails I’ve posted about lately, I had to go looking at the origin of this drink and its name …

Yes, it does have to do with the child star Shirley Temple! You know, the one from all those cute movies in the 1930s?!

When she was in Hollywood bars she wanted to feel “grown-up” like her parents, and the bartenders would make her this punch. Later on in her life, though, she said she actually didn’t like the drink since it was too sweet.

I don’t think it’s too sweet at all – the lemon-lime soda perfectly balances out all the other flavors! It’s one of the most classic mocktails out there, and probably the most flavorful, too!! I hope you (and your kids) enjoy it!!

shirley temple punch in punch bowl

Shirley Temple: Ingredients & Substitutions

To make this Shirley Temple Punch, you will need …

Ingredients

  • ice cubes – most cocktails don’t feel right without ice, and neither do mocktails like Shirley Temple punch! You can even make these from lemon-lime soda for the extra flavor that doesn’t water your punch down.
  • grenadine syrup – a common syrup used in cocktails, though it’s non-alcoholic! It’s generally made with pomegranate juice. It lends many drinks sweetness and tartness all at once.
  • lemon-lime soda and orange juice – these add a citrusy kick to the Shirley Temple punch and provide it with a bit of a fizz, too! You’ll want to chill these in the fridge first – don’t assume you can use lukewarm soda just because you put ice in the punch bowl. 😉
  • maraschino cherries – traditionally stirred into a Shirley Temple. You can also use them as a garnish!
  • orange slices: – optional! Another garnish if you want.
looking down into a punch bowl with shirley temple punch

Shirley Temple Punch: FAQs

➡️ How long does it take to make a Shirley Temple drink?

Just a few minutes! You’ll only have to mix the ingredients.

➡️ How much punch does this recipe make?

About 8 servings in a punch glass. Enough for a kid’s party, for instance!!

➡️ How can I store any leftover Shirley Temple punch?

Throw it in the fridge and it’ll still taste good for 3-4 days!

➡️ Should I use orange juice with pulp or without?

Up to you. I like to use pulp-free orange juice.

➡️ What’s a good lemon-lime soda to use?

7Up or Sprite is what I always use! Grab your favorite! Don’t use a dark cola, though, or else it turns into a drink called a Roy Rogers. 😉

➡️ Can you use ginger ale in this recipe?

Yes!! Classic Shirley Temples tend to use ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda. You can also use both lemon-lime soda and ginger ale – about 3 cups each.

➡️ Can you make this alcoholic?

You can! I know some people who add a bit of rum or vodka to it for a “Dirty Shirley” … grown-ups only, of course!!

➡️ How do I avoid the Shirley Temple going flat?

Only add the soda RIGHT before serving! You don’t want it sitting out and losing its fizziness. Ick!

shirley temple punch mocktail garnished with cherries and orange slice

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shirley temple punch in glass
4.69 from 16 votes
Servings: 8 servings

Shirley Temple Punch

By Jamie Sherman
This Shirley Temple Punch is a fabulous “mocktail” for those who don’t like the taste of alcohol, can’t have a boozy beverage, or want to serve something to the kids to make them feel “grown-up”!
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 1 ½ cups grenadine syrup
  • 6 cups lemon lime soda, like Sprite or 7-Up
  • 6 cups orange juice
  • ½ cup maraschino cherries
  • optional garnishes: orange slices. maraschino cherries

Instructions 

  • Add ice to a large punch bowl. Pour the grenadine syrup on top.
  • Add lemon-lime soda, orange juice, and maraschino cherries. Stir to combine.
  • If desired, top with orange slices and maraschino cherries.

Notes

  • For best results, use soda and orange juice that has been chilled in the fridge.
  • You can make this an alcoholic drink!  I know some people who add a bit of rum or vodka to it for a “Dirty Shirley” … grown-ups only, of course!!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 341kcal, Carbohydrates: 84g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.4g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 39mg, Potassium: 394mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 67g, Vitamin A: 379IU, Vitamin C: 93mg, Calcium: 37mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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4.69 from 16 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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1 Comment

  1. TheJeepDiva Blog says:

    Oh my goodness, this Shirley Temple Punch looks incredible! I’m always on the lookout for new and delicious drink recipes, and this one is definitely going on my must-try list. Love Bakes Good Cakes, you never disappoint! 🍹👏