The History of the Shirley Temple

Jump to the Shirley Temple recipe

In a bid to encourage those that have so far managed to complete two weeks of Dry January, we are taking a look back at the classic mocktail inspired by a child movie star. The Shirley Temple has a rich history and an enduring legacy, making it more than just a child's drink.

TL;DR

• The Shirley Temple mocktail, created in the early 1930s, was inspired by the famous child actress.
• Although multiple places claim to be its origin, the drink became a hit despite Shirley Temple's personal dislike for it.
• Modern variations like the Dirty Shirley Temple and Shirley Temple Black cater to both kids and adults.
• The mocktail remains a beloved non-alcoholic beverage, celebrated for its charm and sweetness.

The Story of the Shirley Temple

Famed for her beautiful blonde ringlets and infectious charm, Shirley Temple began her acting career at an incredibly young age. By the time she celebrated her tenth birthday in 1932, she had already been in the film industry for an astonishing seven years. On this special occasion, while dining at Chasen’s restaurant in Beverly Hills with her parents and friends, the young actress found herself desiring a fancy drink like the ones the adults were enjoying. Witnessing her wish, the staff concocted a non-alcoholic adaptation: a sweet combination of ginger ale and grenadine, adorned with the all-important maraschino cherry. However, it is said that Shirley found the drink overly sweet and deemed it a ‘saccharine sweet, icky drink’.

There is some debate regarding the true origin of the Shirley Temple mocktail. While Chasen's restaurant claims to be the birthplace, the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel have also laid claim to its creation. Despite these conflicting stories, one thing remains clear—Shirley Temple was served this drink frequently, regardless of her personal dislike for it.

In 1988, a company attempted to commercialize the beverage by bottling it under her name. Shirley Temple promptly took them to court, arguing that the use of her name without permission was an invasion of privacy. Despite her distaste for the drink, her legacy lives on through this iconic non-alcoholic party beverage, beloved by children and adults alike for its sweetness and charm.

The Modern Shirley Temple

Over the years, the classic Shirley Temple has seen various adaptations and modern twists. The simplicity of the original recipe has made it versatile, lending itself to numerous alterations.

Dirty Shirley Temple

One of the first variations bartenders created was the Dirty Shirley Temple—a grown-up version of the original. By simply adding a shot of vodka or rum to the mix, this cocktail transforms into a sweet, boozy delight while retaining the nostalgic flavors of its non-alcoholic counterpart.

Other Variations

As with many classic cocktails, mixologists have experimented with different ingredients to put their own spin on the Shirley Temple. Some popular substitutions include:

• Lemonade: Swap out the ginger ale for refreshing lemonade for a tangier taste.
• Lemon-Lime Soda: Using lemon-lime soda adds a citrusy kick while keeping the drink bubbly and sweet.
• Orange Juice: A splash of orange juice can add a fruity depth to the mocktail.

Shirley Temple Black

One of the most distinct variations is the Shirley Temple Black, named after Shirley's married name. This concoction is most definitely for adults, featuring Kahlua, grenadine, and lemonade. Despite its divergence from the original, it retains the signature cherry, paying homage to the classic mocktail.

Shirley Temple's Legacy

Shirley Temple may not have been a fan of her eponymous drink, but there's no denying the impact it has had on the world of beverages. The Shirley Temple mocktail has become a staple at parties, offering a delightful non-alcoholic option that appeals to both children and adults who prefer a sweeter concoction. Its versatility and charm have kept it relevant through the decades, proving that some classics never fade.

Thank you, Shirley, for your contribution to both the cinematic world and the mocktail industry. Your name lives on not only through your iconic films but also through a beloved drink that continues to bring joy to people of all ages.