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As a little girl growing up, there was a drink that I held very near and dear to my heart. It was something that I really only got to enjoy on special occasions. My fondest memories are of my family going out for dinner at a supper club that was close to our home and my Dad ordering it for me and my sister in the "lounge" before we sat down to eat. The Shirley Temple, or Kiddie Cocktail as we like to call it here in Wisconsin, is such an iconic drink here in the Midwest and is often the first "mixed" drink we as children are introduced to, outside of Kool-Aid or lemonade.
I've often times seen recipes use grenadine. The recipe that I'm sharing today uses the traditional maraschino cherry juice just as how I remember them being made years ago. The only extra ingredient I used is a splash of orange juice.
It's completely up to you whether or not you choose to add the OJ. It gives the drink a little bit more of a kick, but if you want to do it up "old school" just omit the orange juice. I like to switch it up every now and then.
It's funny how things from your childhood often return later in life. I would often order this drink during my pregnancies when was attending a wedding or party. I wanted something a little more fancy than water or lemon-lime soda, and a Kiddie Cocktail livened things up a bit.
Truth is, this drink will always have a place very near and dear to my heart. I love it SO much I even decided to make some Shirley Temple Cupcakes that I'm sharing over at Smart School House today. Want the recipe? Stop by and check it out! I wouldn't mind if you pinned and shared it with your friends either. Just sayin'. 🙂
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Shirley Temple (AKA Kiddie Cocktail)
Ingredients
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda
- 2 tablespoons Maraschino cherry juice
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
- Orange slice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Combine the lemon-lime soda, cherry and orange juice and stir. Garnish with cherries and an orange slice.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Taste the Shirley Temple before serving and adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you find it too sweet, you can dilute it with a bit more lemon-lime soda or water. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add more Maraschino cherry juice. This customization ensures that the Shirley Temple suits your taste buds perfectly.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality Maraschino cherry juice and orange juice to enhance the flavor of your Shirley Temple. Quality ingredients contribute to a richer and more satisfying taste experience. Look for pure cherry juice without added artificial flavors or colors for the best results. Freshly squeezed orange juice also adds a vibrant citrus flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Presentation Matters: Enhance the visual appeal of your Shirley Temple by garnishing it with Maraschino cherries and an orange slice. The garnishes not only add a pop of color but also provide a hint of extra flavor and aroma to the drink. Use cocktail picks to skewer the cherries and orange slices for an elegant presentation that elevates the overall drinking experience.
Karly
My kids would love this! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!
Kristen
I love Shirley Temples one of my favorite childhood drinks and I still order it when we go out to eat. My daughter also loves it mainly for the cherries. 🙂
Sara
Adults and kids alike enjoy this drink - I think that's what's so great about it!