Fact Finder - Food and Drink

Fact
The History of the 'Shirley Temple' Mocktail
Category
Food and Drink
Subcategory
Drinks
Country
United States
Description
The Shirley Temple is perhaps the world's most famous non-alcoholic cocktail, or 'mocktail.' It was reportedly created in the late 1930s by a bartender at Chasen's restaurant in Beverly Hills (though the Royal Hawaiian Hotel also claims credit). The drink was designed for the child star Shirley Temple, so she could have a 'fancy' drink that looked like the cocktails the adults were having during Hollywood parties. The original recipe consists of ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda), a splash of grenadine (pomegranate syrup), and a maraschino cherry garnish. Ironically, Shirley Temple herself famously disliked the drink, calling it 'too sweet.' Despite her personal taste, the drink became a global standard for children's beverages at restaurants and social gatherings.