What is in a Shirley Temple Black?

Answered by Jesse Garza

To make a delicious Shirley Temple Black at home, you'll need a few key ingredients. This cocktail is a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Here's what you'll need:

1. Dark : Start by measuring out 2 ounces of dark rum. This will add a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the drink. Dark rum is typically aged longer and has a deeper, more complex taste compared to light rum.

2. Lemon Lime : Next, you'll need 4 ounces of lemon lime soda. You can use popular brands like Sprite or 7up, or opt for a craft soda if you prefer. The soda adds a refreshing and bubbly element to the cocktail, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.

3. Grenadine: To give your Shirley Temple Black its signature red hue and sweet taste, you'll need 1 ounce of grenadine. Grenadine is a syrup made from pomegranate and sugar, adding a fruity and slightly tart flavor to the drink.

4. Maraschino Cherries: don't forget to garnish your cocktail with a few maraschino cherries. These bright red cherries add a pop of color and a sweet, fruity accent to the drink. You can also add a splash of the cherry juice from the jar for an extra burst of flavor.

Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to prepare your Shirley Temple Black. Follow these steps:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes. This will help keep your drink cool and refreshing.

2. Pour the 2 ounces of dark rum over the ice. The rum will slowly chill as it mixes with the other ingredients.

3. Add the 4 ounces of lemon lime soda to the glass. The carbonation will create a delightful fizz when combined with the other components.

4. Slowly pour the 1 ounce of grenadine into the glass. As it sinks to the bottom, it will create a beautiful layered effect, giving your cocktail its distinct look.

5. Stir gently with a spoon or straw to mix all the ingredients together. This will ensure that the flavors meld harmoniously.

6. Garnish your Shirley Temple Black with a few maraschino cherries. You can drop them into the glass or skewer them on a toothpick for an elegant touch.

Now, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and enticing aroma of your homemade Shirley Temple Black. Sip slowly and savor the sweet, tangy, and slightly boozy flavors that dance on your palate. Enjoy this delightful concoction as a refreshing mocktail or add a dash of nostalgia by serving it in a fancy glass with a cocktail umbrella.

Remember, the Shirley Temple Black is a versatile drink, so feel free to experiment with the proportions to suit your taste. Adjust the amount of grenadine for a sweeter or less sweet version, or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangy twist. Cheers to enjoying this classic in the comfort of your own home!