I remember ordering this at every restaurant as a kid and feeling incredibly fancy about it.
Turns out it takes about 2 minutes to make at home, and it’s just as fun to make for my own kids now.
Sweet, bubbly, and that unmistakable bright red color. This is the drink that never actually goes out of style.
Why This Recipe Works
The classic combination of ginger ale and grenadine is what gives this drink its signature sweet, slightly fizzy flavor and that vibrant red color everyone recognizes.
Building it over ice, rather than stirring everything together beforehand, keeps the drink perfectly chilled without watering it down too quickly. 🍒
A cherry on top isn’t just decoration, it’s genuinely part of the experience, and honestly, reaching that cherry at the bottom is half the fun.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ginger ale | 1 cup |
| Grenadine | 2 tbsp |
| Ice | as needed |
| Maraschino cherries | 2-3, plus more for garnish |
| Orange slice (optional) | for garnish |
Grenadine is a pomegranate-flavored syrup found in the cocktail mixer aisle of most grocery stores.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tall glass
- Long spoon
- Straw
Pro Tips
1. Add the grenadine last, after the ginger ale. Pouring it in slowly lets it sink to the bottom, creating that classic layered, sunset-style look before you stir it together.
2. Use full ice, don’t skimp. This drink is meant to be very cold and lightly diluted, which is part of what makes it so refreshing.
3. Stir gently just once or twice. A gentle stir keeps a little of that layered color effect instead of turning the whole drink one flat shade of red.
4. Add the cherries before serving, not while mixing. Dropping them in at the end keeps them from bruising or breaking apart in the glass.
5. Use a good quality ginger ale. A more flavorful ginger ale makes a real difference here, since it’s doing a lot of the flavor work in this simple drink.
Substitutions and Variations
- Roy Rogers version: Swap the ginger ale for cola for a classic variation known as a Roy Rogers.
- Sparkling water version: Use sparkling water instead of ginger ale for a less sweet, more subtly flavored drink.
- Extra fruity: Add a splash of orange juice along with the ginger ale and grenadine.
- Frozen version: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy, frozen take on the classic.
- Adult version: Add a splash of vodka or light rum for a grown-up take on the same flavors.
- Different garnish: Add a lime wedge alongside the cherry for a slightly different presentation.
Make Ahead Tips
This drink is best made fresh, right before serving, since the ice dilutes it the longer it sits.
You can keep grenadine and ginger ale on hand in the fridge so you’re always ready to make one in a couple of minutes whenever the mood strikes.
How to Make It
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour the ginger ale over the ice.
- Slowly pour the grenadine over the top, letting it settle toward the bottom.
- Stir gently once or twice.
- Add the maraschino cherries.
- Garnish with an orange slice if using, and serve immediately with a straw.
Nutrition and Diet Notes
Here’s roughly what you’re working with per serving:
- Calories: about 110
- Sugar: about 27g
- Fat: 0g
For a lower sugar version, use a diet ginger ale and reduce the grenadine slightly, though the color and flavor will be a bit more subtle.
What to Pair It With
- A basket of fries at a casual diner-style meal
- A burger or grilled cheese for that classic restaurant kid’s meal feel
- Popcorn during a family movie night
Leftovers and Storage
This drink is meant to be enjoyed fresh, right after making it, since the ice melts and dilutes the flavor the longer it sits.
There’s nothing to really store here, though keeping grenadine and ginger ale stocked means you can make a fresh one anytime in just a couple of minutes.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a Shirley Temple and a Roy Rogers?
A Shirley Temple uses ginger ale as the base, while a Roy Rogers swaps in cola instead. Both use the same grenadine and cherry garnish.
Can I make this drink less sweet?
Yes, reduce the amount of grenadine slightly, or use a lighter, less sweet ginger ale.
Is grenadine alcoholic?
No, standard grenadine syrup found in grocery stores is non-alcoholic and safe for kids.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes, multiply the ingredients and build individual glasses with ice right before serving so each one stays properly chilled and fizzy.
Why did my drink turn out flat instead of fizzy?
This usually means the ginger ale sat out too long before serving, or wasn’t very fresh to begin with. A cold, freshly opened bottle gives the best fizz.
Wrapping Up
This drink has stayed exactly as fun as I remember it being as a kid, and now I get to watch my own kids feel just as fancy ordering one.
It’s simple, nostalgic, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with making yourself one too, kid’s drink or not.
If you make this, come back and tell me if you tried the Roy Rogers version, or added the orange juice twist. 🍒
I’d love to hear how yours turned out.
