Frozen Shirley Temple

While the Dirty Shirley reigned supreme during the summer of 2022, 2023 warrants a bit more fun. Enter: the Frozen Shirley Temple, an alcohol-free, but highly spikeable cocktail that comes together in a blender to serve a crowd. What made the Dirty Shirley a cocktail fit for media fandom was its ironic play on a dive bar classic. This drink, though, embraces the Shirley Temple for what it is: a sweet and sour drink made for just about anyone. 

While the Shirley Temple might be best remembered for the bright red maraschino cherries which adorn the top of the fizzy drink, this version is all about real grenadine (made from pomegranate juice), not the saccharine, vaguely cherry flavored, Red 40-laden neon syrup. The sweet and tangy syrup with a deep red hue which blends seamlessly with a range of spirits and ingredients, and is core to summery drinks like the Tequila Sunrise and the Aruba Ariba. The Frozen Shirley Temple doubles down on pomegranate flavor by combining grenadine and pomegranate juice for extra-tangy flair. 

The final ingredient in this drink is lemon-lime soda, or if you’re going for the classic, Sprite. But not just any old Sprite, since adding sprite and ice might water down the drink — this recipe leans on frozen Sprite which, when blended, gives the Frozen Shirley Temple a tart citrus punch and its icy texture. Just pour the soda directly from a can or bottle into an ice cube tray, small bowl, or even a sheet pan for super quick freezing. Add all the ingredients to a blender, give it a blitz and garnish your Frozen Shirley T’s with some cherries. Adults-only pro tip: Add some vodka to make this a delicious Frozen Dirty Shirley.