Shirley Temple Black
The sophisticated, adult evolution of the beloved non-alcoholic classic, elevated with dark rum while maintaining the familiar sweet and effervescent profile.
12%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
collins
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Shirley Temple Black is a modern, alcoholic interpretation of the classic Shirley Temple mocktail created for child actress Shirley Temple in the 1930s. The 'Black' in the name is a clever double entendre, referring to both the use of dark rum and Shirley Temple's married name, Shirley Temple Black, after she married Charles Black in 1950. This adult version represents a 'coming of age' for the famous childhood drink.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill a Collins or highball glass with ice to chill
Add the dark rum, grenadine, and fresh lime juice to the glass
Top with chilled ginger ale
Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine without losing carbonation
Glassware
Built over ice in a Collins glass
Garnish
High-quality cherry like Luxardo
Fresh lime wheel
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use real pomegranate grenadine for authentic flavor and color
Chill all ingredients beforehand for the best taste
Gently stir to preserve carbonation
Express lime oils over the drink before serving
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Shirley Temple Black.
Spiced Shirley Temple Black
Uses spiced rum for additional complexity with cinnamon and clove notes.
Changes
Aged Rum Shirley Temple Black
Premium aged rum adds oak and vanilla complexity.
Changes
Ginger Beer Shirley Temple Black
Substitutes ginger beer for a spicier, more robust ginger flavor.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Bacardi Cocktail
A pre‑Prohibition rum sour—white rum, lime juice, and a blush of grenadine shaken icy cold.
Dark and Stormy
Trademark Bermudan highball of Gosling's Black Seal rum over fiery ginger beer with a squeeze of lime.
Dark ‘n’ Stormier
A bolder take on the Bermuda classic—extra dark rum with spicy ginger beer and fresh lime over ice.