Shirley Temple Black

The Shirley Temple Black is a simple yet satisfying mocktail that offers a different profile from its famous namesake. By substituting ginger ale with cola, the drink gains a richer, deeper flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla. The grenadine provides a splash of fruity sweetness and a beautiful red hue that sinks to the bottom, creating an appealing layered effect. It's a timeless classic, perfect for anyone seeking a simple, refreshing, and alcohol-free beverage.
Shirley Temple Black

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Shirley Temple Black is categorized as a classic mocktail. It's a non-alcoholic beverage, making it suitable for all ages. It falls into the category of simple, built-in-the-glass drinks.

Serving

This drink is served cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. It is completely alcohol-free, making it a safe and enjoyable choice for everyone.
Serving size
240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the original Shirley Temple was created for the child actress in the 1930s, this cola-based variation is often called a Roy Rogers, named for the popular cowboy actor of the same era. It is said that Roy Rogers, who did not drink alcohol, would order this beverage as his signature non-alcoholic drink. The name "Shirley Temple Black" emerged as a way to describe the drink in relation to the original, emphasizing the dark cola ingredient.
Origin
United States, mid-20th century. This drink emerged as a popular alternative to the original Shirley Temple, gaining its own identity under the name Roy Rogers.

Shirley Temple Black

This drink is most famously known as a "Roy Rogers," named after the American singer and actor. The name "Shirley Temple Black" is a descriptive alternative that contrasts it with the original ginger ale-based Shirley Temple, highlighting its use of dark cola.
Original name
Shirley Temple Black
Alternative names
  • Roy Rogers
  • Cola Shirley Temple

Characteristics overview

The Shirley Temple Black has a dominant sweet cola flavor with a fruity cherry and pomegranate undertone from the grenadine. It is bubbly and refreshing with a visually appealing layered, deep reddish-brown color.
Flavor
Sweet, Cola, Pomegranate, Cherry
Aroma
Cola, Sweet, Fruity
Taste balance
Sweet, Slightly Tangy
Aftertaste
Sweet, Clean
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Deep Reddish-Brown, Layered
Texture
Light, Crisp, Fizzy
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-Season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a sweet and fizzy drink with a noticeable fruity character from the grenadine. It is entirely non-alcoholic, with no bitterness, saltiness, or spiciness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need cola, grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry for the classic version. A lime wedge is a common and recommended optional addition.
  • Cola180 ml / 6 oz
    Use your preferred brand. Caffeine-free cola can be used as an alternative.
  • Grenadine15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A pomegranate-flavored syrup that adds sweetness and color.
  • Maraschino Cherry1
    For garnish. More can be added if desired.
  • Lime Wedge1(optional)
    Adds a hint of citrus and a fresh aroma. Can be squeezed into the drink for extra tartness.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This drink is built directly in the glass, so no special mixing equipment is required. A bar spoon can be useful for creating the layered effect.
  • Bar Spoon (optional)

Instructions

To make this drink, simply fill a glass with ice, add cola, and then slowly pour in grenadine to create layers. Finish with a cherry and lime garnish before serving.
1. Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the cola over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
3. Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating a layered effect.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an optional lime wedge on the rim.
5. Serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

The essential garnish is a maraschino cherry, which complements the grenadine. A lime wedge or wheel adds a pop of color and a fresh citrus note.
  • Maraschino Cherry: Drop one or two cherries into the finished drink.
  • Lime Wedge/Wheel: Place on the rim of the glass or drop it in.

Dietary Information

This drink is typically vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. However, it is not caffeine-free due to the cola, although a caffeine-free version can be used.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories but high in sugar and carbohydrates, primarily from the cola and grenadine. There is no fat or protein content.
Calories
Approximately 90-110 kcal / 377-460 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 25-30 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 25-30 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile mocktail is perfect for a wide range of casual occasions, from children's birthday parties to family dinners. Its simple, sweet nature makes it a crowd-pleasing option for any event where non-alcoholic choices are desired.
  • Family Gatherings
  • Kids' Parties
  • Casual Dining
  • Movie Night
  • Summer Refreshment

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and bubbly nature of the Shirley Temple Black pairs perfectly with classic casual foods. It cuts through the richness of burgers and pizza while complementing the saltiness of fries, popcorn, and other savory snacks.
  • Burgers and Fries
  • Pizza
  • Popcorn
  • Salty Snacks

Shirley Temple Black: The Classic Cola Mocktail

The Shirley Temple Black, also known as a Roy Rogers, is a classic non-alcoholic beverage that's as simple to make as it is delicious. It combines the familiar taste of cola with the sweet, fruity kick of grenadine, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying drink. Served over ice with a cherry garnish, it's a timeless treat suitable for all ages and perfect for any casual occasion. This mocktail is a wonderful alternative to its more famous ginger ale-based counterpart.

Similar Mocktails

Shirley Temple

The original version uses ginger ale instead of cola, resulting in a lighter, spicier flavor.

Alcoholic Variations

Dirty Shirley

This is a boozy version of the original Shirley Temple, made by adding vodka.

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