Add a maraschino and some bubbles: the classic Shirley Temple

Nothing hits the spot quite like an ice-cold Shirley Temple, am I right? It's a go-to in my house — my kids love them — but let's be honest; adults are just as happy to sip one. There's something about that mix of sweet, bubbly and cherry-topped charm that feels both nostalgic and just a little fancy. It's more fun than plain soda, and it's a great option when you want something festive without the alcohol (don't get me wrong, they are great with alcohol, too). Shirley Temples have actually been around for decades — since Shirley Temple herself was a child star. Legend has it the drink was created in the 1930s so she could enjoy a "grown-up" style beverage while dining with her parents and Hollywood's elite. The original recipe? Simple and iconic: ginger ale, grenadine and a maraschino cherry on top. As for who invented it, that's still a bit of a mystery. Both Chasen's of West Hollywood, Calif., and Brown Derby of Hollywood, Calif., (two famous eateries) have been credited, but no one can say for sure. And here's a fun twist: Despite the drink being named after her, Shirley Temple herself later admitted in a 1986 NPR interview with Scott Simon that she wasn't much of a fan! More recently, the Shirley Temple has had a bit of a resurgence — and surprisingly, football might have something to do with it. New England Patriots offensive linemen had mandatory Shirley Temples during their weekly Thursday night team dinners. In a Boston 25 News video on Facebook (@Boston25News), players explained that the tradition was started by rookie and offensive tackle Marcus Bryant in 2025. The tradition evolved into a bonding activity where players consumed dozens of the drinks each Thursday as a weekly ritual. The story even went viral, giving the drink a fresh boost in popularity — especially around New England. These days, you can find Shirley Temples just about anywhere, including right here in and all over the Monadnock Region. While the classic version uses ginger ale, plenty of places mix it up with Sprite or other lemon-lime sodas. And if you're craving one but staying in? Good news: They're incredibly easy to make at home. Shirley Temple Recipe Recipe adapted from simplejoy.com Ingredients: 1½ ounces grenadine Small ice cubes 8 ounces ginger ale, chilled (or beverage of your choice) Maraschino cherries, for garnish Instructions:Fill a glass with ice and pour the grenadine over it. Top with ginger ale and give it a gentle stir. Add a maraschino cherry (or two!), and you're ready to sip and enjoy. Cheers to a drink that's equal parts sweet, sparkly and timeless.