Shirley Temple
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A Shirley Temple is a sweet, non-alcoholic mocktail made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, a splash of grenadine, and garnished with a maraschino cherry and orange slice. It offers a bright, effervescent sweetness with a fruity, slightly tart undertone, and its nutrition is almost entirely derived from sugar, with minimal fiber or protein. At 56 kcal per 100g, it's a light but sugary treat best enjoyed in moderation.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 100% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the Shirley Temple for its nostalgic, cheerful flavor and vibrant pink hue, which evokes a sense of childhood celebration. Its versatility as a non-alcoholic option makes it a staple at parties and family gatherings, offering a sweet, fizzy alternative to soda.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (12.55g per 100g) can cause blood-sugar spikes, making it less suitable for those managing diabetes or watching their sugar intake. To counteract this, pair it with a protein or fat source (like nuts or cheese) to slow sugar absorption, or opt for a smaller portion and use a sugar-free soda base.
Key benefits
- Low in calories compared to alcoholic cocktails
- Fat-free and protein-free, making it a simple, light beverage
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates
- Non-alcoholic, suitable for all ages and designated drivers
- Often served at celebrations, adding a festive touch
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Shirley Temple was named after the child actress Shirley Temple in the 1930s, and she reportedly disliked the drink later in life, finding it too sweet.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 85.8 g |
| Energy | 56.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 14.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.10 g |
| Total Sugars | 12.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 4.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.17 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 4.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 9.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.06 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.10 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What is a Shirley Temple made of?
A Shirley Temple typically consists of ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, a splash of grenadine syrup, and is garnished with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.
Is a Shirley Temple alcoholic?
No, a Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic mocktail, though some variations may include a splash of alcohol like rum or vodka.
How many calories are in a Shirley Temple?
A standard Shirley Temple contains about 56 calories per 100g, with most calories coming from sugar.
Can I make a healthier version of a Shirley Temple?
Yes, you can use diet soda, reduce the grenadine, or add fresh fruit for a lower-sugar, more nutritious option.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.56 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.1 g fiber · 12.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 2.25 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.