This month’s cocktail is actually a mocktail – the Shirley Temple. The American film and TV star, singer and dancer died in 2014 at the age of 85, having had a wonderful career, which included becoming Hollywood’s number one box-office star from 1935-1938.

The mocktail’s recipe and inventor are both disputed subjects, but a common concoction is a mixture of lemonade, grenadine and a few maraschino cherries (although some replace the lemonade with ginger ale). Children dining with adults are often served this drink instead of a real cocktail.

A restaurant in Beverly Hills called ‘Chasen’s’ is rumoured to have made the first Shirley Temple recipe for her 10th birthday. A second claim was made by Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, who say they invented the drink and named it in Shirley’s honour. Finally, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki – a resort where Shirley Temple was a frequent visitor – also claims to be the founder of the drink.

In the 1980s, various soft drink companies wanted to sell products named ’Shirley Temple‘ and ‘Shirley T’, and the Hollywood star was forced to fight for the rights to her own name!

Unfortunately, when asked about the iconic drink, Shirley revealed that she didn’t even like the cocktail, as it was too sweet.

Ingredients:
Ice
25ml grenadine
Can of 7UP or Sprite
Several maraschino cherries

Method:
1. Fill a tall glass with ice and add grenadine.

2. Pour in 7UP or Sprite, stir and garnish with a couple of maraschino cherries.

Why not have a Mocktail?
For an alcoholic alternative, simply add 25ml vodka or rum

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY