Call Me, Shirley! 🍒

From mocktail to multiverse, Shirley’s everywhere now.

Editors of Late Checkout

July 21, 2025

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Turns out, Shirley Temple, perhaps best known as a dimpled, curly-haired scene-stealer of the 1930s, didn’t actually like her namesake drink.

Legendarily invented by a bartender in West Hollywood, California to serve the then-child actress, Temple shared in an NPR interview, “The saccharine sweet, icky drink? Yes, well...I had nothing to do with it. But, all over the world, I am served that. People think it's funny. I hate them.”

Now, almost 100 years later, the Shirley Temple is back in the spotlight.

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The original mocktail, a simple, sparkly mix of grenadine, lemon-lime soda and a maraschino cherry (or five) on top, it’s over-the-top in all the right ways, and that’s kind of the point.

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Gen Z bartenders are remixing it with spicy syrups, artisanal cherries, or a rogue splash of ginger beer. Big brands are cashing in on the rise in popularity of soda in the zeitgeist. And, if you need to take the edge off, there’s always the Dirty Shirley, giving the drink a boozy twist.

With the surge in popularity of mocktails and low ABV drinks, the drink that made kids feel fancy and grown-ups nostalgic is having a moment. Some drinks age out of relevance. This one’s coming around again.

7UP Shirley Temple

Can the magic of a Shirley Temple really be canned? 7UP said yes and was the first to do it. Their take on the 1930s icon swaps grenadine for a blend of pomegranate and cherry, paired with the brand’s signature lemon-lime fizz. Bonus: It comes in both original and zero-sugar versions, so you can sip sweet or keep it light.

Shirley Temple Gatorade

Paige Bueckers is officially a WNBA star, and apparently Gatorade’s resident mixologist. To mark her first home-court win, the brand dropped a custom Shirley Temple flavor just for her, complete with her face on the bottle. “Paige's Favorite Flavor” is giving mocktail MVP.

Sprite Cherry

Previously a regional gem, Sprite Cherry is finally getting a proper rollout. Starting August 18, you’ll spot it everywhere in 20-ounce bottles and 12-packs. Think lemon-lime soda meets cherry Slurpee, minus the brain freeze.

Dirty Shirley

For the grown-ups who still order Shirley Temples with no shame, this one’s for you. We’re guilty. Just Call Me Shirley is a canned cocktail brand reclaiming the Dirty Shirley, minus the Red 40 overload. Their vodka- or tequila-spiked cherry lemon-lime drinks clock in at 5% ABV and taste like nostalgia with better ingredients. A booze-free electrolyte version is also in the mix.

The Drinks Bureau Shirley Temple

A sophisticated take on a true mocktail classic, combining juicy cherry, lemon and bitters for a zingy, sip-worthy drink. A deliciously sweet and zingy combination to make every sip a scrumptious one.

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Dirty Soda Shops Are in Their Shirley Era

At NYC’s Cool Sips, soda’s getting the full pop culture treatment. Think themed drinks for Oscar night and March Madness. And yes, the return of the Shirley Temple. Their seasonal lineup includes the ‘Surely Shirley’ and ‘Dirty Shirley’ with cherry boba pearls. Not your average soda fountain.

Here are some other ways to get cherry-licious at home:

^{Every product on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.} 

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Cherry Stemless Martini Glass

This handblown cherry-adorned martini glass serves retro charm with a twist, perfect for Dirty Shirleys, espresso pours or looking cute on your bar cart.

Shop now.

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MAISON de SABRÉ The SABREMOJI Fruit Charm

Crafted using upcycled offcuts from our signature full-grain leather, The SABREMOJI Fruit Charm securely attaches to an infinity of accessories including handbags, garment tags and keys.

Shop now.

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