🍓 How to Make a Shirley Temple Drink with Strawberry Popping Boba
Introduction
The classic Shirley Temple drink has been a favorite mocktail for generations, loved for its sweet, bubbly flavor and fun pink color. But what if you could make it even more exciting? In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create a Shirley Temple drink recipe with strawberry popping boba pearls for a playful, modern twist. By combining nostalgic soda fizz with chewy bursts of fruity flavor, this drink becomes the perfect party beverage for kids, teens, and adults alike.
What is a Shirley Temple Drink?
Before we start mixing, let’s answer the question: what is a Shirley Temple drink? Traditionally, it’s a non-alcoholic mocktail made with lemon-lime soda like 7up Shirley Temple or 7up Shirley Temple soda, grenadine syrup, and a maraschino cherry garnish. For adults, there’s also the dirty Shirley Temple drink, which adds vodka to the mix for a grown-up version.
This mocktail was named after the famous child actress Shirley Temple in the 1930s and quickly became a symbol of fun, bubbly celebrations.
Shirley Temple Drink Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing drink at home:
Shirley Temple drink ingredients:
- 1 cup 7up Shirley Temple soda (or Sprite)
- 2 tbsp grenadine
- 1 tbsp strawberry popping boba
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Adding popping boba pearls gives the traditional mocktail a fun bubble-tea-style experience. Just like boba tea and bubble tea, the chewy texture enhances the sipping experience.
Step-by-Step Shirley Temple Drink Recipe
Follow this Shirley Temple drink recipe with popping boba for a quick and Instagram-worthy beverage:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
- Pour in the 7up Shirley Temple soda (or Sprite)
- Add grenadine and stir gently to create a beautiful red gradient
- Spoon in strawberry popping boba pearls
- Top with a maraschino cherry and serve with a straw
✨ Pro tip: For a party twist, offer variations with different bubble tea flavors (like mango popping boba) so guests can customize their drink!
Dirty Shirley Temple Drink with Vodka
For those who want an adult-friendly twist, the dirty Shirley Temple drink is a perfect option. It takes the nostalgic mocktail and adds a splash of vodka for a fun cocktail.
Ingredients for Dirty Shirley Temple:
- 1 cup 7up Shirley Temple soda (or Sprite)
- 2 tbsp grenadine
- 1 oz vodka (plain vodka works best, but you can also try a cherry-flavored brand such as Smirnoff, Three Olives, Svedka, Pinnacle, UV, or Skyy)
- Strawberry popping boba pearls
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add vodka, grenadine, and soda.
- Stir gently, then add strawberry popping boba for a burst of flavor.
- Garnish with a cherry and enjoy responsibly.
👉 Note: Grenadine isn’t actually made from cherries (it’s traditionally pomegranate-based), but the sweet flavor pairs beautifully with cherry-flavored vodka.
Fun Variations & Pairings
- Bubble Pearl Milk Tea Twist: Mix in a splash of milk tea for a crossover between the Shirley Temple drink and bubble pearl milk tea.
- Alani Energy Drink Boost: For an energizing version, swap soda for Alani energy drink with grenadine and popping boba.
- DIY Popping Boba Recipe: Want to make your own? Check out a simple popping boba recipe at home using fruit juice and agar.
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