Fall

Shirley Temple Black Drink

November 30, 2012
4
3 Ratings
Photo by James Ransom
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

This is an adult soda or aperitif that is perfect for sipping during the holidays as a counterpoint to rich and heavy food. Truly it could be served any time of year if a very light cocktail is desired. It's sweet but not saccharine, and has a bitter edge that makes it nicely refreshing. It reminds me of a Shirley Temple, but all grown-up! Aperol makes it less boozy than Campari (about 1% vs. 2% alcohol by volume in the final cocktail); either works well. For a non-alcoholic version, freshly pressed pink grapefruit juice would be a perfect substitute. I prefer an added hit of bitters in mine, but let your tastebuds decide for you. Cheers!

Note: Thanks to Ryan Magarian, co-creator of Aviation Gin and bartender/mixologist extraordinaire for telling me how he makes grenadine. —hardlikearmour

Test Kitchen Notes

In spite of the fact that I coerced a juvenile (my 11-year-old daughter, Eliza) to assist in the shake, shake, shaking of the homemade grenadine, I must report that this is a wholly sophisticated adult sipper. The color -- supplied by both the sugared-up pomegranate juice and the Campari -- is as festive on a cold holiday evening as it would be on a hot summer's one. The drink starts out refreshing, is sweet in the middle, and ends with that distinctly Italian bitter finish. Eliza had a straight Shirley Temple and I had a second one of these. —cheese1227

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Shirley Temple Black
  • 1 3/4 cups soda water
  • 3 tablespoons Aperol or Campari
  • 2 tablespoons Simplest Homemade Grenadine
  • 1 tablespoon freshly pressed lime juice
  • 2 to 4 drops orange bitters (optional)
  • 1 Lime wheel (optional)
  • Simplest Homemade Grenadine
  • 1 cup 100% pomegranate juice, room temperature
  • 1 cup evaporated cane or granulated sugar
Directions
  1. Shirley Temple Black
  2. Combine soda water, Aperol or Campari, grenadine, and lime juice in a 2-cup glass measure. Stir gently to mix. Taste and add orange bitters or an extra splash of soda water if desired. Divide between 2 glasses, each with a few cubes of ice. Serve each with a lime wheel for garnish if you're feeling fancy.
  1. Simplest Homemade Grenadine
  2. Combine pomegranate juice with sugar in a pint jar or other container with a tight fitting lid. Shake, shake, shake, until the sugar has dissolved. Transfer to a bottle if desired. Refrigerate. Makes about 1 1/3 cups grenadine. Keeps at least 1 week refrigerated.
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    Lizthechef
I am an amateur baker and cake decorator. I enjoy cooking, as well as eating and feeding others. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my husband and our menagerie. I enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, mushroom hunting, tide pooling, beach combing, and snowboarding.

22 Reviews

Susann February 16, 2014
I made up a Shirley Temple Black back in the early 70's. It was perfect. Just add a shot of really wonderful vodka to a Shirley Temple. It goes without saying that it should be a really well made Shirley Temple.
 
Sana U. January 7, 2014
Very clever! I've got some agar agar powder in the cupboard
 
Sana U. January 7, 2014
Very clever! I've got some agar agar powder in the cupboard
 
Sana U. December 21, 2013
sfdsfd sfds dsfsdf sdfs
 
Pam December 15, 2013
Can't wait to try this!!
 
Sana U. November 20, 2013
Great recipe
 
sansan123 April 4, 2013
Loved this. Didn't have any pomegranate juice so used cranberry/pome instead. Worked fine
 
hardlikearmour April 4, 2013
Sounds delish! I bet the POM with mango would be good, too!
 
actucker17 March 28, 2013
I have to have those glasses! Where are they from?
 
hardlikearmour March 29, 2013
I'd send an email to the editors and ask -- I'd bet they can point you in the right direction.
 
gingerroot December 7, 2012
I'm late to this party, but love everything about it nonetheless.
 
hardlikearmour December 7, 2012
You're welcome to any party, late or otherwise!
 
mrslarkin December 2, 2012
Sounds scrumptious. Definitely going to give this a try. LOVE the grenadine instructions - super easy!
 
hardlikearmour December 2, 2012
Thanks, mrsL! The grenadine is ridiculously easy, and it maintains a nice fresh flavor.
 
wssmom December 2, 2012
This is soooo right up my alley!!! Lovely!!!
 
hardlikearmour December 2, 2012
Thank you, wssmom! The color from the grenadine and Aperol or Campari is particularly lovely.
 
Lizthechef November 30, 2012
With my back tweaked, I am so ready for one of these - even if my back was OK.
 
hardlikearmour December 1, 2012
Hope your back is feeling better today! It's not a very stiff drink, but I find it refreshing.
 
Adrian V. November 30, 2012
Being the Shirley Temple fan that I am I discovered her 1st husband was John Agar so I suppose if you transform that drink into a gelatin shot thickened with Agar -Agar one will have invented the " Shirley Temple Agar Black" : ) The home made grenadine sounds awesome!
 
hardlikearmour November 30, 2012
Very clever! I've got some agar agar powder in the cupboard...
 
EmilyC November 30, 2012
Brilliant -- the homemade grenadine, the soda itself, and the name. Love this!
 
hardlikearmour November 30, 2012
Thanks, EmC! I have to give partial credit for the name to aargersi.