The iconic child star Shirley Temple died on Feb. 10, 2014, but she leaves an indelible legacy — not only in the movies in which she starred and the places where she later served as a U.S. ambassador, but also at bars and restaurants around around the world, in the form of the mix of grenadine syrup and soda that bears her name.
But how did the drink — perhaps the most famous non-alcoholic co*cktail ever — come to be associated with the actress?
The exact source of the name is a bit of a mystery, but most stories agree on the reason, which is obvious: the young starlet was out at a restaurant and needed something non-alcoholic to drink. Reportedly, Temple was “whining” over her parents sipping old-fashioneds, which also come with their offshoot’s signature maraschino cherry, and so the waitstaff mixed up a teetotal version for her. (Some recollections have the drink being first mixed at the Hollywood eatery Chasen’s, while others say it was the Brown Derby restaurant, also in Hollywood; the Royal Hawaiian Hotel has also said that their bartenders came up with the co*cktail.)
(PHOTOS: From Child-Star to Diplomat: Shirley Temple’s Life in Pictures)
Still, even the ingredients are in dispute. There’s definitely a dash of grenadine and a maraschino cherry, but the soda can consist of ginger ale, lemon-lime soda or a mix. Some recipes also include orange juice.
One thing is for sure, however: the star herself didn’t want anyone making money off her signature drink by using her name. In 1988, when there were attempts to market a bottled soda bearing the name “Shirley Temple,” she brought civil lawsuits claiming that her name was not a generic term, and that using it as such was an invasion of her privacy. As she told the New York Times at the time: “All a celebrity has is their name.”
For Shirley Temple, considering her name is also an iconic beverage, that’s a lot to have.
(MORE: Shirley Temple, Former Hollywood Child Star, Dies at 85)
FAQs
The exact source of the name of the drink is a mystery. The story started when the young Temple was in a restaurant and needed some non-alcoholic drink for herself. Reports say that Temple was 'winning' over her parents enjoying their old-fashioned which comes with their offshoot's signature maraschino cherry.
Why is it called mocktail? ›
You may have seen the term "mocktail" while perusing a bar or restaurant drinks menu. This fairly new term can be confusing if you've never encountered it before, but it's a blend of the words "mock" and "co*cktail," meaning a “faux” co*cktail.
What is a non-Virgin Shirley Temple called? ›
With alcohol
Adding 1.5 US fluid ounces (44 ml) of vodka or rum produces a "Dirty Shirley". If dark rum is used, it produces a Shirley Temple Black, a homage to her married surname.
Who invented the mocktail? ›
Thank You, Shirley Temple, For The Original 'Mocktail' : The Salt : NPR. Thank You, Shirley Temple, For The Original 'Mocktail' : The Salt Generations of children have been charmed by Shirley Temple onscreen, and in a glass.
What are some fun facts about Shirley Temple? ›
Here are some interesting facts about her life.
- Born April 23, 1928, she started her career in the 1930s and was famous by the age 6.
- Her mother did her hair in pin curls for each movie. ...
- At age six she became the first recipient of the juvenile Academy Award.
- She starred in 12 short films and 43 features.
As Clark points out, “mocktail” can sound like it's mocking something. “Zero proof” has adherents in some regions, while “free spirits” (which is actually a brand name) and “spirit-free” are used for N/A mixed drinks elsewhere.
What is the fancy name for mocktails? ›
A non-alcoholic mixed drink (also known as virgin co*cktail, temperance drink, "zero proof" drink or mocktail) is a co*cktail-style beverage made without alcohol.
Why is the Shirley Temple drink called that? ›
The drink was named after iconic child actress Shirley Temple. Legend has it that when she was out to dinner at a nice restaurant with her parents and other Hollywood types who were all enjoying co*cktails, the bartender made her a special nonalcoholic drink so she could feel fancy too.
What is the male version of the Shirley Temple drink? ›
Their recipes are similar: the Roy Rogers uses cola instead of the ginger ale and/or lemon-lime soda used in the Shirley Temple. The Roy Rogers was reportedly sold as a boy's alternative to the Shirley Temple in the 1950s and 1960s.
What was the cause of death for Shirley Temple? ›
The cause of death, according to her death certificate released on March 3, 2014, was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Temple was a lifelong cigarette smoker but avoided displaying her habit in public because she did not want to set a bad example for her fans.
"Mocktail" is a portmanteau of mock and co*cktail. " Mock" can mean a few things. The most familiar usage is probably "to mock someone" which means teasing them — that might make the "mocktail" term seem confusing.
Are mocktails healthy? ›
Is a non-alcoholic drink healthier? In short, yes. Mag Ayyad, an exercise dietitian at Houston Methodist, says that taking alcohol out of any beverage is the biggest benefit of a mocktail. "Any alcohol going into our system is essentially a toxic substance," he says.
What is a famous quote from Shirley Temple? ›
Time is money. Wasted time means wasted money means trouble. Good luck needs no explanation. I have one piece of advice for those of you who want to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award: Start early!
Why did people like Shirley Temple so much? ›
She was even honored with a miniature Oscar for her acting. With her curly hair and dimples, she captured the hearts of Americans during one the country's worst economic recessions, the Great Depression. Her films often centered on jovial themes which provided Americans with an escape during hardship.
Did Shirley Temple win an Oscar? ›
The youngest honorary Oscar winner: Shirley Temple
She was just 6 years old at the time. Following her win, the honorary juvenile award would be given out intermittently over the next 26 years to eleven other child actors and actresses under the age of 18.
What makes a mocktail a mocktail? ›
Mocktails are non-alcoholic mixed drinks meant to replicate the presentation and complexity of craft co*cktails, just without the alcohol. To make mocktails, bartenders mix combinations of sodas, juices, herbs, and syrups to create unique flavors.
Why shouldn't mocktails be called mocktails? ›
Referring to zero-proof co*cktails as mocktails makes them seem inferior or a substitute for the real thing. However, they can and should be flavorful opportunities to delight guests and generate revenue at no ABV.
Why is a non-alcoholic drink called virgin? ›
During Prohibition, though, folks could no longer go out and order a Bloody Mary to drink. Instead, they would ask for a Virgin Mary, which was just plain old tomato juice. Referring to the drink as a Virgin Mary was a tongue-in-cheek way of clarifying that the customer wasn't ordering alcohol.
