As a kid, I had an undeniable love for Shirley Temples. If there was a bottle of grenadine around, it was in danger! Every time I went out to eat, ordering a Shirley Temple was my thing.
I became quite the expert, too—I could tell if the soda-to-grenadine ratio was off if the grenadine wasn’t Rose’s or if there were too few cherries in my glass (because, honestly, the more cherries, the better).
So, I knew I had to try it when I heard that 7Up was releasing a limited-edition Shirley Temple soda. After all, part of the charm of a Shirley Temple is that bright red color that slowly swirls down the glass, mixing as it goes.
But would that made-to-order vibe come across in a canned version? Here’s my experience with 7Up’s take on this classic drink.
The Look of 7Up’s Shirley Temple
First, the can looks precisely like you’d expect: bold red. The color is slightly brighter than my ideal Shirley Temple, especially since the syrup is already mixed.
I noticed the giant bubbles when I poured it out, which is a promising start. The carbonation popped, a good sign for the drink’s overall vibe.
The Flavor It’s Sweet—Really Sweet
Now, let’s talk flavor. The 7Up Shirley Temple tastes like a Shirley Temple but has a serious sugar punch. I expected sweetness, of course—this is soda, after all. But it was even sweeter than I imagined.
It made me wonder: has my grown-up palate changed, or is this drink actually extra syrupy?
Here’s my theory: a Shirley Temple from a restaurant is served over ice, naturally diluting it as it melts. But the flavor is super concentrated when you’re drinking it straight out of the can. If you love that intense, sugary taste, this is the Shirley Temple.
Serve It Over Ice for the Full Experience
I think 7Up’s Shirley Temple is best when it’s poured over ice, with a straw, and topped with a couple of maraschino cherries. The ice helps tone down the sweetness and adds a little bit of dilution, making it feel more like the original drink.
Plus, you get to enjoy those cherries, arguably the best part.
At that point, how convenient is it to buy a pre-mixed Shirley Temple if I still have to go through the effort of adding ice and cherries? It’s a trade-off, for sure.
Conclusion
Overall, the 7Up Shirley Temple is fun for anyone looking to relive childhood memories or enjoy a new twist on a nostalgic drink.
It’s super sweet, so if you’re a fan of that intense, undiluted Shirley Temple taste, you’ll probably love it straight from the can. But a little ice and a few cherries can make all the difference if you prefer a more balanced drink.
The 7Up Shirley Temple is available nationwide starting today and will be around through the end of the year. Give it a try and see what you think!
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