Get ready to wow your kids (and the kid in you!) with these Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles—a whimsical twist on the classic fizzy mocktail, frozen into irresistible fruity pops. With juicy orange, a splash of bubbly lemon-lime, and those iconic maraschino cherries, every lick is bright, cheerful, and oh-so-refreshing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting With Nostalgia: Everything you love about a Shirley Temple, now in a chilly, hand-held treat kids of all ages adore!
- Fun and Easy To Make: Just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and the popsicle mold does all the work—perfect for busy days or little kitchen helpers.
- Eye-Popping Color: That bright pink swirl from grenadine and cherries is guaranteed to get squeals of excitement at first sight.
- Naturally Refreshing: With real fruit juice and fizzy soda, these are the ultimate hot-weather pick-me-ups—no artificial flavor needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part? These pops pack maximum flavor with just a few everyday ingredients. Each one brings something wonderful: from the zingy citrus kick to candy-sweet cherries, they’re all essential in creating the iconic Shirley Temple taste and that irresistible popsicle texture.
- Orange juice: Brings a sunny citrusy base and a natural sweetness that everyone loves.
- Lemon-lime soda (like 7-Up): Gives the popsicles their effervescent, bubbly lift—don’t skip it if you want the classic fountain drink flavor!
- Grenadine syrup: That magical red syrup gives classic Shirley Temple color, plus the signature cherry-berry sweetness.
- Maraschino cherries: Chopped and nestled inside, these are the popsicle “treasure” that make kids grin from ear to ear.
- Popsicle sticks: Since who can eat a popsicle without that happy handle?
Variations
Don’t be afraid to change things up! The beauty of Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles is how easily you can tailor them to suit any taste, ingredient, or special dietary needs—just get creative and have a little fun.
- Make It Sugar-Free: Use diet lemon-lime soda and a sugar-free grenadine for a lighter treat.
- Switch the Juice: Swap orange juice for pineapple or cherry juice for a fun tropical twist.
- Fresh Fruit Boost: Add sliced strawberries or orange segments alongside the cherries for extra color and texture.
- Vegan Version: Most maraschino cherries are vegan, but double-check yours—use a natural soda to keep everything plant-based.
How to Make Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a large measuring jug or bowl, gently whisk together your orange juice and lemon-lime soda. Don’t go wild—stir slowly so you keep as much of that bubbly fizz as possible! This mix is your delicious, citrusy base that forms the heart of these popsicles.
Step 2: Prep the Popsicle Molds
Carefully pour the orange-soda blend into each popsicle mold, filling only about 3/4 full to allow room for expansion as they freeze. Now, measure and drizzle 1 teaspoon of grenadine syrup into each mold—the syrup will swirl beautifully, adding that classic Shirley Temple look!
Step 3: Add the Cherries
Drain your maraschino cherries and slice each in half for better distribution. Drop cherry halves into the molds, dividing them evenly—make sure every popsicle gets a few pieces so nobody misses out on the best part.
Step 4: Freeze and Unmold
Insert the popsicle sticks, cover the molds (if yours have lids), and pop them in the freezer overnight or for at least 8 hours. To release, briefly run the bottom of each mold under warm water—your Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles will slip right out, ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles
- Fizz Factor: Stir the soda gently into the juice—too much agitation will flatten the bubbles and take away that Shirley Temple sparkle.
- Cherry Placement Magic: Press a few cherry halves up against the side of the mold for gorgeous visuals when unmolding—kids love discovering the hidden “gems” in every pop!
- No Sticky Hands: To catch sticky drips and make snacking fuss-free, pop each finished popsicle into a cupcake liner before serving, especially for birthday parties or outdoor play.
- Clean Mold Release: Running the molds under lukewarm (not hot!) water for just a few seconds is all you need to slide popsicles out without cracking or melting—a little patience makes for perfect pops.
How to Serve Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles
Garnishes
For extra fun, you can garnish these popsicles just like the original drink: thread a maraschino cherry or a little twist of orange peel on the stick before serving. Or, sprinkle a bit of edible glitter or colored sugar onto the tops before freezing for major wow-factor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles with a bowl of fresh fruit, crunchy snack mix, or even salty popcorn. The popsicles’ sweet-tangy flavor is fantastic with simple savory snacks at your next backyard gathering or family movie night.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn an ordinary popsicle into a party showstopper by arranging the pops in a bowl of crushed ice with sparkling drink umbrellas. For summer birthdays, serve “popsicle floats”—drop a pop into a glass of lemon-lime soda for a slowly melting, fizzy treat kids and adults will both love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once they’re out of the molds, keep your Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles in an airtight container or a large freezer bag. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their perfect shape, so they’re ready whenever sweet cravings strike.
Freezing
These popsicles are happiest in the back of your freezer, where the temperature stays most constant. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 weeks—just make sure they’re well wrapped so they don’t pick up freezer odors or ice crystals.
Reheating
No reheating needed—just a quick zap under warm water to loosen from the mold, and you’re off to popsicle paradise! If your pops have softened a bit out of the freezer, just pop them back in for 15–20 minutes to firm up again.
FAQs
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Can I use Sprite or another lemon-lime soda instead of 7-Up?
Absolutely! Any clear lemon-lime soda will work for Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles. Feel free to use Sprite, Sierra Mist, or your favorite store brand—the important part is the fizzy, citrusy flavor.
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What can I use if I don’t have popsicle molds?
No molds? No problem! Small paper cups or sturdy ice cube trays work in a pinch: just pour in the mixture, add your cherries, and poke popsicle sticks in once partially frozen so they stand upright.
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Can I make these popsicles ahead for a party?
Yes, and it’s actually best! Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles need time to freeze firm, so making them the day before ensures they’re perfect for serving. Store them layered with parchment in a freezer-safe container until party time.
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Is grenadine alcoholic? Is it safe for kids?
No worries! Grenadine is a sweet, non-alcoholic syrup made from pomegranate or cherry. It’s completely safe for kids and is the classic way to get that Shirley Temple flavor and fun pink color.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a treat that sparkles with nostalgia and feels tailor-made for joy. If you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for summer, birthdays, or any sunny day, Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles are your ticket. Give them a try—and don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for seconds right alongside the kids!
Print
Kid’s Favourite Shirley Temple Popsicles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 popsicles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Kid’s Favorite Shirley Temple Popsicles are a delightful and refreshing treat perfect for a hot summer day. Made with a blend of orange juice, lemon-lime soda, grenadine syrup, and sweet maraschino cherries, these popsicles are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda (such as 7-up)
- 10 tsp grenadine syrup
- 10 oz jar of maraschino cherries, cut in half
- 10 popsicle sticks
Instructions
- Gently mix together the orange juice and lemon-lime soda. Pour into the popsicle molds, filling only 3/4 of the way full as they will expand. Add 1 teaspoon of grenadine to each mold.
- Drain and halve the maraschino cherries. Distribute them evenly among the molds.
- Cover the molds and insert popsicle sticks into each one. Freeze overnight.
- To release the popsicles, run the bottom of the mold under water. Store the popsicles in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popsicle
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
