Few beverages evoke the charm of old Hollywood glamour like the Shirley Temple. Pairing sweet cherry with the fizzy allure of lemon-lime soda, this iconic mocktail has been a staple for generations. And it was one of my go-to beverage orders before the alcohol-free cocktail movement became what it is today. Now, thanks to 7Up, it’s returning to our glasses in a new, limited-edition format. As a self-proclaimed beverage enthusiast, I was curious (and a little skeptical) about the 7Up Shirley Temple. Could it live up to its beloved namesake while delivering something unique and refreshing? Here’s how it measured up.

The History of the Shirley Temple

Before we crack open the 7Up version of this classic, it’s worth revisiting the roots of the Shirley Temple. This mocktail was allegedly created in the 1930s as a tribute to the famous child actress Shirley Temple, who charmed audiences with her talent and charisma. The drink typically combines grenadine, lemon-lime soda, and a maraschino cherry garnish, making it a sweet, cheerful staple at soda fountains and family-friendly events. Over the decades, it has cemented its status as a playful yet sophisticated option for non-drinkers of all ages.

By creating a ready-to-drink Shirley Temple, 7Up is tapping into nostalgia while updating the experience for the modern beverage enthusiast.

Fun Facts about the Shirley Temple:

The Royal Hawaiian Resort in Waikiki, one of Temple’s favorite haunts at the height of her fame, claimed to have invented the drink and named it in honor of the hotel’s frequent customer during the 1930s. Like most famous foodstuff, the Royal Hawaiian’s claim of creating the drink is debated. However, Hollywood’s legendary Brown Derby restaurant maintained that it invented the drink during the same period.
The actress was protective of her name and filed multiple lawsuits against California beverage companies for using it without permission.

A Taste Test of the 7Up Shirley Temple

Like many of you, I don’t pick up 7Up often. The lemon-lime soda wars are dominated mainly by Sprite (courtesy of Coca-Cola) and Starry (Pepsi’s revamped answer to Sierra Mist). When I cracked open the can of 7Up Shirley Temple, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia, thanks to its signature grenadine aroma. Given my usual preference for diet sodas (hello, Diet Coke addict over here), I braced myself for what I assumed would be a blast of sugar down my throat. Surprisingly, the sweetness was far more balanced than I expected. Whether it’s that 7Up tends to run lighter on the sugar compared to Coke-style sodas or that I poured it in one of my favorite soda pop can glasses and added some maraschino cherries with a glass straw, the fizzy cherry-lemon-lime concoction didn’t overpower my taste buds. That said, given the 170 calories of the can, I was underwhelmed and would have instead opted for a less sugary option.

What About the Zero Sugar Version?

While I enjoyed my glass of the full-sugar 7Up Shirley Temple, I can’t deny my yearning for a zero-sugar option. After all, for those of us who’ve committed to the soda-light lifestyle, a sugary splurge doesn’t fit into the daily lineup.

Would a zero-sugar 7Up Shirley Temple make its way to my top shelf? I think it could. If it maintained the bright flavors while eliminating the calorie count, it might just become a regular in my beverage rotation. Sometimes, I secretly cheat on Diet Coke with a Cherry Coke Zero. I will say I found the aesthetic of the can and its colors quite pleasing to my eyes. This would be the perfect can to use one of those soda can top openers on.

When Did 7Up Disappear?

Before we move on, it’s worth addressing the elephant in the room—or rather, the soda can in the fridge. For many younger readers, “7Up” might ring as vaguely as a childhood candy you haven’t seen in years. Once a dominant player in the world of lemon-lime sodas, 7Up started to fall out of favor as drinks like Sprite gained traction globally, followed by Pepsi’s Starry (previously Sierra Mist, may you RIP). Over the years, 7Up’s presence diminished, becoming a legacy drink in the soda aisle.

Its limited releases, like the Shirley Temple edition, hint at a strategy of focusing on craft, nostalgia, and unique offerings rather than competing head-on with titans like Sprite. And honestly? I’d say that’s a smart move. For 7Up fans, this classic-but-modern beverage brings a refreshing twist that feels just right. Plus, the nostalgia trend is here to stay. Don’t believe me? Look at what LEGO is doing with its ingenious marketing towards adults. I’ve been eyeing the nearly $300 LEGO PAC-Man Arcade kit for months.

Beyond the Taste – Who Will Love This?

If you’re a beverage enthusiast, a Shirley Temple fan, or even just someone who likes collecting limited-edition drinks to try, the 7Up Shirley Temple checks plenty of boxes. The nostalgic nod to an iconic mocktail brings a sense of warmth, while the balanced flavor ensures it isn’t just for the kids—it’s perfect for adults taking a break from alcoholic options, too.

For those into alcohol-free living, this drink is a nice addition to your sober lifestyle. Picture enjoying a can of this on a sunny afternoon, or pulling it out at your next sober AF happy hour. Pair it with appetizers, and you’ve got yourself a fun, nostalgic mocktail experience.

My Final Thoughts

What started as curiosity turned into genuine enjoyment with the 7Up Shirley Temple. While I may not be replacing my Diet Coke addiction (because, well, loyalty runs strong), it’s been refreshing (literally) to explore this limited-edition offering. Plus, the nostalgic touch reminded me of the little joys of classic soda flavors. (New York Seltzer, I’m lookin’ at you.)

Are you ready to try the 7Up Shirley Temple and relive the charm of this fizzy classic? Don’t wait—grab a can while you still can and enjoy this refreshing take on a timeless drink.

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