The Enduring Popularity of the Shirley Temple
The Shirley Temple, a vibrant and sweet concoction, remains a beloved non-alcoholic beverage for people of all ages. Its iconic grenadine-red hue and delightful cherry garnish evoke a sense of nostalgia and celebratory fun. But when you're ordering one at a restaurant or craving that distinct flavor at home, a common question arises: Who makes 7UP Shirley Temple? The answer, as with many things in the world of beverages, has a few layers to it.
Understanding the "Shirley Temple" as a Drink
What Exactly *Is* a Shirley Temple?
First, it's crucial to distinguish between the 7UP soda itself and the Shirley Temple mocktail. A traditional Shirley Temple is a mixed drink, not a pre-bottled beverage produced by a single company. It's typically made by combining:
- Lemon-lime soda (most commonly 7UP)
- Grenadine syrup
- A maraschino cherry for garnish
Restaurants, bars, and home enthusiasts alike can create this refreshing drink by simply mixing these ingredients. Therefore, no single entity "makes" the Shirley Temple in the same way a company manufactures a specific soda flavor.
Why 7UP is the Traditional Choice
While other lemon-lime sodas can be used, 7UP has become the de facto standard for a Shirley Temple. This is largely due to its clean, crisp, and slightly tart flavor profile, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the grenadine. The effervescence of 7UP also contributes to the drink's refreshing character. This long-standing association has cemented 7UP's role in the classic Shirley Temple recipe.
The Makers of 7UP Soda
Keurig Dr Pepper: The Current Steward of 7UP
The brand 7UP in the United States is currently owned and produced by Keurig Dr Pepper. This American beverage conglomerate, formed in 2008 through the merger of Keurig and Dr Pepper, oversees the production, marketing, and distribution of 7UP and many other popular soft drinks in North America.
It's important to note that the licensing and ownership of the 7UP brand can vary internationally. For instance, in most of the world outside the United States, the 7UP brand is owned by PepsiCo. However, for the context of an American reader asking "Who makes 7UP Shirley Temple," the focus is on the U.S. production, which falls under Keurig Dr Pepper.
A Brief History of 7UP's Ownership
The journey of 7UP's ownership is quite interesting:
- It was originally created in 1929 by Charles Leiper Grigg and was first marketed as "LIP-UP."
- It was later renamed "7UP" and launched as a 7-ounce bottle.
- Over the decades, 7UP has been owned by various companies, including The Seven-Up Company and eventually Cadbury Schweppes, before its North American rights were acquired by Dr Pepper Snapple Group (now Keurig Dr Pepper).
The Role of Grenadine
Not a 7UP Product, But Essential
The other key ingredient in a Shirley Temple, grenadine syrup, is not made by Keurig Dr Pepper. Grenadine is a pomegranate-flavored syrup, though it is often made with artificial flavors and colors in commercial varieties. Popular brands that produce grenadine syrup include:
- Monin
- Rose's Grenadine (historically a very common choice)
- Torani
These companies manufacture grenadine syrup as a standalone product for use in cocktails, mocktails, and other culinary applications. Therefore, when you make a Shirley Temple at home, you're combining a product from Keurig Dr Pepper (7UP) with a product from a different manufacturer (grenadine).
Conclusion: The Collaborative Creation
In summary, the question "Who makes 7UP Shirley Temple?" can be answered by understanding its dual nature:
- 7UP Soda: Produced and distributed in the United States by Keurig Dr Pepper.
- Shirley Temple (the drink): A universally created mocktail, traditionally made by mixing 7UP with grenadine syrup. The grenadine is produced by various other beverage and syrup companies.
So, while Keurig Dr Pepper provides the essential fizzy base, the delightful, fruity sweetness comes from a separate syrup, and the final magic happens when a bartender, a parent, or you at home combine them. This collaborative spirit is part of what makes the Shirley Temple such a universally enjoyed and accessible beverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is a Shirley Temple different from a "Roy Rogers"?
A Shirley Temple is typically made with a lemon-lime soda (like 7UP) and grenadine. A "Roy Rogers," on the other hand, uses cola (like Coca-Cola or Pepsi) and grenadine. Both are popular American mocktails, but their base soda gives them distinct flavors.
Why is it called a Shirley Temple?
The drink is believed to have been created in the 1930s by the bartender at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, California, as a special non-alcoholic drink for the famous child actress Shirley Temple. She was often at events where cocktails were served, and this was a fun, sophisticated option for her.
Can I make a Shirley Temple without 7UP?
Yes, you absolutely can! While 7UP is the traditional and most common choice, any clear lemon-lime soda can be substituted. Other options include Sprite, Sierra Mist, or generic lemon-lime sodas. The flavor will be slightly different depending on the soda used, but the core Shirley Temple experience will still be there.
