7UP Shirley Temple bubbles up a plethora of sweet beverage possibilities

While classic beverages are always refreshing, brands appreciate that they need to evolve to consumers' preferences and cravings. With the new 7UP Shirley Temple, its take on a classic beverage combines a taste of nostalgia with a food trend.

Some people might remember the first time they ordered a Shirley Temple. While my parents ordered their cocktail, that perfectly sweet, colorful special beverage arrived. It felt sophisticated, special, something that was a treat during the dinner out.

Over the years, the idea of the Shirley Temple changed. What might have been a childhood memory transformed into a sip of nostalgia. It was more than the “dirty” beverage trend or the easy mocktail that anyone could make. One sip had all those memories of family celebrations come flooding back.

With the 7UP Shirley Temple, it brings the flavor that people crave in just a single pour. As Andrew Springate, CMO at Keurig Dr Pepper, said, “We are thrilled to confirm that 7UP Shirley Temple is on the way. A festive addition to the holiday season, 7UP Shirley Temple is a refreshing twist on the beloved classic featuring vibrant pomegranate and cherry flavors and a splash of citrus in every sip.”

The specialty beverage will be available for a limited time, October 15 through December 31, or while supplies last. Given the limited run, some people might want to stock up on some extra cans or 2L bottles.

As part of the 7UP Shirley Temple launch, it shared a Dirty Shirley recipe.

7UP Dirty Shirley Recipe

Ingredients

1 oz vodka

5 oz 7UP Shirley Temple (Regular or Zero Sugar)

Splash of cherry juice from maraschino cherries

Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients.

Shake vigorously and pour over ice.

While the brand shared this cocktail, there are plenty of other options to consider. For example, a whiskey or a bourbon with the 7UP would be lovely. Just like a little cherry flavor works in a Manhattan, this soda with a well-rounded bourbon would be great.

Also, the 7UP flavor would work with a gin, too. The floral notes in a gin would balance the sweetness in the glass.

Lastly, for a fun twist on either a cocktail or mocktail, why not freeze some cherries in ice cubes and use them in the glass. Since this beverage is targeted for the holiday season, those ice cubes would be great visual to make a simple sipper more elevated.

Could more flavored beverages be coming from 7UP? Only time will tell, but fruit forward sodas are having a moment. There are plenty of fruit combinations.