Meet the Shirley Temple King, an Adorable 6-Year-Old Beverage Critic

You probably ordered many Shirley Temples (aka Kiddie Cocktails) as a kid. You remember…it’s the sweet elixir of ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and grenadine garnished with a bright maraschino cherry. It’s an effervescent treat that turns any occasion into a celebration.

The brightest young Instagram star is known as @theshirleytempleking. The junior beverage critic has made a name for himself by testing and candidly grading Shirley Temples at restaurants across the U.S. We love him, and so do more than 250K followers!

Who is the Shirley Temple King?

His real name is Leo Kelly. The adorable 6-year-old from Fairfield, Pennsylvania, has risen to Internet fame thanks to his honest reviews of Shirley Temples—and that heart-melting smile.

 

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A post shared by @theshirleytempleking on Feb 22, 2020 at 7:29am PST

Leo’s viral Instagram account, which is managed by his parents, includes videos of his honest reviews of the drink. With posts often topping 100,000 views each, Leo has so much star power, he’s even appeared as a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

How does Leo evaluate Shirley Temples?

He greets viewers with, “Hey guys! It’s the Shirley Temple King!” in every video, before diving into his reviews. Adorable.

Then, Leo is brutally honest when it comes to providing feedback. He orders a Shirley Temple at every restaurant he visits and rates it on a scale from 1 to 10, based on flavor, pinkish-red color, fizziness, the number of cherries and other very important criteria.

Here’s how a select few restaurants’ Shirley Temples ranked, according to Leo’s personal scoresheet:

• Longhorn Steakhouse: 8 (“Five cherries!”)
• Gwen (Hollywood): 9.8 (“It’s like my taste buds are dancing, it’s so good!”)
• TGI Fridays: 6.3 (“Very invigorating!”)
• Cheesecake Factory: 5 (“No cherries, plastic cup”)
• Starbucks: 0 (“Tasted like strawberry mixed with mango!”)

We love our new buddy Leo, and he makes us want to order more Shirley Temples!

How do I make a Shirley Temple at home?

Just fill a glass with ice, then pour in about 1 ounce of grenadine. Next, top it off with the ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Add a plump maraschino cherry (or three!) for garnish.

The real question is, would the Shirley Temple King approve of your concoction? We hope your homemade Shirley Temple is a 10/10 on Leo’s scale.

Next up: Learn the history of the Shirley Temple and other classic recipes.

Fizzy Mocktails That Kids of Any Age Can Enjoy

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Rosemary Lemonade

A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California

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Strawberry Watermelon Slush

We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana

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Blackberry Shrub

Making shrubs is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at the award-winning SHED in Healdsburg, California (healdsburgshed.com). They are as colorful and refreshing as a summer drink should be.

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Peach-Basil Cooler

Mix peaches and basil with club soda for a cool and refreshing mocktail! —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida

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Cranberry Limeade

When cranberry and lime juice get together, the result is thirst-quenching. Add ice and you’ve got a party in a glass. —Michael Passow, Poughkeepsie, New York

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Lemony Cooler

Everyone thinks I've gone to a lot of trouble when making this refreshing summer drink, but it's so easy! I also like to make my own pretty ice cubes by adding 1/2 cup lemon juice and a mint sprig to 4 cups water.—Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

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Watermelon-Lime Cooler

With temps heating up, chill some glasses and cool down with a slushy blend of watermelon, lime and ginger ale. Slurp and repeat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Strawberry-Basil Refresher

Fresh strawberries and basil are everywhere, so get them together for a cooler that’s pure sunshine. I garnish with basil leaves and sip outdoors. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada

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Iced Honeydew Mint Tea

I grow mint in the garden on my balcony. In this minty tea, I blend two of my favorite beverages—Moroccan mint tea and honeydew agua fresca. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California

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Cranberry Fizz

With just five basic ingredients, this wonderfully tangy punch couldn't be much simpler to stir together. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California

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Rainbow Spritzer

Layers of colorful fruit submerged in a fizzy, sweet beverage make this a kid-friendly sipper that gets two thumbs-up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Spiced Pineapple Cooler

I enjoy cooking, especially when I'm preparing a dish that is different. That's definitely the case with this spicy, refreshing party punch. —Nancy Burford, Senatobia, Mississippi

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Blackberry Lemonade

Here's a special drink that's perfect when blackberries are in season. It has a tangy, refreshing flavor. —Rich Murray, Nevada, Missouri

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Rhubarb Citrus Punch

Rhubarb grows abundantly in our large farm garden. I'll make this punch for summertime gatherings or for special occasions with our extended family. —Ina Frey, St. Clemens, Ontario

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Sparkling Peach Bellinis

Folks will savor the subtle peach flavor in this elegant brunch beverage. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Raspberry Refresher

This recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat.—Doreen Patterson, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

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Citrus Punch

This zesty punch is a refreshing addition to my holiday table. I love its fruity flavor and the bright sunshiny color. You can easily double the recipe if you're expecting a larger group. —Dianne Conway, London, Ontario

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Raspberry Iced Tea

One sip and you'll likely agree this is the best flavored tea you've ever tasted.—Christine Wilson, Sellersville, Pennsylvania

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Red and Blue Berry Lemonade Slush

This delightfully sweet-tart beverage showcases fresh raspberries and blueberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Orange Juice Spritzer

This refreshing and pretty spritzer is a nice light wake-me-up drink and an easy way to give a twist to an ordinary glass of orange juice. Most people appreciate that it is not overly sweet.—Michelle Krzmarzick, Redondo Beach, California

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Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea

I grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California

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Ginger-Grapefruit Fizz

Sometimes it's hard to find a special, non-alcoholic beverage for parties that isn't a punch. That's why I love this grown-up bubbly drink that offers a little tartness from the grapefruit and spice from the ginger. —Dawn Viola, Clermont, Florida

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Sunny Orange Lemonade

Here's a beverage that'll really hit the spot. Filled with tangy goodness, it quenches your thirst any time of year. I like to use tree-ripened lemons and oranges that are so abundant here in Florida.—Martha Schwartz, Sarasota, Florida

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Tangy Strawberry Slush

When temperatures rise, cool things down with this ice-cold fruity slush. Keep some in the freezer for when guests pop in on a sultry evening.—Laura Reigel, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

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Ginger Pear Sipper

A real treat at brunch or during cocktail hour, alcohol-free Ginger Pear Sipper will please any palate. —Susan Westerfield, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Rhubarb Mint Tea

A bumper crop of rhubarb and mint from my garden inspired me to create this thirst-quenching pick-me-up. Raspberries deepen the tea's vibrant red color, making the drinks a pretty addition to your table. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

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Lemon Mint Spritzer

Cool down with this refreshing drink. It's wonderful after a long day or during a backyard barbecue. —Laura Nix, Ellijay, Georgia

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Blueberry Lime Slush

My husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington

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Apricot Lemonade Iced Tea

Every special occasion deserves a refreshing beverage (and a lovely punch bowl). Our tea has a tangy flavor from lemonade, apricot nectar and mint. —Kay Chon, Sherwood, Arkansas

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Ginger-Orange Refresher

“A sunset in a glass” is how your guests might describe this two-tone cocktail. With or without the spiced rum, it makes a refreshing thirst-quencher for parties any time of year.—Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

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The post Meet the Shirley Temple King, an Adorable 6-Year-Old Beverage Critic appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ceara Milligan