Arby's Classic Shirley Temple

About the Classic Shirley Temple

Arby's sells the Classic Shirley Temple from $2.79 in its Small cup, while the Medium pour carries 170 cal. Arby's describes it as a refreshing mixture of Sprite and grenadine syrup, topped with a dark cherry, a short ingredient list that keeps the drink easy to love.

The flavor is bright and sweet. Sprite brings a crisp lemon lime fizz, and grenadine adds a fruity, candy like sweetness with a light tart edge. The two blend into a pink to red drink that tastes a little like cherry soda but lighter and more citrusy. The dark cherry on top is the reward at the end, soaked in syrup by the time you reach it.

Visually it stands out on any tray. Grenadine is heavier than soda, so the color often settles into a deep red at the bottom that fades to pale pink near the top, with bubbles rising through both layers. Give it a quick stir with the straw if you want an even color and flavor in every sip.

Arby's pours this one in four cup sizes, the smallest being Small and the biggest XL, with Medium and Large between. The Classic Shirley Temple price climbs with each step up, and so does the sugar, since nearly all of the calories come from sugar in the soda and syrup. The drink has no fat or protein, so it works as a treat rather than a source of nutrition. If you are watching sugar, the Small is the size to pick.

The Shirley Temple suits kids who want something more fun than plain soda, adults who want a soda that feels a little special, and anyone pairing a salty meal with a sweet sip. It goes especially well with smoky or spicy food, where the sweetness cools things down. Our price data was recorded at an Austin, Texas Arby's; other stores set their own.

You will find it on the Arby's drinks menu and the limited time lineup. If you like the idea but want something creamier, the Shirley 'n Cream adds a cap of sweet cream cold foam to the same drink.

For a classic pairing, sip it next to a Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak, where the sweet fizz balances the heat, or alongside a box of Steak Nuggets for a smoky and sweet contrast.