Our Honest Review of New 7UP Shirley Temple

The wait is finally over: the new 7UP Shirley Temple is finally here and after a little bit of hunting (and asking several friends and having some shipped across the country—specifically the zero sugar version—thanks, Joe) I got my hands on this new 7UP flavor in both full sugar and zero sugar. So, let’s crack them open, sing the “Animal Crackers” song, and find out if these canned Shirley Temples were worth all that effort.

New 7UP Flavor!

7UP Shirley Temple

Target

Pros: Folks, this is a tasty drink. My beverage of choice is a nice Tequila Sunrise, so I am definitely familiar with the flavor of grenadine and I’m definitely picking it up here. The flavor is a little heavier on the pomegranate rather than the cherry, which is definitely a pro for me. All in all, I think the Shirley Temple mocktail has been pretty accurately recreated here! Well done 7UP!

Cons: You may not like this if sweet drinks aren’t your thing. I had a friend mention that they believed this tasted like Trix cereal. And I kind of agree, but largely because it has that same “sugary sweet” vibe. While it doesn’t ruin the drink for me, it definitely may for some.

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

8.5/10

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New 7UP Flavor!

7UP Shirley Temple Zero Sugar

Target

Pros: The fact that that this new 7UP flavor comes as a zero sugar soda at all is definitely a pro. Many soda companies have seemed to opt out of the zero options lately. Good on you, 7UP! The 7UP Shirley Temple Zero Sugar tastes much more cherry forward. I’m getting a lot less of the grenadine flavor than I did with the full sugar version. This could be a pro or a con, depending on how you feel about cherry.

Cons: Aspartame is used as the sweetener and boy does it kick in hard in the aftertaste. While I do believe there are zero sugar sodas made with aspartame that taste good, the sweeteners in 7UP Shirley Temple Zero Sugar overpower the flavor of the soda even before the aftertaste hits you. The taste left in my mouth is very, very unpleasant. 

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

3/10

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