Reviews: Showdown of the Shirleys, With Stiller’s & Just Call Me Shirley

Just Call Me Shirley Original Cherry (Non-Alcoholic)

Just Call Me Shirley, a brand best known for its alcoholic take on the classic Shirley Temple, has expanded its lineup with an “Original Cherry” non-alcoholic offering. Packaged in a 12 oz. can with bold red trade dress and vintage-inspired typography, the product contains 90 calories and 22 grams of sugar. Positioned as a “Non-Alcoholic Cocktail,” it delivers a slightly less sweet take on the traditional Shirley Temple flavor profile, complete with notes of cherry and lime.

Things that stand out:

  • The flavor execution is solid. It captures the nostalgic cherry-lime character of a classic Shirley Temple while dialing back the sweetness compared to some mainstream soda versions.
  • The can’s bright red color and retro script logo are eye-catching and easy to read from a distance, giving it strong shelf visibility.
  • The product feels like a natural line extension for a brand already associated with Shirley Temple cocktails, offering consumers a spirit-free alternative within the same family.

Things to consider:

  • Positioning it as a “Non-Alcoholic Cocktail” feels slightly awkward given that Shirley Temples are inherently non-alcoholic and often associated with younger consumers. The cocktail framing — along with messaging that suggests adding your preferred spirit — may create confusion or limit appeal, particularly for parents purchasing for children.
  • The mention of added electrolytes lacks clear support on the nutrition facts panel, which could leave consumers questioning the claim.
  • There appears to be a discrepancy on the nutrition panel, which lists zero grams of added sugar despite sugar being the second ingredient.
  • While the design is clean and straightforward, it could benefit from refining its hierarchy and messaging to better define the product’s core audience.

Rating:

 

Stiller’s Shirley Cola

Stiller’s Shirley Cola is the latest addition to actor Ben Stiller’s better-for-you soda lineup, blending the nostalgic cues of a Shirley Temple with the familiar backbone of a classic cola. Packaged in a 12-ounce can with 30 calories and 7 grams of added sugar, the product is sweetened with cane sugar, monk fruit, and stevia, and contains 33mg of natural caffeine along with added vitamins D, C, and B12. Positioned as an all-natural soda with a retro vibe, Shirley Cola aims to deliver indulgent flavor with a lighter nutritional footprint.

Things that stand out:

  • A well-executed flavor profile that lands somewhere between cherry cola and a Shirley Temple, with notes of black cherry and grenadine layered over a cola base. The elements are nicely balanced and cohesive.
  • At 30 calories and 7 grams of added sugar, the product offers a meaningful reduction compared to full-calorie sodas while still delivering satisfying sweetness.
  • The packaging has a strong nostalgic appeal. The bold red can, large white “Stiller’s” script, and straightforward “30 calories. No fake stuff.” callout give it a retro, established feel that should resonate on the shelf.
  • The inclusion of natural caffeine and added vitamins provides incremental functional appeal without overshadowing the soda-first positioning.

Things to consider:

  • From a taste perspective, the product isn’t dramatically differentiated from existing cherry colas, which may make it harder to stand out purely on flavor.
  • While the vitamin additions are a nice bonus, they don’t feel central to the value proposition and could be more clearly integrated into the brand story.
  • As with other mid-calorie sodas, consumers may need clearer education on how this fits between full-sugar classics and zero-calorie diet options.

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