Fairfield's Viral Shirley Temple King Appears On 'Ellen'

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield's viral Instagram sensation, the Shirley Temple King, appeared Monday on "The Ellen Degeneres Show," where he shared his insights about just what makes the classic mocktail so tasty.

"You get the cherry flavor and then you get the grenadine, then you get the ginger ale," 6-year-old Leo Kelly told the daytime host.

Leo reviews Shirley Temples on his Instagram account, which is managed by his parents and in recent weeks has grown to more than 250,000 followers.

"We're just in shock, we can't believe it," Leo's mother, Lisa Kelly, said during Monday's show.

Among the restaurants where Leo has tried Shirley Temples are local eateries such as Flipside Burgers and Bar, Blackstones Steakhouse and Plan B Burger Bar. Leo's segment on the show opened with a clip of his review of a Shirley Temple at HooDoo Brown BBQ in Ridgefield, which received a 9.5 from the young connoisseur.

The only Shirley Temple that has ever received a 10 from Leo is one he was given by Santa Claus.

"It's Santa Claus," Leo told Degeneres. "You have to give Santa Claus a 10."

Also during Monday's appearance, Iron Chef Cat Cora, Border Grill Owner Susan Feniger and Michelin-star chef Curtis Stone competed to create the best Shirley Temple.

Leo has specific standards for what makes a good one. The perfect Shirley Temple has Canada Dry ginger ale, Rose's Grenadine poured until the drink turns red, three or four ice cubes, three cherries, a glass cup and a reusable straw, he said during the show.

To watch the segment, visit the show's YouTube page.

Follow the Shirley Temple King on Instagram @theshirleytempleking.