Santas Hat Shirley Temple Recipe

Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple Recipe: A Jolly Holiday Mocktail

Festive holiday gatherings call for delightful seasonal cocktails that sparkle with Shirley Temple magic.

This classic non-alcoholic Shirley Temple recipe brings cheerful nostalgia to winter celebrations.

Sweet and vibrant red cherries dance through this iconic drink, creating instant smiles for all ages.

Kids and adults alike adore the bright, bubbly mixture that recalls childhood memories.

Garnished with a playful santa’s hat flair, this recipe turns any party into a merry occasion.

The simple blend of grenadine, lemon-lime soda, and maraschino cherries makes entertaining a breeze.

You’ll love how quickly this festive drink comes together for your next holiday gathering.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for Santas Hat Shirley Temple?

The key ingredients are Sprite (or clear soda), cranberry juice, grenadine, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry.

  • Is this drink suitable for children?

Yes, this is a non-alcoholic, family-friendly beverage perfect for kids and adults who don’t drink alcohol.

  • Can I make this drink ahead of time?

It’s best to make this drink right before serving to keep the whipped cream and ice fresh and maintain the Santa hat appearance.

  • How can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?

You can control the sweetness by adding more or less grenadine to suit your taste preferences.

What Makes Santas Hat Shirley Temple Festive

  • Capture Cozy Comfort: Dive into a slice of pure warmth with this gingerbread cake that wraps you in nostalgic holiday flavors and brings comfort to your kitchen.
  • Master Baking Techniques: Learn professional-level baking skills through a recipe that teaches precise ingredient mixing, gentle heating, and strategic resting techniques that elevate home cooking.
  • Family Gathering Showstopper: Create a dessert that becomes the centerpiece of family celebrations, with its rich molasses undertones and stunning cinnamon frosting guaranteed to impress everyone around the table.
  • Smart Make-Ahead Magic: Enjoy a dessert that actually improves with time, developing deeper flavors when wrapped and rested overnight, making party preparation stress-free and deliciously strategic.

What You Need for Shirley Temple Drinks

Beverage Base:
  • Sprite: A light and bubbly soda that provides the refreshing foundation for the drink.
  • Cranberry Juice: Adds a tart and vibrant flavor to balance the sweetness of the beverage.
  • Grenadine: A sweet syrup that enhances the color and provides additional sweetness.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream: Creates a fluffy white layer to mimic Santa's hat.
  • Maraschino Cherry: Serves as the festive red pom-pom on top of the Santa hat design.
Ice and Serving:
  • Crushed Ice: Keeps the drink chilled and adds a refreshing texture to the beverage.

Steps for Making Festive Shirley Temple

Step 1: Chill The Holiday Glass

Select a tall clear glass and generously fill it with crushed ice to create a frosty, festive foundation for your Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple.

Step 2: Pour The Bubbly Base

Carefully add Sprite or another sparkling soda over the crushed ice, creating a fizzy and light base for the drink.

Step 3: Blend The Festive Flavors

Gently pour cranberry juice into the glass, mixing it with the soda to create a vibrant red and white color scheme reminiscent of Christmas.

Step 4: Sweeten With Grenadine

Drizzle grenadine syrup into the drink, allowing it to sink and create beautiful layers of red and clear liquid.

Adjust the amount to suit your personal sweetness preference.

Step 5: Crown With Whipped Cream

Top the drink with a generous, fluffy swirl of whipped cream, carefully creating a dome-like shape that mimics Santa’s iconic hat.

Step 6: Add The Cherry Accent

Carefully place a bright red maraschino cherry on the peak of the whipped cream, completing the playful Santa hat design.

Step 7: Serve And Celebrate

Present the Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple immediately, ready to delight children and adults with its festive, cheerful appearance and delicious flavor.

Notes for Holiday Shirley Temple Drinks

  • Use crushed ice to keep the drink cool and maintain its festive temperature throughout serving.
  • Experiment with grenadine amounts to create your ideal flavor profile, adjusting sweetness to complement the cranberry juice.
  • Select bright red, plump maraschino cherries to enhance the Santa hat visual and add a burst of sweet flavor.
  • Swap regular soda with zero-sugar alternatives for a healthier version that's still fun and festive.

Shirley Temple Styles for Fun Holidays

  • Sugar-Free Santa: Replace regular grenadine with sugar-free syrup and use diet Sprite. Swap whipped cream for light whipped topping to reduce calories while maintaining the festive look.
  • Tropical Holiday Remix: Substitute cranberry juice with pineapple juice and use coconut-flavored soda. Top with coconut whipped cream and a small pineapple chunk instead of a cherry.
  • Mocktail Winter Wonderland: Create an alcohol-free version using sparkling water instead of Sprite. Add a splash of pomegranate juice for extra color and use zero-calorie whipped topping for a lighter option.
  • Grown-Up Christmas Cocktail: Transform the drink by adding a shot of vodka or white rum. Garnish with a small candy cane or sprinkle of edible glitter for an adult holiday spin.

Snacks That Go With Holiday Shirley Temples

  • Pair with Festive Cookies: Serve alongside soft sugar cookies decorated with red and white icing to complement the sweet, playful Santa's Hat Shirley Temple.
  • Match with Holiday Cheese Platter: Create a balanced snack board featuring mild white cheddar, creamy brie, and sweet fruit preserves that echo the drink's fruity and creamy notes.
  • Create Kid-Friendly Dessert Combo: Accompany the drink with vanilla pudding topped with crushed candy canes, mirroring the beverage's holiday spirit and whimsical presentation.
  • Offer Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Provide a salty-sweet snack with white chocolate drizzled pretzels that contrast nicely with the drink's sugary profile.

How to Keep Shirley Temple Punch Chilled

  • Store the drink in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the whipped cream and cherry separate to prevent them from getting soggy.
  • Store whipped cream and maraschino cherry in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture.
  • Since this is a cold drink, avoid reheating. Instead, remix the ingredients and add fresh whipped cream and a new cherry when ready to serve.
  • If the drink separates, simply stir or shake it gently to recombine the ingredients before enjoying.
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Santas Hat Shirley Temple Recipe

Santas Hat Shirley Temple Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple cocktail brings festive cheer with its whimsical red and white design. Holiday spirits lift as crimson grenadine and creamy coconut create a playful mocktail perfect for celebrating winter’s magical moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sprite, 7-up, or ginger ale
  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice
  • 1 ounce (30 milliliters) grenadine

Garnish Ingredients:

  • Crushed ice
  • Whipped cream
  • 1 maraschino cherry

Instructions

  1. Chill a festive glass with crushed ice, ensuring the beverage stays cool and crisp.
  2. Combine sprite or selected carbonated beverage with cranberry juice, carefully layering the liquids over the ice.
  3. Introduce grenadine syrup, adjusting the amount to create a perfect harmony between sweet and tart flavor profiles.
  4. Crown the drink with a luxurious, billowing swirl of whipped cream, mimicking the iconic shape of Santa’s winter headwear.
  5. Perch a vibrant maraschino cherry atop the whipped cream, adding the final festive touch to this playful holiday libation.
  6. Present immediately, inviting guests to enjoy this cheerful, kid-friendly seasonal refreshment.

Notes

  • Customize the soda by using diet or zero-sugar alternatives for a lighter version of the drink.
  • Try different whipped cream options like coconut or almond-based cream for dairy-free guests.
  • Elevate the festive look by using a candy cane as a stirrer or rim the glass with colored sugar for extra holiday cheer.
  • Create a mocktail version by replacing Sprite with sparkling water for a less sweet, more refreshing option.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Mocktails
  • Method: Shaking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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