Get ready to spread some holiday magic with the Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple—a merry, irresistible mocktail that’s as fun to make as it is to sip! This no-cook recipe layers zesty lemon-lime soda, bubbly ginger ale, and sweet grenadine, topping everything with a festive swirl of whipped cream and a strawberry or cherry “Santa hat.” Whether you’re planning a kid-friendly Christmas party or simply want a whimsical, totally Instagram-worthy treat, the Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is guaranteed to charm children and adults alike, bringing cheerful color and sparkling joy to any winter celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Lemon-Lime Soda:
1/2 cup
Ginger Ale:
1/2 cup
Grenadine:
1 tablespoon
Ice Cubes
Maraschino Cherry
Whipped Cream (optional)
Fresh Strawberry:
1, hulled and turned upside down for “hat” effect
How to Make Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Begin by filling your favorite tall glass all the way up with ice cubes. Don’t skimp! The ice keeps your Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple chilly and helps the grenadine settle into that magical layered look.
Step 2: Pour the Sodas
Carefully add 1/2 cup of lemon-lime soda and 1/2 cup of ginger ale over the ice. Pour slowly to keep the bubbles lively, and enjoy watching the effervescence rise. Each sip will have just the right balance of citrus sparkle and gingery warmth.
Step 3: Add Grenadine for Color and Sweetness
Slowly drizzle 1 tablespoon of grenadine over the soda so it sinks to the bottom of the glass. This creates that beautiful, layered red-and-clear effect—an absolute showstopper for your Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple and a delight to look at before you take the first sip.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream (Optional)
If you want to go full-on holiday, a swirl of whipped cream adds a snowy layer that makes the drink feel extra special. It complements the tart and sweet notes and gives a creamy crown to your treat.
Step 5: Add the Santa’s Hat Decoration
For the finishing touch, place either a maraschino cherry or an upside-down hulled strawberry right on top of the whipped cream. This playful detail transforms your mocktail into a cheery Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple—almost too cute to drink!
How to Serve Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple
Garnishes
No Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is complete without those captivating details. Rim the glass with red sugar crystals for extra sparkle, add festive paper straws, or even sprinkle a touch of sparkling sugar on the whipped cream. These tiny touches make each glass feel like a personal party favor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple with sweet treats like sugar cookies, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or mini fruit kabobs for a playful, well-rounded snack spread at any holiday gathering. Savory bites like cheese cubes or crackers also make a nice balance with the drink’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try multiplying the recipe and serving it punch-bowl style with floating strawberry “Santa hats” for a crowd-pleaser. Baby mason jars are perfect for individual servings, especially when dressed up with twine and a festive tag. You can even offer a DIY station with a toppings bar—whipped cream, cherries, sprinkles—for choose-your-own-hat fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple (though it’s rare!), remove any whipped cream and fruit garnishes, cover the soda mixture tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Note that the bubbles will fade a bit, but the flavor will remain vibrant.
Freezing
This drink isn’t ideal for freezing since the sodas lose their carbonation, but you can freeze grenadine in ice cube trays to prep ahead. Drop a grenadine cube into your glass right before serving for a fun “melting” color effect.
Reheating
No reheating is needed for the Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple. This delight is crafted to be served refreshing and cold, so keep it well-chilled and assemble fresh for the best layers and lively fizz.
FAQs
Can I make a large batch of Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple for parties?
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients as needed and combine in a punch bowl just before guests arrive. Float strawberries for a whimsical look and top individual servings with whipped cream and cherries.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can lighten things up by using diet lemon-lime soda or ginger ale and opting for a lighter touch of grenadine. For a natural touch, make homemade grenadine with real pomegranate juice.
What can I use instead of grenadine?
If you don’t have grenadine, try pomegranate syrup, cherry juice, or raspberry syrup for a similar flavor and rich red hue. Each option will still give you a festive, eye-catching Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple.
Can adults enjoy Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple too?
Definitely! It’s a nostalgic treat for all ages. If you want a grown-up version, a splash of vodka or flavored rum can turn this mocktail into a spirited holiday cocktail—just be sure to label it clearly!
Is this drink allergy-friendly?
The Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is naturally vegetarian and nut-free. If dairy is an issue, use a non-dairy whipped topping, and always check the soda ingredient lists if serving to guests with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a drink that brings joy, color, and a big smile to everyone at the table, you simply have to try the Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple. It’s the perfect whimsical touch for any holiday celebration, and there’s just something magical about sipping a bit of Santa cheer! Kids and grown-ups alike will fall in love—so go ahead, mix up a batch and make some merry memories.
Print
Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is a delightful holiday mocktail perfect for festive gatherings or a fun treat for the kids. With layers of flavors and a whimsical presentation, it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients
Lemon-Lime Soda:
1/2 cup
Ginger Ale:
1/2 cup
Grenadine:
1 tablespoon
Ice Cubes
Maraschino Cherry
Whipped Cream (optional)
Fresh Strawberry:
1, hulled and turned upside down for “hat” effect
Instructions
- Fill the Glass: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Mix the Soda: Pour in the lemon-lime soda and ginger ale.
- Add Grenadine: Slowly add the grenadine, letting it settle at the bottom for a layered effect.
- Top with Cream: Top with a swirl of whipped cream if desired.
- Add the Hat: Place a maraschino cherry or an upside-down strawberry on top to resemble Santa’s hat.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a festive straw.
Notes
- Make it extra fun by rimming the glass with red sugar crystals.
- You can turn this into a punch by multiplying the recipe and serving it in a large bowl with floating strawberry ‘hats’.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
