The Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is a joyful, whimsical holiday mocktail designed to delight both kids and adults at every festive gathering. Bursting with sparkling lemon-lime soda, a splash of ginger ale, and bright grenadine, it’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and fizzy refreshment. Fluffy whipped cream and a clever strawberry-and-cherry “Santa’s hat” topping make this drink as photogenic as it is delicious—a true showstopper for Christmas parties or family nights by the tree!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Lemon-Lime Soda Mixture:
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
- 1/2 cup ginger ale
- 2 tablespoons grenadine
Additional Ingredients:
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream
- 1 maraschino cherry
- 1 fresh strawberry (hulled)
- Red sanding sugar (optional, for rim)
How to Make Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple
Step 1: Rim the Glass (Optional)
If you want your Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple to look truly special, start by rimming the glass. Simply dip the rim in water or a dab of corn syrup, then twirl it through red sanding sugar. This touch adds a frosty sparkle and a tiny crunch that feels downright celebratory.
Step 2: Add Ice
Fill your favorite festive glass generously with ice cubes. The ice keeps the drink well-chilled from the first sip to the last, and also helps the layered colors stay bright and defined.
Step 3: Pour the Soda and Ginger Ale
First, pour in the lemon-lime soda, followed by the ginger ale. Watching the bubbles rise to the top is half the fun—the fizz makes this Shirley Temple so appealing, especially for kids (and those who are kids at heart).
Step 4: Add the Grenadine
Gently pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon if you want a striking layered effect, or go ahead and stir if you prefer an even pink drink. Either way, the grenadine brings a lovely pop of color and that unmistakable sweet-tart note to your Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple.
Step 5: Whipped Cream Crown
Spray or dollop a generous swirl of whipped cream on top, letting it form a tall, fluffy cap. This creamy cloud will support your “Santa’s hat” decorations and add a luscious contrast to the bubbly drink below.
Step 6: Santa’s Hat Topper
Place the hulled strawberry—flat side down—onto the whipped cream. Then finish with a maraschino cherry perched right at the strawberry’s tip. The result? A sweet little Santa hat that’s almost too cute to eat!
How to Serve Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple
Garnishes
Don’t skip the cheerful strawberry and cherry combo on top—it’s what turns an ordinary Shirley Temple into a Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple! Go for freshly whipped cream if you have the time, and feel free to shower the glass rim with extra red sanding sugar for that true holiday sparkle. A festive reusable straw or a little candy cane hooked onto the side can also take your presentation to the next level.
Side Dishes
This fun and fizzy drink pairs beautifully with a range of Christmas snacks. Try serving Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple alongside sugar cookies, savory cheese platters, or even a simple bowl of popcorn for movie night. It’s sweet enough to balance out savory treats, but not so sugary that it overwhelms light bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine! Use tall glasses for dramatic layering, or make mini Santa’s Hat Shirley Temples in shot glasses for party trays. If you’re hosting a crowd, line up a batch on a tray with each glass topped with its own “hat.” Freeze your strawberries in advance and drop them in as colorful, edible “ice cubes” that chill the drink and look delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While the Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is best enjoyed immediately to preserve its fizz and festive look, you can keep the soda and grenadine mixture (minus the whipped cream and fruit) in the fridge for a few hours if needed. Just add the toppings and ice right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled drink, since sodas lose their delightful bubbles and whipped cream doesn’t freeze well. However, you can absolutely freeze hulled strawberries ahead of time for extra-cold “ice cube” garnishes—they’ll gradually chill your drink without watering it down.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this mocktail, but if your chilled components lose their cool before serving, just pop the soda bottles and fruit in the fridge an hour before assembling. For the whipped cream, you can whip it fresh just before topping, or use store-bought for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I make a pitcher of Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple for a party?
Absolutely! Simply scale up the recipe based on your guest count. Combine the sodas and grenadine in a large pitcher, refrigerate until ready to serve, and let everyone garnish their own glass with whipped cream, strawberry, and cherry “hats” just before drinking.
What’s the best way to get the layered effect with the grenadine?
For that classic layered look in your Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple, slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon so it drifts to the bottom without mixing in. If you stir, you’ll get a uniform pink color instead—delicious either way!
Can this be made with sugar-free soda?
Definitely! Just substitute your favorite sugar-free lemon-lime soda and ginger ale. The drink still tastes festive, so it’s an easy swap for anyone watching their sugar intake.
Is the Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple safe for kids?
Yes, this is a completely non-alcoholic holiday drink, making it perfect for little ones at Christmas gatherings. Just be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities to artificial colors in the grenadine or cherries.
How do I keep the fruit garnish from sinking?
A thick layer of whipped cream provides a sturdy base. Make sure it’s nice and fluffy before gently nestling the strawberry on top, then lightly balance the cherry at the tip—it should stay put until you sip!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the playfulness and cheer of a Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple to make your celebrations feel truly special. Whether you’re hosting a holiday bash or just want something festive for family movie night, this mocktail brings a burst of color and a smile to every face. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so unforgettable!
Print
Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is a festive and fun mocktail perfect for holiday parties. With a sweet and tangy flavor, this drink is sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Lemon-Lime Soda Mixture:
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
- 1/2 cup ginger ale
- 2 tablespoons grenadine
Additional Ingredients:
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream
- 1 maraschino cherry
- 1 fresh strawberry (hulled)
- Red sanding sugar (optional, for rim)
Instructions
- Rim the Glass: If desired, rim a glass with red sanding sugar by dipping the rim in water or corn syrup, then into the sugar.
- Prepare the Drink: Fill the glass with ice cubes. Pour in the lemon-lime soda and ginger ale. Add the grenadine and let it settle for a layered effect, or stir for an even pink hue.
- Add Toppings: Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. To create the “Santa’s Hat,” place the strawberry cut-side down on top of the whipped cream and add a maraschino cherry on top of the strawberry point.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a festive straw.
Notes
- For a fun variation, freeze strawberries and use them as ice cubes.
- This drink is great for holiday parties and can be made in pitchers for a crowd.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
