Festive Santas Hat Shirley Temple Recipe

Jolly Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple Recipe for Magical Holiday Sips

A festive twist on a classic cocktail, this santa’s hat shirley temple brings holiday cheer to every sip.

Sparkling cherry-red hues dance in the glass, capturing the magic of winter celebrations.

Kids and adults alike adore this playful non-alcoholic drink that transforms an ordinary evening into something special.

Whipped cream and a bright red maraschino cherry crown the top, mimicking santa’s iconic headwear.

Sweet cherry syrup mingles with lemon-lime soda, creating a vibrant and refreshing beverage.

The simple ingredients come together in minutes, making this the perfect party drink for seasonal gatherings.

You’ll love how this festive mocktail spreads instant holiday happiness to everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 140 kcal

Servings: 3

What You Need For Santas Hat Shirley Temple

For Festive Base:
  • Lemon-Lime Soda: Provides sparkling sweetness and creates the classic Shirley Temple foundation with a light, bubbly texture.
  • Grenadine Syrup: Adds vibrant ruby-red color and delivers a delightful fruity sweetness to the drink.
For Garnish Magic:
  • Maraschino Cherries: Brings festive holiday cheer and creates the base of the adorable Santa hat decoration with its bright red color.
  • Whipped Cream
  • Coconut Flakes: Optional snowy accent that enhances the winter wonderland presentation with a delicate white sprinkle.
For Optional Enhancement:
  • Juice: Provides an extra layer of fruity complexity and can be mixed in for deeper flavor profile, depending on personal preference.

Tools For Mixing Santas Hat Shirley Temple

  • Glasses: Tall, clear glasses to showcase the festive drink.
  • Pitcher: Large container for mixing ingredients if not preparing directly in glasses.
  • Measuring Cup: For precise soda and grenadine measurements.
  • Spoon or Stirring Stick: To gently mix the drink ingredients.
  • Whipped Cream Dispenser or Can: To create the Santa hat topping.
  • Serving Straws: Colorful or festive straws to complete the drink presentation.

How To Make Santas Hat Shirley Temple Step-By-Step

How To Make Santas Hat Shirley Temple Step-By-Step
  • Holiday Cheer Glass Setup

Create a festive foundation with sparkling crushed ice, setting the stage for a delightful seasonal beverage.

  • Magical Beverage Blend

Combine bubbly soda with sweet crimson syrup, swirling gently to create a vibrant ruby-tinted drink that captures winter’s playful spirit.

  • Whimsical Santa Hat Topping

Transform ordinary maraschino cherries into adorable holiday characters by crowning each with a fluffy cloud of creamy whipped topping, mimicking Santa’s iconic headwear.

  • Festive Presentation

Nestle the charming cherry garnishes atop the gleaming drinks, insert a cheerful straw, and watch faces light up with joy as you serve these merry concoctions.

Tips For Santas Hat Shirley Temple That Shine

  • Festive Mixing Magic: Quick tips to elevate your Santa's Hat Shirley Temple from good to absolutely delightful.
  • Perfect Ice Technique: Use crushed or small pebble ice for the most refreshing and authentic drink experience. Smaller ice melts slower and keeps your beverage perfectly chilled without watering it down.
  • Whipped Cream Wizardry: For extra flair, use stabilized whipped cream that holds its shape better. Homemade whipped cream with a touch of vanilla extract can transform the garnish from simple to spectacular.
  • Kid-Friendly Mocktail Modifications: For a healthier version, swap regular grenadine with sugar-free grenadine and use natural sparkling water. This reduces sugar content while maintaining the festive look and delicious taste.
  • Grown-Up Holiday Twist: For adults, add a splash of vodka or white rum to create a festive cocktail version. The alcohol complements the sweet grenadine and creates a playful holiday drink that's sure to spark conversation at any party.

How To Serve Santas Hat Shirley Temple With Fun

  • Festive Flavor Explosion: Dip the rim of each glass in simple syrup, then roll in red and white sprinkles for extra holiday cheer.
  • Whimsical Presentation Twist: Serve these cute Santas Hat Shirley Temples on a festive holiday tray with small candy canes as stirrers for added Christmas magic.
  • Kid-Friendly Party Hack: Create a mocktail station where children can decorate their own Santa hat cherries with additional toppings like edible glitter or mini marshmallows.
  • Dessert Companion Pairing: Complement these sweet drinks with sugar cookies or white chocolate peppermint bark for a delightful seasonal treat that matches the drink's playful theme.

Storage Tips For Santas Hat Shirley Temple

  • Smart Fridge Storage: Keep leftover Santas Hat Shirley Temple mixture in an airtight container, refrigerated for up to 2 days. Separate whipped cream and cherry garnishes to maintain freshness.
  • Batch Preparation Hack: Mix soda and grenadine in advance, storing base separately from ice and garnishes. When ready to serve, quickly assemble for maximum flavor and presentation.
  • Garnish Preservation Trick: Store maraschino cherries and whipped cream in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Prepare garnishes just before serving to ensure crisp, vibrant appearance.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Create whipped cream Santa hat toppers earlier in the day, covering them carefully in the refrigerator. Keep coconut flakes in a dry, sealed container to prevent moisture absorption.
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Festive Santas Hat Shirley Temple Recipe

Festive Santas Hat Shirley Temple Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple cocktail offers a festive twist on the classic mocktail with holiday cheer. Red and white layers create a playful presentation that delights guests at seasonal celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (120 ml) grenadine syrup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice or pineapple juice
  • Crushed ice
  • Maraschino cherries (with stems)
  • Whipped cream
  • Coconut flakes (optional, for a snowy look)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Glasses: Thoroughly frost decorative glasses with a fine layer of crushed crystalline ice, coating the interior surface evenly.
  2. Liquid Foundation: Pour lemon-lime soda into the chilled glasses, creating a sparkling base for the festive beverage.
  3. Color Gradient: Delicately stream grenadine syrup through the effervescent soda, allowing a stunning crimson and golden color transition.
  4. Cherry Placement: Strategically position plump maraschino cherries at the bottom of each glass, ensuring precise alignment.
  5. Cream Topping: Artfully dollop whipped cream over the cherries, sculpting a peak that resembles the traditional Santa hat silhouette, then optionally dust with delicate coconut flakes for a snow-kissed effect.
  6. Final Flourish: Insert a festive striped straw into each glass and serve immediately, preserving the beverage’s temperature and vibrant layered presentation.

Notes

  • Chill Glasses Like a Pro: Use finely crushed ice to create an even, smooth interior coating that enhances the drink’s visual appeal and keeps it colder longer.
  • Perfect Grenadine Technique: Pour grenadine slowly and gently along the glass side to create a stunning crimson-gold gradient without disrupting the drink’s layered effect.
  • Whipped Cream Sculpting: Shape the whipped cream carefully into a Santa hat silhouette, ensuring a clean, peaked top that resembles the classic holiday icon.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular soda with sugar-free alternatives and use dairy-free whipped cream for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the festive visual charm.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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