Festive Santas Hat Shirley Temple Recipe

Jolly Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple Recipe: Fun Holiday Sparkle!

Sweet and festive holiday drinks sparkle with this Santa’s hat shirley temple that captures the magic of Christmas cheer.

Vibrant red grenadine swirls through crisp ginger ale, creating a playful beverage that looks just like santa’s iconic headwear.

Kids and adults alike will adore this cheerful mocktail bursting with festive spirit.

Maraschino cherries top the drink with a whimsical touch of seasonal delight.

Creamy white whipped cream adds a fluffy snow-like layer that makes the drink pop with holiday charm.

Mixing this festive treat takes mere minutes and guarantees smiles all around.

Serve this delightful santa’s hat shirley temple and watch faces light up with pure holiday joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 140 kcal

Servings: 2

What’s in Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple

For Glass Preparation:
  • Red Sugar, Sprinkles: Festive decorative elements that add a playful holiday touch to the glass rim, making the drink visually appealing.
  • Grenadine: Sticky syrup that helps sugar adhere to the glass rim and provides a sweet, fruity foundation for the drink.
For Drink Base:
  • Lemon-Lime Soda: Bubbly, refreshing soft drink that creates the signature Shirley Temple fizz and provides a light, crisp flavor.
  • Grenadine: Vibrant red syrup that adds a sweet-tart flavor and creates the classic pink color of the Shirley Temple.
For Festive Garnish:
  • Maraschino Cherry: Bright red, sweet cherry that serves as the base of the Santa hat and adds a classic Shirley Temple element.
  • Whipped Cream

Gear You’ll Use for Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple

  • Cocktail Glass: Wide-mouthed, clear glass perfect for showcasing the festive drink.
  • Measuring Spoon: For precise grenadine pouring.
  • Stirring Spoon: Helps blend ingredients smoothly without crushing ice.
  • Knife: For trimming cherries if needed.
  • Optional Plate: For sugar or sprinkle rimming.
  • Straw or Stir Stick: Adds fun holiday flair while mixing.

Pouring the Perfect Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple

  • Rim the Glass with Holiday Cheer

Create a festive edge by dipping the glass rim in grenadine, then rolling it in red sugar or sprinkles for a magical touch.

  • Build Your Festive Drink

Fill the glass with ice, then pour grenadine and lemon-lime soda. Stir gently to blend the vibrant colors and flavors.

  • Craft the Santa Hat Topper

Transform a maraschino cherry into a whimsical Santa hat by topping it with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. Perch this adorable garnish on the glass rim or let it float playfully in the drink.

  • Celebrate and Sip

Grab a fun holiday straw and dive into this merry beverage that captures the spirit of the season. Let the sweet, bubbly magic transport you to a winter wonderland of flavor.

Tips and Twists for Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple

  • Festive Rim Magic: Experiment with different colored sugars or crushed candy canes for a more vibrant glass rim that matches your holiday theme.
  • Whipped Cream Perfection: Chill your whipped cream beforehand to help it hold its shape better when creating the Santa hat garnish on the cherry.
  • Kid-Friendly Twist: Replace regular soda with sprite or clear diet soda to reduce sugar content while maintaining the drink's cheerful appearance.
  • Alcoholic Adult Version: For grown-up parties, add a splash of vodka or white rum to transform this mocktail into a festive cocktail without changing its iconic look.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut whipped cream or vegan whipped topping to make the Santa hat garnish suitable for those with dairy restrictions.

How to Serve Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple Right

  • Festive Party Centerpiece: Make this drink the star of your holiday gathering, placing it prominently on the table to catch everyone's eye and spark conversation.
  • Sweet Holiday Appetizer Pairing: Serve alongside festive sugar cookies or white chocolate peppermint bark to complement the cherry and sweet flavors of the Shirley Temple.
  • Kid-Friendly Celebration Drink: Perfect for holiday parties where children want a special beverage that looks as magical as the grown-ups' cocktails, complete with its adorable Santa hat garnish.
  • Winter Movie Night Companion: Enjoy this cheerful drink while watching classic Christmas movies, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere that brings family and friends together.

Prep and Keep Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple Fresh

  • Festive Drink Storage: Keep the ingredients chilled in the refrigerator. Grenadine and soda stay fresh for weeks when sealed properly.
  • Quick Prep Tip: Assemble ingredients beforehand for instant holiday cocktails. Pre-chill glasses and have whipped cream ready in a piping bag.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Mix the base drink up to 2 hours before serving. Store without ice to prevent dilution, then add ice and garnish just before guests arrive.
  • Party Batch Strategy: Create a large pitcher by multiplying ingredients. Multiply grenadine and soda proportionally, keeping the fun holiday ratio consistent. Store in a cold cooler or refrigerator section for easy serving during festive gatherings.
Print
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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: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple blends festive cheer with classic cocktail charm. Refreshing holiday mocktail combines sweet grenadine, cherry garnish, and whipped cream topping for delightful seasonal sipping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (120ml) grenadine
  • ½ cup (120ml) lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7Up)
  • Ice cubes
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • Whipped cream
  • Red sugar or sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rim Preparation: Dip glass edge into grenadine, then coat with red sugar or holiday sprinkles for a festive decorative border.
  2. Ice Foundation: Fill glass with crisp ice cubes to ensure maximum chilling effect.
  3. Color Layering: Carefully pour grenadine to create a vibrant ruby-red base, then gently add lemon-lime soda, allowing the liquids to naturally blend and create a striking color gradient.
  4. Festive Garnishing: Top the drink with a generous dollop of whipped cream, sculpting it into a santa hat shape, and perch a plump maraschino cherry at the rim for a playful holiday accent.
  5. Final Presentation: Insert a festive striped or holiday-themed straw and serve immediately to maintain the drink’s temperature and visually appealing layered appearance.

Notes

  • Prevent Syrup Bleeding: Pour grenadine slowly along the glass side to maintain distinct color layers and prevent immediate blending.
  • Chill Glass Technique: Pre-chill the glass in freezer for 5-10 minutes before preparation to keep drink colder and enhance visual appeal.
  • Whipped Cream Stability: Use cold, stabilized whipped cream and pipe carefully to create precise santa hat shape without melting quickly.
  • Garnish Freshness: Select plump, bright maraschino cherries and place precisely at glass rim for maximum festive presentation and visual impact.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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