Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is a festive twist on the classic Shirley Temple drink. Perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings, this fun and colorful drink is sure to delight both kids and adults alike. With a combination of bright red grenadine, fizzy ginger ale, and a cherry on top, it’s the perfect drink to celebrate the season in style. The addition of a marshmallow “hat” creates an adorable and thematic presentation, making this a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive & fun: The drink’s vibrant red color and marshmallow “hat” make it perfect for holiday celebrations.
Kid-friendly: The drink is non-alcoholic, making it ideal for children but enjoyable for adults too.
Refreshing & sweet: A combination of fizzy ginger ale and sweet grenadine creates a refreshing yet indulgent beverage.

Ingredients

For the Shirley Temple

Ginger ale: Provides the fizzy base for this drink, offering a refreshing effervescence.
Grenadine: Adds sweetness and a bright red color, giving the drink its signature look.
Maraschino cherry: A classic Shirley Temple garnish, adding a pop of color and sweetness.
Ice: Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing.

For the Santa Hat

Mini marshmallows: Used to create the “hat” on top of the drink for a fun and thematic holiday touch.
Whipped cream: Adds a soft, creamy top to the marshmallow hat and makes the drink even more festive.
Red food coloring: Optional, used to add a touch of color to the whipped cream for a more Santa-like effect.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Drink

Fill a glass with ice to chill the drink.
Pour ginger ale into the glass, leaving some space at the top for the garnish.
Add a splash of grenadine to the glass and stir gently to combine. The grenadine will settle at the bottom, giving the drink a lovely red gradient effect.

Step 2: Create the Santa Hat

In a small bowl, whip some whipped cream until it reaches soft peaks.
Add a few drops of red food coloring to the whipped cream if you want a pinkish tint for the “hat.”
Place a few mini marshmallows on top of the whipped cream to create the “hat” shape.
Top the drink with a maraschino cherry for the finishing touch.

Step 3: Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy the fun, festive Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple, perfect for spreading holiday cheer!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Servings: 1
Calories per serving: 120
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 0g

FAQ

Q1: Can I use another type of soda for this drink?
A1: Yes, you can substitute the ginger ale with lemon-lime soda or club soda if you prefer a different flavor.

Q2: Can I make this drink ahead of time?
A2: It’s best to prepare the drink fresh so the soda stays fizzy. You can pre-make the whipped cream and marshmallow hat to save time.

Q3: Can I add alcohol to this drink for an adult version?
A3: Yes, you can add a splash of vodka or rum for an adult version of this festive beverage.

Q4: How can I make this drink less sweet?
A4: You can reduce the amount of grenadine or swap it for a sugar-free version to lower the sweetness.

Q5: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A5: Yes, fresh cherries can be used as a garnish for a more natural option.

Q6: How do I make the whipped cream at home?
A6: You can make homemade whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Q7: Can I make this drink without whipped cream?
A7: Yes, you can skip the whipped cream and marshmallow hat if you prefer a simpler version of the drink.

Q8: Can I use flavored ginger ale?
A8: Yes, flavored ginger ales, like cranberry or cherry, can add a fun twist to the drink.

Q9: How can I make the Santa’s Hat more festive?
A9: You can decorate the whipped cream with edible glitter or sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Q10: Can I serve this drink in a pitcher?
A10: Yes, you can multiply the ingredients to serve a larger crowd and serve in a pitcher. Just add the whipped cream and marshmallow “hats” individually before serving.

Enjoy your Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple this holiday season for a sweet, festive treat that’s sure to brighten up your celebrations!