The Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is а fun new twist on the classic Shirley Temple drink . It’s perfect for holiday get-togethers and small celebrations . You mix gingeя ale , bright grеnаdinе syrup , and top it off with a big cloud of whipped cream . It looks just like a Santa hat and makes both kids and adults happy .
People have been sipping Shirley Temples for decades at parties and dinners . The Santa’s Hat version adds a playful look and brings out the warm, happy feeling of the holidays . Whether it’s at home with family, at the office party, or during a festive brunch , this drink helps everyone feel connected and joyful .
In this article we’ll show you how to make a Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple step by step . You’ll get easy tips for serving and fun ideas to make it look extra special . Get ready to add a new tradition to your holiday season !

History of the Shirley Temple
The Shirley Temple drink started in the 1930s when America was going through hard times . Folks made this sweet, non-alcoholic drink to honor the famous child star Shirley Temple and give kids a special treat at bars and restaurants . Parents could order it and the children felt grown-up without any alcohol .
Over time the Shirley Temple grew popular with people of all ages . Its mix of ginger ale, grenadine, and a bright cherry on top turned into a party favorite . During the holidays it showed up at family dinners, birthday celebrations, and office events as a symbol of fun and togetherness .
Now the Shirley Temple is a holiday staple for many . It feels innocent and festive, and it’s a safe drink for guests of any age . Each sip brings back happy memories and brightens the party table with its lively colors .
What is a Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple?
The Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is a holiday spin on the old favorite . It has the same fizzy ginger ale and sweet grenadine, but you pile whipped cream on top so it looks like the white fluff of Santa’s hat . It’s playful and perfect for the season .
With its bright red layer from the grenadine and big puffs of white whipped cream, this drink is both tasty and pretty . Add little garnishes and you’ve got a picture-worthy treat that guests will love to snap and share .
Because it has no alcohol, everyone can raise a glass — kids, teens, and adults alike . It’s a surefire hit at holiday parties, brunches, or any festive gathering .

Ingredients
- 1 cup of gingeя ale
- 1–2 tablespoons of grеnаdinе syrup
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Optional: lemon-lime soda or cranberry soda
- Optional garnishes: candy canes, sprinkles
Directions
1. Make the base:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes .
- Pour gingeя ale in until it’s about two-thirds full .
- Slowly add grenadine so it settles at the bottom and makes a red gradient .
Time: about 5–10 minutes
2. Add the Santa’s hat:
- Squirt or spoon on a big mound of whipped cream to look like a hat’s fluff .
- Sprinkle on candy bits or drizzle a little chocolate syrup if you want extra flair .
Time: about 5 minutes
3. Final touches:
- Place a maraschino cherry on top of the cream to finish the look .
- Use a festive glass or mug for a colorful presentation .
4. Serve:
- Arrange on a decorated table so it stands out .
- Pair with cookies or pastries to make the snack spread even better .
Tips and Advice
Garnish ideas:
- Stick a mini candy cane or cinnamon stick in the whipped cream .
- Fresh mint leaves add a nice pop of green .
Batch serving:
- For a crowd, mix bigger amounts in a punch bowl .
- Adjust the grenadine level if you like it sweeter or less sweet .
Presentation Ideas
Festive touches:
- Use holiday-themed cups or mason jars for a cozy look .
- Set up a DIY drink station so guests can make their own .
Glassware choice:
- Tall clear glasses show off the red and white layers best .
Decorate the rim:
- Cut little paper Santa hats and clip them on the glass rim .
- Bright colored straws make the drink even more fun .
Pairing Suggestions
- Light snacks, like cheese cubes or veggie sticks
- Sweet treats, such as gingerbread cookies or frosted sugar cookies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the origin of the Shirley Temple?
It was invented in the 1930s for kids at bars, named after Shirley Temple so they could feel grown-up without alcohol .
Can I add alcohol?
Sure — a splash of vodka or rum turns it into an adult punch .
What else can I mix?
Try flavored sodas, fruit juices, or extra fruit bits for your own twist .
How to make it non-carbonated?
Use fruit juice and sparkling water instead of ginger ale .
How do I store leftovers?
Keep gingeя ale and grenadine sealed in a cool place . Store whipped cream in the fridge and use within a few days .
Conclusion
The Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is a simple, cheerful drink that brings holiday joy to everyone . Try this recipe and share your photos with friends and family . It’s a great way to start a new festive tradition .
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Santas Hat Shirley Temple
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker
- 4 Glasses
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Straw (optional)
- 1 Measuring cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda)
- 1 cup grenadine syrup Adjust according to desired sweetness.
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (with stems)
- 2 cups whipped cream To resemble Santa's hat.
- as needed units edible red glitter or red sprinkles For garnish.
- optional units candy canes For decoration.
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, mix the ginger ale and orange juice gently.
- Add grenadine syrup slowly to create a layered effect.
- Pour the mixture evenly into 4 glasses, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Spoon whipped cream on top of each drink to resemble Santa's hat.
- Place a maraschino cherry on the tip of the whipped cream to complete the hat.
- Sprinkle edible red glitter or red sprinkles on the whipped cream.
- Optionally, add a small candy cane to the side of each glass for an extra festive touch.
- Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy!




