Introduction

Celebrate the festive season with this charming Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple. This sparkling, cranberry-tinted drink combines ginger ale, cranberry juice, and a touch of grenadine, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles to resemble a playful Santa hat. It’s a fun and refreshing treat perfect for holiday gatherings of all ages.

A tall clear glass filled with a dark red liquid at the bottom, topped with crushed ice that lightens the red color as it goes up, creating a gradient effect. Above the ice sits a swirl of white whipped cream with soft, smooth texture, crowned by a bright red cherry in the center. A white and red striped straw sticks out from the whipped cream on the right side. The glass is on a white marbled surface with blurred pinecones and greenery in the background, giving a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups Ice
2 cans Ice Cold Ginger Ale, divided
1/2 cup Cranberry Juice, divided
2 tbsp Grenadine, divided
1/2 cup Vanilla Sweet Cream, divided (optional)
Whipped Cream for the Santa Hat
Christmas Sprinkles
Maraschino Cherries

Instructions

Step 1: Fill two festive glasses with ice. Pour 1 cup of ginger ale into each glass.
Step 2: Add 1/4 cup cranberry juice to each glass and gently swirl until combined.
Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of grenadine to each glass and swirl gently for color.
Step 4: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of vanilla sweet cream on top of each drink to create the Santa hat’s fluffy edge. This step is optional but adds a lovely creamy texture and light cranberry hue.
Step 5: Add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top to form the “Santa hat.”
Step 6: Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles over the whipped cream for sparkle.
Step 7: Top each drink with a maraschino cherry as the “hat pom-pom.” Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a non-dairy version, substitute vanilla sweet cream with coconut cream or omit it altogether.
Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
Use diet ginger ale and sugar-free grenadine for a lower-calorie option.
Serve in clear glasses to showcase the pretty layered colors of the drink.

Storage

This drink is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, prepare the base mixture (ginger ale, cranberry juice, grenadine) ahead and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add ice, sweet cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries just before serving for the best presentation and taste.

How to Serve

A clear glass filled with three main layers: at the bottom is a dark red liquid mixed with crushed ice, above it a lighter red layer with more crushed ice creating a textured and icy look, topped with a thick swirl of white whipped cream that looks soft and fluffy, finished with a bright red cherry sitting right on top. The glass sits on a white cloth with red stripes on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background of warm lights and pine cones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this drink alcoholic?

Yes, you can add a splash of vodka or rum to each glass for an adult version. Adjust the amount to your taste and enjoy responsibly.

Is the vanilla sweet cream necessary?

No, it is optional. It adds creaminess and a beautiful light cranberry color, but the drink is delicious without it as well.

Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 262 reviews

Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple is a festive and delightful non-alcoholic holiday drink perfect for celebrations. Combining ginger ale, cranberry juice, grenadine, and optional vanilla sweet cream, it’s topped with whipped cream, Christmas sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry to resemble a cheerful Santa hat. This refreshing and visually charming beverage is easy to prepare and sure to bring holiday cheer to any gathering.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Beverages
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

2 cups Ice
2 cans Ice Cold Ginger Ale (12 oz each), divided
1/2 cup Cranberry Juice, divided
2 tbsp Grenadine, divided

Optional Cream Layer

1/2 cup Vanilla Sweet Cream, divided

Garnishes

Whipped Cream to make the Santa Hat
Christmas Sprinkles
Maraschino Cherries

Instructions

Prepare glasses: Fill two festive glasses with ice to chill the drinks and keep them refreshing.
Add ginger ale: Pour 1 cup of ice cold ginger ale into each glass, forming the fizzy base of the Shirley Temple.
Mix cranberry juice: Add 1/4 cup cranberry juice to each glass and gently swirl to combine, adding a tart and fruity layer to the drink.
Add grenadine: Pour 2 tablespoons of grenadine into each glass and softly swirl to blend. This adds sweetness and a beautiful red hue.
Create creamy edge: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of vanilla sweet cream on top of each drink to create the fluffy edge resembling a Santa hat’s trim. This step is optional but adds a lovely creamy texture and light cranberry color.
Top with whipped cream: Add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top to form the Santa hat, giving the drink a festive and playful look.
Add sprinkles and cherry: Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles over the whipped cream for sparkle, then top each drink with a maraschino cherry as the hat’s pom-pom.
Serve immediately: Present your Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple right away to enjoy its full fizzy and creamy charm.

Notes

The vanilla sweet cream is optional; omitting it will result in a lighter drink but less creamy texture.
You can adjust the amount of grenadine and cranberry juice based on preferred sweetness and tartness.
For a fun presentation, use festive holiday glasses or mugs.
To make vanilla sweet cream at home, mix heavy cream with a splash of vanilla extract and a small amount of sugar.
This drink is naturally caffeine-free and kid-friendly.

Keywords: Shirley Temple, holiday drink, non-alcoholic cocktail, festive drinks, Christmas beverage, ginger ale drink, cranberry juice cocktail