There’s something so fun about making a party punch, especially when it’s as classic and crowd-pleasing as Shirley Temple Party Punch! It’s sweet, bubbly, and filled with those beloved maraschino cherries. If you’re hosting a gathering and want a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink that appeals to both kids and adults, this is your go-to. With its vibrant color and nostalgic flavor, it’ll instantly transport you back to simpler times while still being perfect for any modern-day party.

I first whipped this punch up for a birthday party, and let me tell you—it was a hit! Watching everyone sip happily while plucking cherries out of their cups was almost as satisfying as making it. And with no complicated steps or alcohol to worry about, you can focus on enjoying the party instead of playing bartender all night.

Shirley Temple Party Punch Recipe

🍒 A cherry memory: my first taste of Shirley Temple

I’ll never forget the first time I had a Shirley Temple. It was at a family gathering, and my grandma handed me a tall glass filled with ice, a bright red liquid, and two cherries bobbing on top. I felt so special, like I was getting a fancy cocktail just like the grown-ups! That sugary-sweet cherry flavor mixed with the citrus soda fizz—pure heaven for my younger self. I still remember how I’d fish out the cherries with my spoon and savor them as the perfect finishing touch. Now, I get to recreate that feeling for my own friends and family with this party punch recipe, adding a little nostalgia to any event.

How did Shirley Temple punch come about? 🎬

The Shirley Temple drink, named after the famous child star from the 1930s, was created as a non-alcoholic cocktail to give kids something fun and fancy to sip on. Originally made with ginger ale, grenadine, and maraschino cherries, it became a hit with both kids and adults. Over time, people started experimenting with the ingredients—adding soda, juice, or even ice cream to switch things up. This punch version takes that classic flavor profile and scales it up for a party-sized crowd!

Let’s talk ingredients: the essentials (and swaps!)

This punch has a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a big role in making it delicious. Let’s break them down:

  • Maraschino cherries: These are the iconic garnish for this punch, and they add a pop of sweetness. Plus, they make the ice cubes look super fun! If you’re out of maraschino cherries, you can substitute fresh cherries in the summer or even raspberries for a different fruity twist.
  • Grenadine: This sweet syrup gives the punch its signature bright red color and cherry flavor. If you can’t find grenadine, try pomegranate syrup or even cranberry juice concentrate for a similar flavor with a bit more tartness.
  • Orange juice: Adds a citrusy balance to the sweet grenadine. I recommend using pulp-free orange juice for a smoother texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some pineapple juice for a tropical variation!
  • Lemon-lime soda: This adds the fizz and bright citrus flavor. You could swap it out for any citrus-flavored sparkling water if you want to cut down on sugar, though it will be less sweet.
  • Ginger ale: The ginger adds a little warmth and spice to the mix. If you’re a fan of ginger drink, go ahead and use that instead for a bolder kick.
Shirley Temple Party Punch Recipe

Punch bowl must-haves: the kitchen gear you’ll need

For this recipe, you don’t need any fancy kitchen tools, which is another reason why it’s perfect for parties. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

  • Ice cube trays: The punch looks so much more festive with the maraschino cherries frozen into the ice cubes. If you don’t have ice cube trays, you could freeze the cherries in a muffin tin or just add them straight to the punch bowl.
  • Punch bowl or large pitcher: A big, clear punch bowl is ideal because you want to see all the vibrant colors. If you’re in a pinch, a large pitcher will work too.
  • Ladle or serving spoon: You’ll need something to dish out all that punch! A ladle works best to scoop up some of the cherries and ice along with the liquid.

Step-by-step: making the perfect Shirley Temple party punch

Alright, let’s get into how to make this punch! It’s ridiculously easy, and you can whip it up in minutes—perfect for when you’re rushing to finish those last-minute party details.

  1. Prepare the cherry ice cubes: Start by dropping one maraschino cherry into each slot of two ice cube trays. Fill the trays with water and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is simple but adds a super cute touch to your punch. Tip: If you’re short on time, you can skip the cherry ice cubes and just throw in a bunch of cherries later!
  2. Add ice to the punch bowl: Once your cherry ice cubes are ready, toss them into a large punch bowl. If you didn’t make the special ice cubes, you can just use regular ice and throw a handful of cherries directly into the bowl.
  3. Pour the grenadine: Slowly pour the grenadine over the ice. This syrup is dense, so it’ll start sinking to the bottom, creating a beautiful layered look.
  4. Add the orange juice: Pour the chilled orange juice on top of the grenadine. It’ll mix with the syrup, but don’t stir it just yet—you want to keep the colors somewhat distinct.
  5. Finish with soda and ginger ale: Next, pour in the lemon-lime soda and ginger ale. Give everything a gentle stir (not too much!) just to combine. You want to keep a little bit of the layering effect, so it looks fancy in the punch bowl.
  6. Garnish and serve: Add a few slices of orange and extra maraschino cherries for garnish. Use a ladle to scoop it into cups and enjoy!
Shirley Temple Party Punch Recipe

Fun variations to try

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun variations I’ve tried:

  • Tropical twist: Swap the orange juice for pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut water for a more tropical flavor. It turns the punch into a summer dream!
  • Cranberry spin: Replace the orange juice with cranberry juice, and use cranberry ginger ale for a holiday-themed punch. The tartness of the cranberry balances the sweetness of the grenadine beautifully.
  • Vegan option: Most grenadine brands are vegan, but double-check the label just to be sure. For a completely plant-based punch, look for ginger ale and lemon-lime sodas that don’t use any animal-derived ingredients.
  • Low-sugar option: Use a diet or no-sugar-added lemon-lime soda, and swap the grenadine for pomegranate juice. The punch will still taste delicious, just with less sweetness.

How to serve your punch with flair

When it comes to serving this punch, presentation is key. I love adding a few thin slices of oranges and even lemon rounds to float on top. You could also add a handful of frozen berries like raspberries or blackberries—they’ll help keep the punch cold and add a splash of color. At more casual gatherings, clear plastic cups work great and let everyone see the fun colors and cherries inside.

Drink pairings: something for everyone

Since this Shirley Temple Party Punch is non-alcoholic, it pairs well with a wide range of foods and can be served at any time of day. If you want to offer a few more non-alcoholic options, here are some suggestions:

  • Sparkling water with fruit slices: For guests who prefer something less sweet, sparkling water with a slice of citrus or cucumber is a refreshing alternative.
  • Homemade lemonade: A tangy lemonade would complement the sweet punch nicely, especially during the warmer months.
  • Iced tea: Unsweetened iced tea provides a mellow contrast to the punch’s sweetness. Serve it with lemon wedges for a simple but tasty option.

Storing leftovers (if you have any!)

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store the punch in the fridge for a day or two. Keep in mind, the soda will lose some of its fizz, so it’s best to drink it sooner rather than later. If you want to keep the leftovers fresh, you could mix everything except the soda and add it right before serving again. This way, the punch will stay bubbly!

Scaling up or down for any crowd

This recipe makes enough for a decent-sized gathering, but if you’re hosting a smaller group or a huge event, you can easily adjust the quantities. If you’re making it for just a few people, cut everything in half. For a larger crowd, you can double or even triple the recipe—just make sure you’ve got a big enough punch bowl! When scaling up, add the soda just before serving to keep the fizz fresh.

FAQs about Shirley Temple party punch

1. Can I make this punch ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the juice and grenadine ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the soda until right before serving to keep it bubbly.

2. What if I don’t have a punch bowl?
No problem! You can use any large bowl or even a few pitchers. The punch will taste just as good.

3. Is there a way to make this less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of grenadine

or use a low-sugar soda. Another option is to mix in some sparkling water.

4. How long will the punch stay fizzy?
The punch will stay fizzy for a few hours, but it’s best enjoyed right after you mix it. If it loses fizz, you can always add a splash of fresh soda.

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Shirley Temple Party Punch Recipe


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  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1216 1x

Description

Make this easy Shirley Temple Party Punch with grenadine, soda, and orange juice! Perfect for any celebration, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. 🍒🥤


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups Ice cubes
  • 32 maraschino cherries , stems removed
  • 12 ounce bottle grenadine
  • 6 cups orange juice (no pulp) , chilled
  • 2 liter bottle lemon-lime soda , chilled
  • 2 liter bottle ginger ale , chilled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cherry ice cubes: Start by dropping one maraschino cherry into each slot of two ice cube trays. Fill the trays with water and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is simple but adds a super cute touch to your punch.

    Tip: If you’re short on time, you can skip the cherry ice cubes and just throw in a bunch of cherries later!

  2. Add ice to the punch bowl: Once your cherry ice cubes are ready, toss them into a large punch bowl. If you didn’t make the special ice cubes, you can just use regular ice and throw a handful of cherries directly into the bowl.
  3. Pour the grenadine: Slowly pour the grenadine over the ice. This syrup is dense, so it’ll start sinking to the bottom, creating a beautiful layered look.
  4. Add the orange juice: Pour the chilled orange juice on top of the grenadine. It’ll mix with the syrup, but don’t stir it just yet—you want to keep the colors somewhat distinct.
  5. Finish with soda and ginger ale: Next, pour in the lemon-lime soda and ginger ale. Give everything a gentle stir (not too much!) just to combine. You want to keep a little bit of the layering effect, so it looks fancy in the punch bowl.
  6. Garnish and serve: Add a few slices of orange and extra maraschino cherries for garnish. Use a ladle to scoop it into cups and enjoy!

Notes

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store the punch in the fridge for a day or two. Keep in mind, the soda will lose some of its fizz, so it’s best to drink it sooner rather than later. If you want to keep the leftovers fresh, you could mix everything except the soda and add it right before serving again. This way, the punch will stay bubbly!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus freezing time for ice cubes)
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks

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