Shirley Temple Punch

If you’re looking for a vibrant and fizzy drink to serve at your next party, this Shirley Temple punch is the answer. It’s a delightful blend of orange juice and lemon lime soda, topped with a splash of grenadine syrup for that signature bright red color. This classic non-alcoholic drink is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

What You Need To Know

• MAIN INGREDIENTS: orange juice, lemon lime soda, grenadine syrup, maraschino cherries, navel orange slices
• QUICK STEPS: Mix orange juice, lemon lime soda, and grenadine syrup in a large punch bowl, add ice, garnish with maraschino cherries and orange slices, serve in individual glasses
• TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 5 minutes, approximately 25 servings

Why This Recipe

• Our combination of lemon lime soda and the amount of grenadine syrup achieves just the right level of sweetness and the perfect amount of fizziness without the punch becoming too sugary or flat, a balance that’s often tricky in similar recipes.
• Our recipe blends the tangy brightness of orange juice with the fizzy, refreshing bubbles of lemon lime soda, creating just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.

Shirley Temple Punch Ingredients

Our shirley temple punch is made with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that bring the perfect amount of sweetness and fizz to every glass. This recipe uses a classic combination of fruity flavors and fizzy soda, topped with a garnish that makes it both beautiful and delicious.

Below is a list of what you’ll need to create this refreshing punch.

• 52 ounce bottle pulp-free orange juice
• 2 (2 liter) bottles lemon-lime soda
• 1 cup grenadine syrup
• 6 cups ice cubes
• 1 navel orange, cut into 6-8, ¼ inch thick, slices (plus more for garnish)
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, liquids drained (plus more for garnish)

Shirley Temple Punch Substitutions and Additions

Orange Juice: If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can substitute with pomegranate juice or pineapple juice. These will bring a unique twist to the punch but may alter the sweetness.

Lemon-Lime Soda: If you want a little less sweetness, try swapping lemon-lime soda for club soda or ginger ale. These alternatives offer different levels of carbonation and subtle flavor changes, creating a less sugary, but still fizzy, punch.

Grenadine Syrup: For a slightly different flavor, you can use pomegranate syrup instead of grenadine. This gives a deeper fruitiness and pairs nicely with the orange juice.

Maraschino Cherries: If you’re looking for a more natural option, consider using fresh cherries or cherry juice as a substitute. This will reduce the sweetness and add a fresher flavor to the punch.

Navel Orange Slices: You can switch up the garnish by adding slices of lime, lemon, or even pineapple for a tropical flair. Each will bring a slightly different acidity and brightness to the punch.

Ice Cubes: If you want to avoid diluting the punch as the ice melts, use frozen fruit like cherries or orange slices as a fun alternative. This keeps the punch chilled while adding extra flavor.

Additional Garnishes: For an extra special touch, consider adding a splash of ginger beer for a spicier punch or even a scoop of sherbet to create a sherbet punch variation. Both options will change the punch’s flavor profile and texture.

How To Make Shirley Temple Punch

Making this shirley temple punch is as simple as it gets. With just a few minutes of prep and some easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have a refreshing punch that’s perfect for any gathering.

STEP ONE: Prepare all your ingredients. Your punch bowl should be able to hold at least three gallons.

Slice the navel orange into six to eight thin slices and drain the maraschino cherries. This will make the assembly of the punch smooth and quick once you begin.

STEP TWO: In a large punch bowl, pour in the pulp-free orange juice, lemon lime soda, and grenadine syrup. Gently stir the mixture to combine, but be careful not to stir too vigorously, as it will reduce the fizz from the soda.

You want to keep the carbonation intact for that perfect bubbly beverage.

STEP THREE: Next, add the ice cubes to the punch bowl. It’s best to add the ice just before serving to keep the punch chilled without watering it down too early.

PRO TIP: For a fun twist, you can even use frozen fruit like cherries or orange slices instead of traditional ice cubes to keep the punch cold without diluting the flavors.

STEP FOUR: Place the orange slices and maraschino cherries on top of the punch to garnish. This not only adds a pop of color but also infuses a bit of extra citrus and cherry flavor into the punch.

PRO TIP: Serve the punch with a ladle and remind guests to stir their glass slightly after serving to distribute the flavors evenly.

STEP FIVE: For a polished presentation, garnish individual glasses with an orange slice and a skewer of maraschino cherries. This adds a bit of flair and makes each serving feel special. It’s a great touch, especially for parties or special occasions.

Troubleshooting this Shirley Temple punch Recipe

The punch loses its fizz too quickly.
Gently stir the punch when combining the soda and juice to avoid releasing too much carbonation. Also, serve the punch immediately after adding the soda.

The punch becomes too watered down from the ice.
Add the ice cubes just before serving, or use frozen fruit like cherries or orange slices to chill the punch without diluting it.

The punch tastes too sweet.
Use a lemon lime soda with lower sugar content or swap it for club soda or ginger ale to balance out the sweetness.

The orange slices and cherries sink to the bottom of the punch bowl.
Place the garnishes on top just before serving and use plenty of ice to keep them floating at the surface.

The punch isn’t cold enough for serving.
Chill the orange juice, lemon lime soda, and grenadine syrup in the fridge for a few hours before assembling the punch, so it’s already cold when you mix it.

How To Serve Shirley Temple Punch

Now that your Shirley Temple punch is perfectly mixed and garnished, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply offering a fun drink for a family gathering, there are plenty of ways to make this punch even more special.

Classic Party Punch: Serve the punch in a large punch bowl, allowing guests to ladle it into individual glasses. Garnish each glass with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice for a festive touch. This setup is perfect for casual gatherings like summer parties, backyard get-togethers, or even a baby shower.

Punch with a Twist: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of ginger ale or even a bit of pomegranate juice to individual servings. This option adds a fun twist without changing the base recipe, giving guests a chance to customize their drinks.

Light Brunch Drink: This Shirley Temple punch works beautifully as a non-alcoholic brunch drink. Pair it with dishes like a spinach quiche or fruit salad to balance the sweet and citrusy notes of the punch with savory bites. It’s a refreshing way to complement the lighter flavors of a morning or mid-day meal.

Holiday Punch Bowl: For a special holiday celebration, use this punch as the centerpiece of your drink table. Serve it alongside a spread of Christmas cookies or pies, and add extra garnishes like cranberries or pomegranate seeds to give it a festive look. It’s a fun option for Memorial Day, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.

Dinner Party Accompaniment: If you’re serving this punch at a dinner party, pair it with savory appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, mini sliders, or cheese platters. The sweet and fizzy punch will offer a light, refreshing contrast to richer, savory foods, keeping your menu balanced and exciting.

Kid-Friendly Drink Station: If you’re hosting a kid’s birthday party or other family-friendly event, set up a station where children can decorate their own drinks. Offer extra maraschino cherries, orange slices, and even fun straws or umbrellas. It’s a simple way to make the punch interactive and fun for little ones.

Cocktail Party Twist: To adapt this Shirley Temple punch for an adult crowd, you can offer a spiked version by providing options like vodka or rum for guests to add to their glasses. The punch base pairs well with these spirits, making it a flexible option for a cocktail party or casual evening gathering.

When To Serve Shirley Temple Punch

This Shirley Temple punch is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of events. Whether you’re planning a casual gathering or a more formal celebration, this punch adds a refreshing, fun element to the table.

Birthday Parties: This punch is a great kid-friendly option that keeps things fun and festive, offering a bright and colorful drink that can be easily customized with garnishes like maraschino cherries or extra orange slices.

Summer Barbecues: With its light and fruity flavors, this punch is perfect for backyard get-togethers. It pairs well with grilled foods, providing a refreshing contrast to savory dishes like burgers and ribs.

Holiday Gatherings: Serve this punch at Christmas or New Year’s Eve for a non-alcoholic option that’s festive and easy to make in large batches. Garnish with cranberries for a seasonal twist and a pop of color.

Baby Showers: The punch adds a fun, elegant touch to any baby shower spread. It’s light enough to serve with appetizers and desserts, and its bright presentation makes it a great fit for a celebratory atmosphere.

Brunch Events: Use this punch as a go-to non-alcoholic drink at brunch, where it complements savory dishes like quiche or fresh fruit. It’s a great alternative to heavier drinks, providing a refreshing, fizzy option for a mid-morning meal.

How To Store Shirley Temple Punch

Once you’ve made your Shirley Temple punch, you may find yourself with leftovers or wanting to make it ahead of time. Proper storage ensures that the punch stays fresh and enjoyable for later servings.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the punch ahead of time by mixing the orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and grenadine syrup, but leave out the ice and garnishes until just before serving. This will keep the punch fizzy and prevent it from becoming watered down.

Store the prepared mixture in the fridge and add the ice and garnishes when ready to serve.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you have leftover punch, store it in an airtight container or cover the punch bowl with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. Keep in mind that the carbonation from the soda will start to fade after a day, so it’s best to enjoy it as soon as possible.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing is not recommended for this punch because the carbonation will be lost, and the texture of the orange juice will change. If you want to prepare the punch in advance, it’s better to refrigerate it without the soda, then add the soda just before serving for the best results.

Why We Love This Shirley Temple Punch Recipe

This Shirley Temple punch is more than just a drink—it’s a fun and versatile recipe that fits into any occasion. From its simple ingredients to its vibrant presentation, there are plenty of reasons why we keep coming back to this punch.

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and no complicated steps, anyone can whip this punch together in minutes.

Crowd-Pleaser: Its fizzy, fruity flavor makes it a hit with both kids and adults, perfect for family gatherings.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add creative garnishes like maraschino cherries and orange slices to suit any event.

Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or casual backyard get-together, this punch fits right in.

Visually Appealing: The bright red color from the grenadine syrup and colorful fruit garnishes make it a stunning centerpiece on any party table.

This Shirley Temple punch is a fun and easy drink that’s perfect for any occasion, bringing together sweet flavors with a refreshing fizz. Whether you’re serving it at a party or a family gathering, this punch is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

More Punch Recipes You’ll Love

• Party Punch
• Sherbet Punch
• Orange Sherbet Punch
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