Shirley Temple Punch

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how easy this punch is to throw together in just a few minutes. It’s naturally non-alcoholic, making it a great option for family events, baby showers, or any party where I need a kid-friendly but still delicious drink. The citrus flavors are refreshing, and the grenadine adds that iconic ruby color that makes this drink so festive.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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 slices (plus more for garnish)

• ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained (plus more for garnish)

Directions

1. I pour the orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and grenadine into a large punch bowl (3-gallon capacity works best). I stir gently so I don’t lose the soda’s fizz.

2. Next, I add in the ice cubes to chill the punch.

3. I top it with the sliced oranges and maraschino cherries, letting them float for a colorful garnish.

4. When serving, I like to dress up each glass with an orange slice and a cherry skewer before ladling in the punch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 25
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 71 kcal

Variations

• Use Ginger Ale: Sometimes I swap out half or all of the lemon-lime soda for ginger ale. It gives a spicier, more classic Shirley Temple vibe.

• Add Pineapple Juice: For a tropical spin, I add a cup or two of pineapple juice for extra sweetness and flavor.

• Make It Sparkling: I’ve also tried using sparkling water and a splash of lemonade to lighten things up.

• Serve Without Ice: If I don’t want the punch to get watered down, I skip the ice in the bowl and just serve it over ice in individual cups.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This punch is best enjoyed fresh, but I can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just know that the soda will lose its fizz over time.

• Make Ahead Tip: I like to chill all the ingredients ahead of time so I don’t have to rely on too much ice, which keeps the flavor strong and not watered down.

FAQs

Can I make this punch ahead of time?

Yes, I usually mix the orange juice and grenadine in advance and refrigerate it. I wait to add the soda and ice until just before serving so it stays fizzy and fresh.

Is there a sugar-free option?

I can use diet lemon-lime soda and a sugar-free grenadine alternative to cut down on the sugar. It still tastes great!

What’s the best orange juice for this?

I prefer pulp-free bottled orange juice for the smoothest texture, but fresh-squeezed works too. Just note it might make the punch look cloudier.

Can I turn this into an alcoholic punch?

If I’m serving adults only, I sometimes add a splash of vodka or champagne to individual glasses for a boozy twist.

How do I keep it cold without watering it down?

I make orange juice ice cubes ahead of time. That way, as they melt, they add more flavor instead of watering the punch down.

Conclusion

Shirley Temple punch is one of those nostalgic recipes I keep in my back pocket for every kind of celebration. It’s bright, sweet, easy to make, and always a hit with guests. With a few simple ingredients and almost no prep time, it’s the perfect drink to serve when I want to impress without any stress. Try it at your next party and watch it disappear!

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