Kiddie Cocktail Recipe

Kiddie Nutrition Facts

Calories:120

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:30g

Alcohol %:0%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Kiddie Cocktail, also known as a Shirley Temple, is a non-alcoholic mixed drink traditionally made with ginger ale, a splash of grenadine and garnished with a maraschino cherry. It was named after Shirley Temple, a famous child actress of the 1930s. The drink is often served to children dining with adults to let them share in the experience of 'having a cocktail'.

How Kiddie Tastes?

The Kiddie Cocktail is a sweet, fizzy, and refreshing drink. The grenadine gives it a fruity, cherry-like flavor, while the ginger ale adds a bubbly, crisp, and slightly spicy kick.

Interesting facts about Kiddie

  • The Kiddie Cocktail is also known as a Shirley Temple.
  • It's a non-alcoholic drink, perfect for children and those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
  • The drink was reportedly invented by a bartender at Chasen's, a restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, to serve to Shirley Temple.

Ingredients

A few good options for Kiddie are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Ginger Ale

Ginger ale adds both sweetness and carbonation to the cocktail, making it lively and refreshing. The 6 oz portion perfectly balances the drink, providing enough volume to enjoy, but not so much that it dilutes the grenadine's flavor. If omitted, you'd lose the effervescence and the slight ginger zing that characterizes the drink. Alternatives: For a different twist, try using lemon-lime soda or club soda for less sweetness and a more neutral flavor.

Emma Rose

Grenadine

The 1 oz of grenadine brings a vibrant color and sweet, tart pomegranate flavor to the cocktail. Too much, and it can overwhelm with sweetness; too little, and the drink becomes bland. Without grenadine, you'd miss out on the signature pink hue and fruity profile. Alternatives: For a change, you could use a berry syrup or cherry juice for a different fruity dimension.

Alex Green

Maraschino Cherry

A single maraschino cherry is the classic garnish, adding a decorative touch and a fruity bite to complete the experience. It's the cherry on top of the sundae, so to speak. Leave it out and the drink still works, but you'll miss that playful, nostalgic element. Alternatives: Consider garnishing with a slice of orange or a twist of lemon for a refreshing citrus finish.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Kiddie Drink

  1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour the ginger ale into the glass.
  3. Add a splash of grenadine.
  4. Stir gently to mix.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality grenadine for the best flavor.
  • For a fun twist, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make a float.
  • You can also add a slice of orange or lime for extra garnish.

Perfect Pairings

Foods

  • Kids Friendly: Due to its sweet nature, a Kiddie cocktail pairs wonderfully with fun foods that are often popular at children's parties – think mini pizzas, cheese quesadillas, or fruit skewers. The sweetness from the grenadine balances the savoriness of these dishes.
  • Desserts: The bubbly ginger ale and the cherry garnish of this cocktail make it a natural companion for desserts. Pair it with vanilla ice cream, cupcakes, or simple sugar cookies.

Drinks

  • Non-Alcoholic Options: Serve alongside smoothies or milkshakes of various flavors for a playful mix. This adds to the fun and variety without introducing any alcohol.
  • Complementary Flavors: Offer a variety of fruit juices such as orange or apple that echo the fruity theme without overpowering the sweetness of Kiddie cocktail.

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What you could change in Kiddie

If you don't have grenadine, you can substitute it with a cherry syrup or raspberry syrup. You can also use club soda or lemon-lime soda instead of ginger ale.

Explore all drinks starting with K here

And of course - twists🍹

Sherbet Punch Kiddie

  • Add a scoop of rainbow sherbet to the glass before pouring in the ginger ale and grenadine. Taste Change: The sherbet not only adds a splash of color but also introduces an extra layer of fruity flavor that complements the grenadine.

Tropical Kiddie

  • Swap the ginger ale for coconut water and add a splash of pineapple juice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge. Taste Change: This variation takes you on a tropical escape, emphasizing a more natural sweetness and refreshing coconut-pineapple twist.

Berry Blast Kiddie

  • Replace grenadine with a mixture of raspberry and blackberry syrup. Taste Change: This twist delivers a berry blast that's more tart than the original cocktail, offering a deeper, berry-rich profile that's just as colorful.

In case you forgot basics how to make Kiddie

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Kiddie

Are there variations of the Kiddie cocktail for adults?

Yes, some people add a dash of vodka or rum to their Kiddie cocktail, however, this would then contain alcohol and is no longer suitable for children.

How can I make this drink more visually appealing for a party?

Try serving it with colorful straws, umbrellas, or even decorate the rim of the glass with colored sugar.

Is there a diet-friendly version of this drink?

Yes, you can make a diet-friendly version by using diet ginger ale and sugar-free grenadine.

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