Shirley Temple Granita

Recipe Introduction: Let's Get This Granita Going!
Ever feel like a kid again, even just for a sip? I do! That's why I'm so excited about this Shirley Temple granita .
It's like a nostalgic cocktail recipe with a grown-up twist.
Quick Hook: Posh Snow Cones
It is possible to enjoy this recipe while relaxing. It’s the adult snow cone recipe we never knew we needed! Think grenadine, ginger ale, and a bit of something extra.
It is easy to drink and perfect for sunny days.
Classic Turned Cool: A Brief Overview
The Shirley Temple, that classic mix of grenadine and ginger ale, has been around forever. This grenadine cocktail is super easy to make and takes about 4- 5 hours, mostly freezing time.
It yields about 4 servings, perfect for a small gathering of friends.
Main Benefits: Beat the Heat in Style
Besides being utterly delicious, this boozy granita recipe is a fantastic way to cool down. It's a fun twist on a classic, turning this or drink into a delightful experience.
It's especially great for those summer cocktail recipes when you want something refreshing but not too complicated. You can even think of it as a sophisticated maraschino cherry dessert .
Ready to dive in? Let's grab those ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!
Alright, so you want a Shirley Temple Granita ? Good choice! It's like a grown-up version of your childhood fave.
Plus, it's super easy. Trust me, even I can't mess this one up too badly! These are all great additions to Summer cocktail recipes or even a nostalgic cocktail recipe .
Let’s dive into what you need. I am gonna to share about easy granita recipes and maraschino cherry dessert to elevate your grenadine cocktail .
Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show
Here's the lowdown on what to grab. Remember, good ingredients make a good boozy granita recipe !
- Ginger Ale: 2 cups (475 ml) . Get the real stuff, not the diet kind. Trust me on this. It's gonna be awesome frozen ginger ale drink .
- Grenadine Syrup: ½ cup (120 ml) . This is what gives it that classic Shirley Temple color and sweetness.
- Vodka (optional): ¼ cup (60 ml) . Or gin, if you’re feeling fancy! This makes it an adult Shirley Temple recipe .
- Lemon Juice: Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon/15 ml) . Just a touch for some zing.
- Maraschino Cherries: 8 , plus extra for garnish. You gotta have the cherries!
For the ginger ale, make sure it is not flat. Freshly opened is best!. The grenadine? Go for a brand you like; some are sweeter than others.
If you want to make sure that this ends up as a great adult snow cone recipe then make sure that the ingredients are top tier!
Seasoning Notes: Sweet & Tart Symphony
We're not really "seasoning" in the traditional sense, but let's talk flavor. It all comes down to the balance of sweet and tart.
- Essential Combo: Grenadine (sweet), lemon (tart). Adjust to your taste!
- Flavor Enhancers: That little bit of lemon really brightens it up. Don't skip it!
- Quick Subs: Cranberry juice if you're really in a pinch, but it won't be the same. I'd say skip it.
Honestly, the quality of your ginger ale and grenadine makes a huge difference. Treat yourself!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
No need to get fancy here. This is supposed to be easy, remember?
- Shallow Baking Dish: 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) is perfect.
- Fork: For scraping. That's the magic!
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Obvious, innit?
Don’t have a baking dish? A glass casserole dish will do! No fancy fork needed either.
Okay, let's get freezing! And remember, the most important ingredient is fun ! I hope this or drink makes a great afternoon for you.
Cooling Down with a Shirley Temple Granita
Honestly, who doesn’t love a Shirley Temple ? It's a nostalgic classic, right? But sometimes, you need a little something extra .
That's where this boozy granita recipe comes in. We're taking that childhood favourite and turning it into a grown-up adult snow cone recipe .
Think posh, icy, and perfect for a hot day. Plus, it's super easy to make. I always love easy easy granita recipes , don't you?
Prep Like a Pro
Before you even think about freezing, get your stuff together. Essential mise en place is key. Measure out your 2 cups (475 ml) ginger ale , 1/2 cup (120 ml) grenadine syrup , and 1/4 cup (60 ml) vodka .
Don't forget the juice of 1/2 a lemon and those glorious 8 maraschino cherries . Having everything ready saves a ton of time and stress.
I use small glass bowls and a pyrex measuring cup for the wet ingredients. Plus, make sure your 9x13 inch/23x33 cm baking dish is ready to go.
Safety wise, not much to worry about here unless you're scraping too vigorously.
From Liquid to Icy Delight: The step-by-step
- Mix it Up: In a large bowl, combine ginger ale, grenadine, vodka, and lemon juice. Stir well until combined.
- Cherry Placement: Pour the mixture into your baking dish. Evenly space the maraschino cherries .
- Initial Freeze: Place the dish in the freezer.
- First Scrape (after 30- 45 minutes): Use a fork to scrape the frozen edges towards the center. Break up any large chunks.
- Repeat the Scrape Every 30- 45 minutes: Return to the freezer. Keep scraping every 30- 45 minutes for 3- 4 hours , or until fully frozen.
- Serve Cold: Scoop into glasses. Garnish with extra cherries.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Granita
Want to make this Shirley Temple granita even better? First, don't skimp on the scraping. The more you scrape, the finer the texture.
This also brings out the frozen ginger ale drink flavor! Also, taste the mixture before freezing. Adjust the grenadine if needed.
And If you're not into the adult Shirley Temple recipe , skip the vodka. It's just as tasty, trust me! For a quick summer cocktail recipes , this boozy granita recipe really hits the spot.
I tell you, it's a grenadine cocktail dream.
This nostalgic cocktail recipe will bring you back in time! Plus, with a few little tweaks you will have yourself a Shirley Temple granita that would make Shirley Temple proud.
Recipe Notes: Getting Granita fied!
Alright, let's talk about the nitty gritty of making this boozy granita recipe . Honestly, it’s super easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind to nail that perfect icy texture.
Think of it as making an adult snow cone recipe but way fancier.
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
First up, let's talk presentation. Serve your Shirley Temple Granita in chilled glasses for extra fanciness. A little sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and freshness.
For sides, think light and summery: cucumber sandwiches or mini quiches. This grenadine cocktail is great for garden parties or even just a chill afternoon.
Don't forget extra maraschino cherry dessert on top!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Cool
Granita is best served immediately. It's basically ice, so it melts fast. If you must store it, pop it back in the freezer.
Give it a good scrape with a fork before serving. It might clump together a bit, but the scraping will fix it.
Honestly, it's so good it's unlikely you'll have leftovers.
Variations: Remix Your Granita!
Want to mix things up? Ditch the vodka for a virgin Shirley Temple Granita . Or, swap out the grenadine for raspberry syrup.
It will give you a lovely pink color. If you're feeling adventurous, sparkling apple cider replaces ginger ale, yum!. These are great ways to adapt the recipe.
You can also explore other summer cocktail recipes and adapt them to granita form.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Sweet
Okay, let's be real. This isn’t exactly a health food, but it’s a treat! It's got about 150 calories per serving.
Most of that is from the sugar in the ginger ale . But hey, life is too short to skip dessert! Besides, sometimes a little bit of sweetness is exactly what you need.
So there you have it! A few tips and tricks to make your easy granita recipes sparkle! It's a fun, nostalgic cocktail recipe that’s perfect for beating the summer heat.
Now go forth and make this or drink something amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Shirley Temple Granita without alcohol? I'm more of a teetotaler, like Cliff Richard.
Absolutely! Just omit the vodka (or gin). It will still be a delicious and refreshing treat, perfect for a hot summer's day. Think of it as a super posh, grown-up version of a snow cone kid-friendly, but still fancy enough for a garden party.
The recipe calls for ginger ale, but all I have is ginger beer. Will that work for this or drink recipe?
Ginger beer can be used, but be aware that it has a much stronger ginger flavour than ginger ale and may impact the sweetness of the final granita. You might want to reduce the amount of grenadine slightly to balance the flavors. Also, ensure your ginger beer is of the sweeter variety to support the granita's texture.
How long can I store leftover Shirley Temple Granita? I made too much whoops!
Granita is best enjoyed immediately, as it will melt and lose its texture if stored for too long. You can store it in the freezer for a short period (up to an hour), but it will likely become a solid block of ice.
If you want to keep it longer than that, re-scraping it every 30 minutes for a few hours can help maintain the texture.
I'm trying to be health conscious. Is there any way to make this granita with less sugar? It's sweeter than a Mr. Kipling cake!
Unfortunately, the sugar in the ginger ale and grenadine is crucial for achieving the right granita texture. Using diet ginger ale will result in an icy, less palatable result. However, you can adjust the amount of grenadine to your taste, using slightly less for a less sweet granita.
Alternatively, serve smaller portions to help moderate sugar intake.
My granita isn't forming the right icy crystals. What am I doing wrong? Am I destined to fail like a contestant on Bake Off?
The most common culprit is not scraping frequently enough. The scraping process is what creates the signature granita texture. Make sure you are scraping every 30-45 minutes as the mixture freezes. Another issue could be the freezer temperature.
Make sure your freezer is cold enough; if it's too warm, the mixture might freeze unevenly. Also, ensure your ginger ale isn't diet; the sugar is important!
Can I use another type of alcohol other than vodka or gin? I'm thinking of using rum.
Yes, you can use other types of alcohol like rum. A light or aged rum will blend well with this or drink recipe, but be mindful of the flavour contrasts and sweetness and adjust accordingly. Remember to still include the lemon juice which helps balance the sweetness.
Shirley Temple Granita

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |