Cupid’s Cocktail: A Fun and Festive Valentine’s Treat for Kids
Looking for a kid-friendly Valentine’s Day drink that’s as fun to make as it is to sip? Enter Cupid’s Cocktail! This spruced-up Shirley Temple combines a fizzy base with sweet grenadine, a dollop of whipped cream, and a playful topping of Pop Rocks for an extra burst of fun. It’s the perfect way to make your little ones feel extra special on Valentine’s Day—or any day you want to spread some love.
Cupid’s Cocktail
Cupid’s Cocktail is as easy to make as it is festive, requiring just a few simple ingredients. The vibrant colors and fizzy surprise make it a hit with kids, while the nostalgic Shirley Temple vibe brings smiles to adults too. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply creating a memorable family moment, this drink will be a star at your Valentine’s celebration.
This sweet treat doesn’t stop at the taste. With whipped cream swirls, cherries, and sparkling Pop Rocks, it’s a showstopper that’s both Instagram-worthy and irresistible. Cupid’s Cocktail is proof that love is in the details!
The Shirley Temple drink is a classic non-alcoholic mocktail that has delighted children and adults alike for decades. It was created in honor of Shirley Temple, the famous child star of the 1930s known for her bright personality and iconic curls. Here’s a closer look at its history:
The Origins
The Shirley Temple drink was reportedly invented in the 1930s at a restaurant in Hollywood, California, to provide a special beverage for Shirley Temple while her parents enjoyed cocktails. The exact location is debated, with claims from establishments like Chasen’s and The Brown Derby. The goal was to craft a fun, kid-friendly drink that matched the glamour of adult cocktails.
The Original Recipe
The traditional Shirley Temple consists of ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, a splash of grenadine for its signature rosy hue, and a maraschino cherry garnish. Over time, variations emerged, sometimes swapping ginger ale for 7UP or Sprite. The drink’s simplicity and sweetness made it a hit with children, becoming a staple at restaurants and parties worldwide.
A Cultural Icon
The Shirley Temple drink gained popularity not just because of its namesake but also for its association with Hollywood charm and nostalgia. It became a symbol of celebration and inclusivity, offering kids a way to participate in social gatherings with their own “special” drink. Shirley Temple herself, however, reportedly didn’t enjoy the drink and once described it as “too sweet.”
Today, the Shirley Temple remains a beloved mocktail, evolving with new variations but holding strong as a nostalgic favorite. Its legacy is a testament to the star power of Shirley Temple and the timeless appeal of a good, simple drink.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With no prep time and minimal ingredients, this drink comes together in just minutes.
- Visually Stunning: The layers of red grenadine, whipped cream, and fizzy soda create a colorful Valentine’s masterpiece.
- Customizable: Swap the soda or adjust the grenadine for your ideal level of sweetness.
- Kid-Approved: The Pop Rocks topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- Sprite, 7UP or Ginger Ale
- Grenadine Syrup
- Maraschino Cherries
- Whipped Cream
- Pop Rocks
Instructions
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- Put 3 cherries in the bottom of each glass.
- Pour glass 3/4 full with lemon/lime soda.
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- Pour 1 ounce of grenadine syrup in. You can add a bit more for more taste or color.
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- Top with whipped cream
- Add a cherry on top
- Sprinkle Pop Rocks over the whipped cream.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill the Soda: Keep your soda icy cold for the fizziest, most refreshing drink.
- Add the Pop Rocks Last: Sprinkle the Pop Rocks right before serving so they maintain their signature fizz and crackle.
- Use Clear Glasses: A transparent glass shows off the beautiful layers of grenadine, soda, and whipped cream.
- Make It a Float: For a creamy twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream before the whipped cream topping.
- Safety First: Be sure kids don’t overfill their mouths with Pop Rocks to prevent a choking hazard.
Q: Can I use a different type of soda?
A: Absolutely! Sprite, 7UP, or ginger ale are all great options. You can even try a sparkling water for a less sweet version.
Q: Are there alternatives to Pop Rocks?
A: If you don’t have Pop Rocks, colorful sprinkles or edible glitter make fun substitutes.
Q: Can this be made in advance?
A: It’s best to assemble Cupid’s Cocktail right before serving to keep the whipped cream and Pop Rocks fresh.
Cupid's Cocktail
Ingredients
- Sprite, 7UP or Ginger Ale
- Grenadine Syrup
- Maraschino Cherries
- Whipped Cream
- Pop Rocks
Instructions
- Put 3 cherries in the bottom of each glass.
- Pour glass 3/4 full with lemon/lime soda.
- Pour 1 ounce of grenadine syrup in. You can add a bit more for more taste or color.
- Top with whipped cream
- Add a cherry on top
- Sprinkle Pop Rocks over the whipped cream.
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
